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The landscape for independent films has changed rapidly. On one hand, the opportunity to build a theatrical release has become increasingly difficult, but on the other hand, digital release has given indies a chance to play to a broad national audience at once. Each week, new indie releases will be profiled and because they might not be playing at a theater near you, one highly recommended film available now a click or two away via VOD (whether a new or not quite new release) will be presented for viewing without leaving your computer.

VOD Pick of the Week

The Jeffrey Dahmer Files
In 1991 the world was horrified and transfixed when Jeffrey Dahmer was arrested in Milwaukee and ultimately convicted for killing 17 people. Tales of mutilation, cannibalism, and necrophilia made the serial killings even more sensational. Focusing on the investigation following the arrest, The Jeffrey Dahmer Files provides the definitive profile of the crimes of Jeffrey Dahmer.

The story is told by three main characters: Police detective Patrick Kennedy, who was in charge of the interrogation of Dahmer, medical examiner Jeffrey Jentzen, who was tasked with the gruesome examination of the remains of the victims, and Pamela Bass, Dahmer’s neighbor. Interviews with those three individuals are intermixed with archival footage and re-enactments of the life of Jeffrey Dahmer. By concentrating on the investigation, the documentary feels less exploitative and sensationalized than such a film could have been. Also, the re-enactments focus on the mundane aspects of Dahmer’s day-to-day life rather than the horrific crimes.

The three interviewees each provide different aspects of Dahmer and his crimes. Bass gives a look into the life of Dahmer. When he first moved in, she expressed surprise that he would live in a mostly black apartment building, but he simply said the building was close to work. While not gregarious, he was generally polite and neighborly and although they were never exactly friends, they would share occasional chats. Bass also provides light on the effect that the crimes had on the people who lived in the same building and the charges against the Milwaukee police department that they could have stopped Dahmer earlier but for their lack of attention and consideration for the black and gay citizens of the city.

Detective Kennedy gives a bit of insight into Dahmer’s psychology. He took the approach of being less of an interrogator and more of a confidant, and once he gained trust, Dahmer was very open by giving detailed accounts of his crimes, even those that stretched beyond what was found in his apartment. His confession helped identify his victims, some of whom were killed years prior and with no remains remaining.

The remains were examined by Jentzen. His task was complicated by the fact that there were no complete bodies to examine, only parts of bodies and mostly just bones. Several of the skulls were treated, preserved, painted and decorated, providing additional challenge in a time when DNA testing was not as sophisticated as it is today. The identification of the victims was based on old-fashioned techniques of examining the skeletal remains and dental records combined with information from Dahmer’s confession. His examination also corroborated some of the more horrific aspects of the crimes.

The passage of time allows for a more academic look at the horrific acts of Jeffrey Dahmer. They have been the subject of several film accounts, both documentary and narrative, including the film that gave Jeremy Renner his breakout role playing the serial killer. If you’re looking for a sensationalized reality style of account, then The Jeffrey Dahmer Files is not for you. If you’re interested in a detailed and comprehensive account told by the individuals who were most intimately involved, then the documentary provides a fascinating one.
Available at Amazon
Available at iTunes
Available at Netflix Streaming

New releases for November 8th

The Armstrong Lie: In 2009, Oscar-winning director Alex Gibney (Taxi to the Dark Side, Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room) was hired to make a film about the cycling comeback of Lance Armstrong. When the comeback was put on hold due to implications of Armstrong’s doping, so was the film. When Armstrong confessed, Gibney revisited the film to tell the story with the new context.

How I Live Now: In the near future, rebellious American teenager Daisy (Saoirse Ronan) is shipped off to spend time with relatives in the English countryside. While the outside world is on the edge of turmoil, Daisy gradually becomes accustomed to her new surroundings and strikes up a romance with Edmond. The idyllic setting is disrupted when all-out war breaks out and Daisy is forced to fight for survival and to reunite with Edmond.

The Motel Life: Brothers Frank (Emile Hirsch) and Jerry Lee (Stephen Dorff) drift from motel to motel with not much more than each other and the fantastic stories that Frank tells as a form of escape. When Jerry Lee is involved in a hit and run accident, their lives go on a downward spiral as they try to cover up the crime. As guilt and regret and the authorities close in the escapist stories no longer are able to keep the real world and consequences at bay.
Available at iTunes
Available at Vudu