Karla (2006)

Director:

Joel Bender

Writers:

Joel Bender (writer)
Manette Rosen (co-writer)

Release Date:

20 January 2006 (Canada)

Genre:

Crime | Drama | Thriller

Tagline:

The Barbie and Ken of serial killers.

Plot:

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

Plot Keywords:

Rape | Face Slap | Profanity | Sexism | Domestic Violence

Cast

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 #1
Shawn Hoffman	...	Detective Steve Kirby
Adam Lieberman	...	Detective Morgan
Cherilyn Hayres	...	Tammy Homolka
William Duffy	...	Detective Porter
Tanya Lemelle	...	Rape Victim #2
Tony Shawkat	...	Border Guard #1
Kristen Honey	...	Tina McCarthy (as Kristen Swieconek)
Cole James	...	Tina's Friend

Also Known As:

Deadly (Canada: English title) (pre-release title) (USA) (working title)
Karla (Canada: English title) (USA) (working title)

MPAA:

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

Runtime:

USA:99 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Australia:MA | Canada:18A (Ontario) | Canada:16+ (Quebec) | Canada:R (Alberta/British Columbia/Manitoba) | USA:R | Canada:(Banned) (in cities not permitted by the parents of victims including Guelph)

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Quantum Entertainment

Trivia:

In March 2005, a lawyer representing the families of the two slain Ontario schoolgirls demanded an advance screening of the film to determine whether he would try to block its release. In October 2005 he decided, along with the families of the schoolgirls, not to fight the release.

Goofs:

Crew or equipment visible: Just under 56 min in (saw pre-release screener on DVD so timing may not reflect theatrical release timing) a crew member is clearly visible as the duo drive off after abducting a teen school kid. He's wearing shades and is definitely not in a cast member.

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.

Movie Connections:

References Criminal Law (1988)

A difficult film to watch...

Being Canadian and the fact this film isn't widely available up here I feel compelled to offer some comment on what many consider a tragic story exploited for financial gain to no end.

Those of us that lived this story back in the early 1990's and the subsequent trial of Paul Bernardo and Karla Homolka can attest to the degree of disgust many felt at the crimes these two committed. The film is accurate in many respects as to details of the story, but make no mistake that the details were far more sadistic and brutal than what has been portrayed in this movie. At least to those of us that have read the transcripts of the videotapes that Bernardo took of his victims, and one can hardly blame the director from omitting those details or forcing an actor to play such a role out.

My only beef with this movie however is that it does attempt to paint a picture of Karla Homolka being just as much a victim here as Bernardo, and although no one can deny she was under his influence and subject to this violent outbursts, to suggest she had no control over this situation and simply tagged along for the ride is to suggest that she was just as much a victim of Bernardo as the two murder victims. Those versed in this case know much better and the role she may have played in the death of Kristen French (aka Kaitlyn Ross) is something we'll likely never know as there are those that suggest she was directly responsible for killing the second victim.

The acting in this film is nothing notable, but given the nature of the roles played here it's wonder they found anyone to play these two to begin with. Because of the difficult subject matter I'll let the mediocre acting pass because for it to be much better would almost be like saying the actors immersed themselves perhaps a little too much in characters that most would find revolting and if not downright sickening.

In the final analysis, 'Karla' is a film you'll only watch once and personally I don't think this was necessarily ever meant to be a movie for mass consumption either at the theatre or your local videostore. That being said, Canadians should have the right to see this movie for those so inclined vs. having the state tell us what is suitable or unsuitable for our viewing pleasure as there are movies out on the market FAR more disturbing about real life events than this flick could ever hope to be.