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IMDbPro

How to Be a Serial Killer

  • 20082008
  • RR
  • 1h 31m
IMDb RATING
5.4/10
2.1K
YOUR RATING
How to Be a Serial Killer (2008)
HOW TO BE A SERIAL KILLER is the story of Mike Wilson (Dameon Clarke), a charismatic, educated, and articulate young man who has found his lifeÂ’s purpose in exterminating...people.
Play trailer1:49
3 Videos
2 Photos
  • Comedy
  • Crime
  • Horror
A serial killer decides to teach the secrets of his satisfying career to a video store clerk.A serial killer decides to teach the secrets of his satisfying career to a video store clerk.A serial killer decides to teach the secrets of his satisfying career to a video store clerk.
IMDb RATING
5.4/10
2.1K
YOUR RATING
  • Director
    • Luke Ricci
  • Writer
    • Luke Ricci
  • Stars
    • Dameon Clarke
    • Matthew Gray Gubler
    • Laura Regan
Top credits
  • Director
    • Luke Ricci
  • Writer
    • Luke Ricci
  • Stars
    • Dameon Clarke
    • Matthew Gray Gubler
    • Laura Regan
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 10User reviews
    • 12Critic reviews
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 2 wins

    Videos3

    How To Be A Serial Killer
    Trailer 1:52
    How To Be A Serial Killer
    How To Be A Serial Killer - Web
    Trailer 1:49
    How To Be A Serial Killer - Web
    How To Be A Serial Killer - Official Theatrical
    Trailer 1:50
    How To Be A Serial Killer - Official Theatrical

    Photos

    Dameon Clarke and Frederick George Stuhrberg in How to Be a Serial Killer (2008)
    Add photo

    Top cast

    Edit
    Dameon Clarke
    Dameon Clarke
    • Mike Wilsonas Mike Wilson
    Matthew Gray Gubler
    Matthew Gray Gubler
    • Bartas Bart
    Laura Regan
    Laura Regan
    • Abigailas Abigail
    George Wyner
    George Wyner
    • Dr. Goldbergas Dr. Goldberg
    Mary Jo Catlett
    Mary Jo Catlett
    • Mother Wilsonas Mother Wilson
    Gonzalo Menendez
    Gonzalo Menendez
    • Officer Chavezas Officer Chavez
    Shadoe Stevens
    • Narratoras Narrator
    • (voice)
    Ryan Smith
    Ryan Smith
    • Thug #1as Thug #1
    • (as Ryan K. Smith)
    Ari Welkom
    Ari Welkom
    • Officer Garciaas Officer Garcia
    Lindsay Stidham
    Lindsay Stidham
    • Young Girlas Young Girl
    Mark R. Gerson
    • Young Manas Young Man
    Ramon Hilario
    Ramon Hilario
    • Juanas Juan
    Douglas Dickerman
    Douglas Dickerman
    • Robas Rob
    Gary Wolf
    Gary Wolf
    • Johhny the Dickas Johhny the Dick
    Cameron Bender
    Cameron Bender
    • Zachas Zach
    Shelly Desai
    Shelly Desai
    • Detective #1as Detective #1
    Jack Donner
    Jack Donner
    • Mr. Wilsonas Mr. Wilson
    Joe Rivera
    Joe Rivera
    • Road Rage Victimas Road Rage Victim
    • Director
      • Luke Ricci
    • Writer
      • Luke Ricci
    • All cast & crew
    • See more cast details at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Goofs
      Charles Manson is not a serial killer in that he never personally killed anyone; he only ordered the killings.
    • Connections
      References Powder (1995)

    User reviews10

    Review
    Top review
    6/10
    Great Darkumentary
    When my buddies asked me to check out the Horror Film Festival this weekend, I did not suspect to view such a modern twist on the traditional "horror" genre. Rather than drinking in the normally comedic levels of blood and gore, this film let the audience laugh with it. Interestingly, it was at its least gory at the most cinematic points, whether it was the entertaining relationship between Mike and Bart, or the conjured fantasies of the former. The acting of both Dameon Clarke and Matthew Gray Gubler were refreshingly believable, given the set up. I call this a darkumentary because that it takes on the form of a crew following around a spontaneous (not quite serial) killer, Mike, and his apprentice/pupil/friend/video store employee, Bart. As with other "mockumentaries," this creation has a tongue-in-cheek tone throughout. Nonetheless, its humor surpasses what has become banal in horror films of a more traditional ilk. I haven't a strong background when it comes to Horror, and was bashful of my lack thereof while at this horror festival, but I recognized this movie as a new breed of horror. I laughed at the sheer inhumanity because the movie was at that level; I did not laugh when Mike questioned Bart's loyalty, nor when Bart hypothesized worst-case scenarios of getting found out. In fact, the characters in this horror might be its most distinguishing element. Most horror films, even Army of Darkness, are carried by a single lead role. In "How to be a Serial Killer," we follow the progression of 2 men, albeit one in the shadow of the other. Thanks to its documentary side scenes, we get a chance to separate the fourth wall in a genre that is rarely looked at as being multi-dimensional. The more I think about this movie, the more I like it. Funny, well written, impeccable blood and gore, and more thought provoking than I had initially felt. I'll say it here, I think this movie could shed new light on what horror is really all about. Apparently Matthew Gray Gubler has somewhat of a following, and I agree that both leading actors are deserving of future roles.
    helpful•30
    9
    • gnatdog
    • Nov 16, 2008

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • November 15, 2008 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official site
      • Official site
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Как стать серийным убийцей
    • Filming locations
      • Blue Cloud Movie Ranch - 20000 Blue Cloud Road, Santa Clarita, California, USA
    • Production company
      • Matador Motion Pictures
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • $2,000,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $899
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $899
      • Jul 26, 2009
    • Gross worldwide
      • $899
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 31 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.78 : 1

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