Karla (2006)

Based on real events, Paul Bernardo (Collins) and his wife, Karla Homolka (Prepon), kidnap, sexually abuse, and murder three young girls.

Director:

Joel Bender

Writers:

Joel Bender, Manette Rosen,

Stars:

Laura Prepon, Misha Collins, Patrick Bauchau

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Laura Prepon	...	Karla Homolka
Misha Collins	...	Paul Bernardo
Patrick Bauchau	...	Dr. Arnold
Emilie Jacobs	...	Debbie
Alex Boyd	...	Nick
Carole Ita White	...	Waitress
Fiona Manners	...	Rape Victim #2
Shawn Hoffman	...	Detective Steve Kirby
Adam Lieberman	...	Detective Morgan
Cherilyn Hayres	...	Tammy Homolka
William Duffy	...	Detective Porter
Tanya Lemelle	...	Rape Victim #1
Tony Shawkat	...	Border Guard #1
Kristen Honey	...	Tina McCarthy (as Kristen Swieconek)
Cole James	...	Tina's Friend

Storyline

True story about a woman who falls in love with a violent rapist and murderer. Karla Homolka marries Paul Bernardo despite already having aided him in the rape and murder of her younger sister. Through their marriage he brags to her about other rapes he commits and involves Karla herself in the sexual assault and murder of two other female victims. Told from Karla's point of view.

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Plot Keywords:

rape | domestic violence | deal with the devil | party | evil woman | 

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Taglines:

The perfect couple.

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for brutal psychotic violence including murder, rape and spousal abuse, disturbing sexual content and strong language

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 January 2006 (Canada)

Also Known As:

Karla - Paixão Assassina

Filming Locations:

California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$5,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Quantum Entertainment, True Crime Investments LLC

Technical Specs

Runtime:

99 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Ontario, Canada Premier Dalton McGuinty called for a boycott of sorts against the movie in March 2005. "I certainly will not be viewing that movie, and my advice and encouragement to Ontarians is that they would do the same," said McGuinty. "It's an unfortunate development for people to choose to capitalize on a terrible and horrific tragedy."

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Goofs

The actual border between Ontario and New York is the Niagara River; this border seems to be in the middle of the woods somewhere.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Dr. Arnold: Dear Karla, this is to inform you that after serving 8 years of your 12 year term, you're now eligible for parole. In connection with this eligibility, you are to be transferred to this facility for extended evaluation. After the end of which, it will be my responsibility to recommend for or against parole.

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Connections

References Criminal Law (1988)

User Reviews

Karla not a victim...,Narcissistic personality

Disorder is accurately diagnosed by her psychiatrist,well-portrayed by veteran actor Patrick Bauchau.

Laura Prepon is believable and cold as Karla Homolka, who was jailed for killing her sister and conspiring with sexual sadist and psychopath Paul Bernardo. He is odiously portrayed by Misha Collins.

The story itself is horrific,and I believe the writer accurately portrayed Karla as borderline psychotic,yet she has a surface normalcy to society,much the same as Ted Bundy and other psychopaths. She is not a sympathetic character, and Prepon delivers a believable performance.

Overall an interesting study,Misha Collins as Bernard is particularly devoid of conscience and detestable,and it would be impossible to explain why any woman would stay with him for love, unless she was indeed psychotic.