Man Behind the Scissors is an interesting and somewhat bizarre psychological film about a killer, a copycat killer, and the police trying to find both killers. Though starting out fairly straightforward, the film has many twists and turns and it keeps viewers on their toes. The story is quite good throughout, and the music is surprisingly unnerving and minimal. The atmosphere is pretty great. Also, you gotta love the fact that a film from 3 years ago looks like it was filmed in the 80's. Performances are good for most of the characters...
The biggest problem with the film is definitely its inconsistency in tone. At times, it tries hard to be as serious as possible and it usually works. However, whatever bleakness the films conveys is immediately broken by a bit too much campy humor from the stupid, bumbling police officers; specifically to blame is the lead police officer who just acts completely ridiculous throughout the whole thing.
The film could have used some editing to make the pace better as the film is a big too long and cluttered, especially at the end. Also, some more bloodshed would have been nice, though the film is definitely not really even about the murders but the psychology involved behind them.
This film really could have been something special and I definitely recommend one viewing of it, as it does seem genuine in trying to do something different. I have to agree with another review; this film is definitely a bit too in love with its own ideas and it doesn't really let the characters develop enough. A good effort but it was just missing... something.
