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Serial Killers at the Movies: My Intimate Talks with Mass Murderers who Became Stars of the Big Screen
The depraved crimes of both real and imagined serial killers and mass murderers have long transfixed us in newspapers and books, but perhaps nowhere more so than on the big screen. Films such as Silence of the Lambs, Psycho, and Portrait of a Serial Killer have not only reached huge audiences, but also allowed us into the minds of society’s most disturbed individuals. Christopher Berry-Dee talks to the serial killers whose wicked stories have most thrilled and fascinated us at the movies and, through far-ranging and disturbing interviews, he tells the stories of the mass murderers who provided the inspiration for some of cinema’s most shocking films. Serial Killers at the Movies takes the reader on an uncomfortable and truly dark journey into a terrifying world of murder and deviancy.
224 pages, Paperback
First published November 12, 2020
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October 19, 2020
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Christopher Berry-Dee, and Ad Lib Publishers for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
There’s something about the chills that race down the spine when speaking about serial killers. While their actions may leave some feeling a tad ill, there’s that pull towards knowing more, at least for many of the people I know. Christopher Berry-Dee, an investigative criminologist who has spent a number of years studying and writing about serial killers, takes that knowledge to pen a book exploring how well serial killers are depicted on the big screen. Packed full of information and references, those who love the world of serial killers and true crime may want to give this tome a gander.
Berry-Dee pulls not punches throughout the book, making it clear to the reader that not all serial killer movies get it right. By that, he means that some are complete flops in their delivery, while others seem quite outlandish or poorly depict the killers they are supposed to represent. This is a problem for true fans of the genre, as a great serial killer is one who is not only a master at their crimes, but who can scare the reader/viewer with ease.
In his study, Berry-Dee explores some of the big screen’s best-known killers and tries to hash out some of the real life influences that may have led to their depiction. Few can fault the emergence of Hannibal Lector or Norman Bates, though there is more to them than the creative minds of the authors who put them in a book. They were an amalgam of some great killers over time, though rarely can a literary or cinematic killer be attributed to a single person, sometimes for legal reasons. Berry-Dee draws some wonderful parallels and invites the reader to sit back as he presents what knowledge he has on the subject.
There are some great interpretations of notorious serial killers who make it directly onto the big screen, including the Zodiac Killer and the antagonist from Se7en. These killers emerge as both creepy and downright geniuses, leaving the reader to wonder where the writers came up with such a great idea. The former was, surely, a killer of some regard in the 1960s and 70s, though they have never been formally named or caught. There is a significant psychological aspect required to pull the viewer in, rather than a great deal of gore and death.
Berry-Dee is also first to point out the poorly devised cinematic presentations when it comes to serial killers, those who were either shortchanged when their stories made it to the screen or a delivery of their crimes was somehow lost in translation. Berry-Dee models himself as quite the critic and can see a dud a mile away, choosing to point these out repeatedly for the reader. While Ted Buddy and John Wayne Gacy were chilling killers of the 1970s, when someone chose to depict their kills for a viewing audience, it was either too cheesy or simply a boring rendition, which lessens the impact and keeps the reader from feeling what really happened.
Christopher Berry-Dee surely knows what he’s writing in this piece, taking the time to extract the truths or tie-in some of the research that he was able to complete. There is a strong narrative in the opening few chapters, as he tackles some of the best known serial killer movies (series, actually). He builds up the discussion of both the film and the true events, drawing the needed parallels for the reader to digest, then leaves it for some quiet contemplation before moving along to the next topic of discussion. This is helpful, particularly those of us who are not fanatics, but simply fans of the dark and macabre world of serial killers. The book began with some great chapter lengths and discussions, though this petered off, as I will mention below. With lots of outside references, the curious reader can surely find more to whet their sadistic appetites, which is always helpful.
If I had to offer a critique the book, it would surely be that Berry-Dee seeks to pack too much into the tome, offering as many killers as he can, rather than going into great detail with a handful. By the middle o the book, he offers an ‘intermission’ section, where some editorializing can occur. Thereafter, it seems to be a rush of movies and short commentaries as the book must fill a quota of pages. I would much rather have felt an impactful collection of strong movies with thorough analysis, rather than a few pages here and there of some films who have either made it or fell short.
Kudos, Mr. Berry-Dee, for this interesting look at the world of serial killers on the big screen. You reference some of your other work regularly, which I will have to explore, when time permits.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
There’s something about the chills that race down the spine when speaking about serial killers. While their actions may leave some feeling a tad ill, there’s that pull towards knowing more, at least for many of the people I know. Christopher Berry-Dee, an investigative criminologist who has spent a number of years studying and writing about serial killers, takes that knowledge to pen a book exploring how well serial killers are depicted on the big screen. Packed full of information and references, those who love the world of serial killers and true crime may want to give this tome a gander.
Berry-Dee pulls not punches throughout the book, making it clear to the reader that not all serial killer movies get it right. By that, he means that some are complete flops in their delivery, while others seem quite outlandish or poorly depict the killers they are supposed to represent. This is a problem for true fans of the genre, as a great serial killer is one who is not only a master at their crimes, but who can scare the reader/viewer with ease.
In his study, Berry-Dee explores some of the big screen’s best-known killers and tries to hash out some of the real life influences that may have led to their depiction. Few can fault the emergence of Hannibal Lector or Norman Bates, though there is more to them than the creative minds of the authors who put them in a book. They were an amalgam of some great killers over time, though rarely can a literary or cinematic killer be attributed to a single person, sometimes for legal reasons. Berry-Dee draws some wonderful parallels and invites the reader to sit back as he presents what knowledge he has on the subject.
There are some great interpretations of notorious serial killers who make it directly onto the big screen, including the Zodiac Killer and the antagonist from Se7en. These killers emerge as both creepy and downright geniuses, leaving the reader to wonder where the writers came up with such a great idea. The former was, surely, a killer of some regard in the 1960s and 70s, though they have never been formally named or caught. There is a significant psychological aspect required to pull the viewer in, rather than a great deal of gore and death.
Berry-Dee is also first to point out the poorly devised cinematic presentations when it comes to serial killers, those who were either shortchanged when their stories made it to the screen or a delivery of their crimes was somehow lost in translation. Berry-Dee models himself as quite the critic and can see a dud a mile away, choosing to point these out repeatedly for the reader. While Ted Buddy and John Wayne Gacy were chilling killers of the 1970s, when someone chose to depict their kills for a viewing audience, it was either too cheesy or simply a boring rendition, which lessens the impact and keeps the reader from feeling what really happened.
Christopher Berry-Dee surely knows what he’s writing in this piece, taking the time to extract the truths or tie-in some of the research that he was able to complete. There is a strong narrative in the opening few chapters, as he tackles some of the best known serial killer movies (series, actually). He builds up the discussion of both the film and the true events, drawing the needed parallels for the reader to digest, then leaves it for some quiet contemplation before moving along to the next topic of discussion. This is helpful, particularly those of us who are not fanatics, but simply fans of the dark and macabre world of serial killers. The book began with some great chapter lengths and discussions, though this petered off, as I will mention below. With lots of outside references, the curious reader can surely find more to whet their sadistic appetites, which is always helpful.
If I had to offer a critique the book, it would surely be that Berry-Dee seeks to pack too much into the tome, offering as many killers as he can, rather than going into great detail with a handful. By the middle o the book, he offers an ‘intermission’ section, where some editorializing can occur. Thereafter, it seems to be a rush of movies and short commentaries as the book must fill a quota of pages. I would much rather have felt an impactful collection of strong movies with thorough analysis, rather than a few pages here and there of some films who have either made it or fell short.
Kudos, Mr. Berry-Dee, for this interesting look at the world of serial killers on the big screen. You reference some of your other work regularly, which I will have to explore, when time permits.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
February 3, 2021
This feels like such a hard book to do a review on. On one hand, I really enjoyed getting kind of a list of different real-life events that inspired slasher movies and their serial killers. On the other hand, being that there is a lot of true crime information you’re given, it would’ve been easier to read and digest if there were fewer movies being referenced and instead going into more detail of the true crime itself and how that particular movie was inspired by it. The author is a criminologist so there are a lot of really interesting points he makes in relation to his profession and his knowledge. There is a lot of social commentary in how the public view serial killers based on how they are portrayed in the movies and how there is most definitely a commonality of romancing their crimes within documentaries and the such. Very interesting in that regard.
If you’re looking to just see a lot of serial killer name drops then you’ll definitely get that in here. From the more well know like Ted Bundy and John Wayne Gacy to the more obscure (unless you’re a true crime fan) like Ed Gein.
ARC via Netgalley
If you’re looking to just see a lot of serial killer name drops then you’ll definitely get that in here. From the more well know like Ted Bundy and John Wayne Gacy to the more obscure (unless you’re a true crime fan) like Ed Gein.
ARC via Netgalley
January 24, 2021
An entertaining short read about the serial killers that created the fictional serial killers in movies. The disturbingly long intro that dragged on forever got this book brought down to 3 stars. The stories of the true life serial killers were quite interesting and then, once again, when the book went to describing how they influenced movie serial killers it slowed the pace down to extreme boredom again.
December 27, 2020
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected pub date: Feb. 5, 2021
Christopher Berry-Dee is highly knowledgeable when it comes to serial killers. He is a former Military member, and is now a criminologist who has many published novels, and has interviewed at least thirty serial killers. His newest novel, “Serial Killers at the Movies”, targets Hollywood’s obsession with serial killers, and analyzes which movies are accurate, and which ones are exploitive fodder.
Berry- Dee discusses quite a few of Hollywood’s famous serial killer films, such as “Silence of the Lambs” (one of my favourites) , “The Amityville Horror (Barry-Dee describes these films as completely exploitive to the family involved, as the story always focuses on a non-existent paranormal element instead of the tragic tale of a family murder), “Zodiac”, and, of course, “Psycho”. He goes into detail about which elements are based on fact, and he even hints at which serial killer (or killers) may have been used as an example in the film’s development.
Of course, infamous serial killers such as Bundy, Manson and John Wayne Gacy are highlighted in this novel, but less well-known killers also play into Berry-Dee’s story. He discusses any and all movies that possibly make mention of a serial killing, even documentaries from the early days of filmmaking, and analyzes each one in short, succinct paragraphs.
I thoroughly enjoyed Berry-Dee’s honest and unpretentious writing style, and it is evident that he is knowledgeable and that his novel is well-researched. Of course, movie analysis is very objective, and Berry-Dee makes it very clear when what he is discussing is merely his personal opinion.
I loved hearing about the known and less well known serial killers of our time, and how they were adapted into film (such as in one of my favourite movies, “The Silence of the Lambs”) but Berry-Dee also takes a bit of a hiatus and starts discussing police procedural and mob boss movies, and any movies where a penitentiary or jail is the focal point (“The Green Mile” and “The Shawshank Redemption” being two). Granted, it is very likely that serial killers exist among the mob and convict population, but Berry-Dee did not discuss a specific offender, and these parts of the novel seemed disconnected.
“Serial Killers at the Movies” is a must-read for fans of serial killers, in both literature and on the big screen, and Berry-Dee gives a realistic and legitimate breakdown of what Hollywood did right (and where they chose to pander to the money-making storylines) .
Expected pub date: Feb. 5, 2021
Christopher Berry-Dee is highly knowledgeable when it comes to serial killers. He is a former Military member, and is now a criminologist who has many published novels, and has interviewed at least thirty serial killers. His newest novel, “Serial Killers at the Movies”, targets Hollywood’s obsession with serial killers, and analyzes which movies are accurate, and which ones are exploitive fodder.
Berry- Dee discusses quite a few of Hollywood’s famous serial killer films, such as “Silence of the Lambs” (one of my favourites) , “The Amityville Horror (Barry-Dee describes these films as completely exploitive to the family involved, as the story always focuses on a non-existent paranormal element instead of the tragic tale of a family murder), “Zodiac”, and, of course, “Psycho”. He goes into detail about which elements are based on fact, and he even hints at which serial killer (or killers) may have been used as an example in the film’s development.
Of course, infamous serial killers such as Bundy, Manson and John Wayne Gacy are highlighted in this novel, but less well-known killers also play into Berry-Dee’s story. He discusses any and all movies that possibly make mention of a serial killing, even documentaries from the early days of filmmaking, and analyzes each one in short, succinct paragraphs.
I thoroughly enjoyed Berry-Dee’s honest and unpretentious writing style, and it is evident that he is knowledgeable and that his novel is well-researched. Of course, movie analysis is very objective, and Berry-Dee makes it very clear when what he is discussing is merely his personal opinion.
I loved hearing about the known and less well known serial killers of our time, and how they were adapted into film (such as in one of my favourite movies, “The Silence of the Lambs”) but Berry-Dee also takes a bit of a hiatus and starts discussing police procedural and mob boss movies, and any movies where a penitentiary or jail is the focal point (“The Green Mile” and “The Shawshank Redemption” being two). Granted, it is very likely that serial killers exist among the mob and convict population, but Berry-Dee did not discuss a specific offender, and these parts of the novel seemed disconnected.
“Serial Killers at the Movies” is a must-read for fans of serial killers, in both literature and on the big screen, and Berry-Dee gives a realistic and legitimate breakdown of what Hollywood did right (and where they chose to pander to the money-making storylines) .
November 15, 2020
“The problem with the UK these days is that prisons are made so comfortable that many of the inmates are anxious to return. Just before Christmas each year it’s not uncommon for the courts to see an increase in down-and-outs heaving bricks through off-licence windows or some similar premises. Off they go to prison where a warm bed awaits; Christmas dinner with all of the trimmings, a medical check and treatment as required.”
MAYBE THE PROBLEM IN THE UK THESE DAYS IS THAT THERE ARE NO REAL OPORTUNITIES TO EX CONS SO THEY SEE THEMSELVES ABANDONED BY THE GOVERNMENT, OUTCASTED BY SOCIETY, WITH NO RESOURCES, OFF IN THE STREET, AND THEY ARE FREAKING PUSHED TO VANDALISM AND RENCIDENCE BECAUSE THEY HAVE NO OTHER WAY TO BLOODY LIVE. But go off saying how people prefer to be locked in JAIL instead of out and about. Maybe you should stop writing books that solely focus on repeating how you already wrote ANOTHER BOOK (seriously man, we get it, you don’t need to tell us twice per page that there’s another book that you wrote about serial killers) and just f**** commit a felony. Why? You’ve seen SO MANY PRISONS I’m sure you’d LOVE to spend some time on one of them, if they’re so cozy and nice and problem-free, don’t you think? After all, a change o scenary may do you good. After all, “there’s not much in a critic showing off how clever he (thinks) he is at writing silly, supercilious gags about something he hates”- FUCK THIS MAN.
MAYBE THE PROBLEM IN THE UK THESE DAYS IS THAT THERE ARE NO REAL OPORTUNITIES TO EX CONS SO THEY SEE THEMSELVES ABANDONED BY THE GOVERNMENT, OUTCASTED BY SOCIETY, WITH NO RESOURCES, OFF IN THE STREET, AND THEY ARE FREAKING PUSHED TO VANDALISM AND RENCIDENCE BECAUSE THEY HAVE NO OTHER WAY TO BLOODY LIVE. But go off saying how people prefer to be locked in JAIL instead of out and about. Maybe you should stop writing books that solely focus on repeating how you already wrote ANOTHER BOOK (seriously man, we get it, you don’t need to tell us twice per page that there’s another book that you wrote about serial killers) and just f**** commit a felony. Why? You’ve seen SO MANY PRISONS I’m sure you’d LOVE to spend some time on one of them, if they’re so cozy and nice and problem-free, don’t you think? After all, a change o scenary may do you good. After all, “there’s not much in a critic showing off how clever he (thinks) he is at writing silly, supercilious gags about something he hates”- FUCK THIS MAN.
November 10, 2020
“When one wonders where filmmakers get their ideas from, the same can be said of some real-life killers.”
My ignorance of crime-fiction, real-life murder stories and serial killers has ended brutally with this slap-in-the-face kind of book that literally took my breath away. From page one, I noticed I was holding my breath, gawking at the creativity of mankind in pursuit of killing a fellow human beings. Interestingly most murderers can switch between wicked and normal without an effort, so good luck for the fainted hearts like me, who used to live in a bubble of positive vibes. I never really watched crime movies but I guess I will start after this grand opening. The fact that I’m terrorized by the killers presented here and their representation in cinema does not prevent me from scrutinizing more on this wild subject. Though there were ups and downs and some gruesome parts, I really enjoyed this informative book and fluent narration of the author, whose professional background made me question life. It presents food for thought and opens up more gates with various book and movie recommendations. A must-read for the lovers of the genre and crime-movie afficionados.
(I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Ad Lib Publishers in exchange for an honest review.)
My ignorance of crime-fiction, real-life murder stories and serial killers has ended brutally with this slap-in-the-face kind of book that literally took my breath away. From page one, I noticed I was holding my breath, gawking at the creativity of mankind in pursuit of killing a fellow human beings. Interestingly most murderers can switch between wicked and normal without an effort, so good luck for the fainted hearts like me, who used to live in a bubble of positive vibes. I never really watched crime movies but I guess I will start after this grand opening. The fact that I’m terrorized by the killers presented here and their representation in cinema does not prevent me from scrutinizing more on this wild subject. Though there were ups and downs and some gruesome parts, I really enjoyed this informative book and fluent narration of the author, whose professional background made me question life. It presents food for thought and opens up more gates with various book and movie recommendations. A must-read for the lovers of the genre and crime-movie afficionados.
(I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Ad Lib Publishers in exchange for an honest review.)
January 12, 2021
2.5 stars - rounded up to 3.
I’m struggling to review this book, as my thoughts about it are as all over the place as the content in this book is.
Christopher Berry Dee is happy that you’re reading this book, but not as happy as he would be if you read his other book ‘Talking with Serial Killers’; which he happens to mention in absolutely every single chapter. It got to the point I was actually waiting for it with every new chapter ...’wait for it, where’s the reference....oh there it is!’ Here’s one of the many, many references to it:
These are the questions I began ruminating over as I wrote a single chapter on Lee for Talking with Serial Killers – first published in 2003 and still going great guns in paperback even today.”
Eek. Cringe.
Berry Dee also seems to have a lot of controversial feelings and isn’t afraid to let them pour out all over his chapters. He does this about: people being interested in serial killers, the penal system, criminals themselves, and even the police. It’s often hard to know whose side he’s on as he contradicts himself so much. On the one hand, he explicitly hates films that focus on murderers that exploit the tragedy for entertainment and for financial gain...and on the other he’s writing multiple books about exactly the same thing for the same reasons. Did I mention he has another book...’Talking with Serial Killers’?? Here’s a snippet of his explosive feelings on the subject:
“What a morbid exploitation of a real-life mass murder The Amityville Horror and all of the sequels truly are. It is akin to desecrating the graves of the dead and upsets me deeply. I sometimes wonder whether, if some of these exploitative filmmakers had lost a loved one under such terrible circumstances and viewed the broken body in a morgue, they would have been so quick to exploit the deaths of others.”
hmm, although I’m sure your books on the same incidents are better right?
He also believes prisons are ‘too nice’ and everyone wants to be in them:
“The problem in the UK these days is that prisons are made so comfortable that many of the inmates are anxious to return.”
Not forgetting also this nugget:
“Some would argue that it’s only since the removal of hard labour that a culture exists where a little, mindless thug who is in prison for almost beating a granny to death, is up on the roof having been denied his TV privileges with a lot more like-minded cretins ripping off the slates, behaving like monkeys in a zoo and pissing over everyone who is trying to put out the fire they have just started. “
I feel like I’m engaged in a conversation with a skinheadded far right know it all down the pub at this point.
These are his feelings about homeless people preferring to have somewhere safe to stay at night:
“Just before Christmas each year it’s not uncommon for the courts to see an increase in down-and-outs heaving bricks through off-licence windows or some similar premises. Off they go to prison where a warm bed awaits; Christmas dinner with all of the trimmings; a medical check and treatment ‘as required’; dentistry; a new set of civvies and a nice handful of cash plus a travel pass to wherever they want to go upon their release. “
I’ll be honest, I struggle to feel warmly about anyone who feels this way and I really don’t see what the relevance is to movies about serial killers. He does have another book though...’Talking with Serial Killers’.
This isn’t where his opinions stop though, whether welcome or not. Next up is women’s looks:
“ disfigured women will most like commit suicide, especially if the damage is really severe. Although I believe that millionairess Jocelyn Wildenstein, aka ‘Catwoman’, is still modifying her bizarre facial appearance to this very day, I’d put money on it that when the sun starts to rise in the morning she truly wishes she could reset her face to its factory settings – proving that money cannot buy everything.”
Wow.
His thoughts on ALL serial Killers:
“Fully emerged criminal psychopaths have no conscience because, in place of a moral compass, there is a black hole.They are unable to feel any compassion at all for other human beings and they kill with the same lack of concern as one might swat a fly. Furthermore, they do not genuinely regret any of their dreadful crimes, rather they boast about what they have done and revel in the attention caused by their sins.”
Really....literally all people who kill are exactly the same?
Don’t worry though, Berry evens his feelings out with his thoughts on the cops that hunt these morally devoid humans down:
“Homicide cops never admit their mistakes – even those that have cruelly sent innocent people to their executions, and that is a fact, too.”
Right. A fact. Mhmm.
You maybe wondering at this point whether there is any reference to any serial killers or movies in this book. There are, and there are some good bits on how real life crimes (potentially) inspired some of the big films about famous killers. A lot of this is just the author’s own thoughts though, rather than definite fact. Some bits were easier to get on board with, like the background of The Silence of The Lambs film and some similar true life crimes, but others were just really random conjecture by the author and tedious at best. At one point he can’t remember if he is saying Se7en is based on true life crime...or not...
“Seven , like The Silence of the Lambs, is a compilation of true crime, real-life events all rolled into a cinematic feast of horror.” ok so it is?
“Somewhat unusually for Hollywood, what we have here is not a compendium of real-life murder, but a selection of Biblically alleged sins that can hasten one’s demise.” oh wait...so it’s not?! Right.
When talking about the movies he references, we get a little bit of a reference to a real crime and then a lot of Christopher Berry-Dee’s personal review/critique of the film itself. At the end, the movies he starts reeling off with reviews aren’t even about serial killers any longer...just films with a Bit of crime in them that he personally likes. To be honest I come to goodreads for reviews, I don’t really want to read books full of one persons personal reviews.
Similarly when discussing crimes in the book, it doesn’t always relate to any form of movie. In fact it often veers off into the author’s memories of meeting with murderers and serial killers. All of them available in his other book ‘Talking with Serial Killers’ no doubt. In fact, if that’s the case why aren’t I just reading that one...rather her than reading about how good the book is with all the information that isn’t in this book, the one I’m actually reading...?
In fact some of this shameless recounting of his memories and bigging up of himself, is just so outright cringey it’s hard to read. I’ll give you some snippets:
“Over the years, I have written extensively about Mr Gacy, the result of which the Des Plaines PD presented me with a beautiful blue crystal mug decorated in gold – something not every writer receives.”
And this
“This particular case brought tears to my eyes. In fact, so upsetting was it that I took to the bottle, and everything taken together it made me quite ill. Now you don’t hear that from a former Royal Marine ‘Green Beret’ Commando every day, do you? Indeed, at one point during this time I asked myself, ‘Could this be a man/woman sentimental issue clouding my otherwise very detached thinking?’
In fact, perhaps the cops should be listening to Berry-Dee more, considering he knows best:
“From the very moment Dennehy entered prison I have warned the authorities that she will try and kill again. I believe it is only a matter of time before she does. I base this on her track record of violence.”
Thank god you’re around Berry-Dee, I’m sure they wouldn’t have a clue otherwise right?
The book feels rushed together, and loses focus all over the place. At times it’s about movies, at times it’s about serial killers and at other times it’s just Berry-Dee talking about himself and recounting his experiences. Which all incidentally are covered in his other book - ‘Talking with Serial Killers’. The focus on whether he’s talking about the movie or the real crime is sometimes completely blurred and mashes together which makes it very difficult to keep up and the paragraphs are all over the place. There was often no real evidence or substance to the claims he was making, However, I kind of enjoyed the bits that were clearly attributable between real killers and the famous movies about them.
I have a big list of movies to watch now anyway....and I have a strange urge to read another book...titled ‘Talking with Serial Killers’....weird? Must have read about it somewhere.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for my honest (sorry) review. As Hitchcock once said, and is quoted in this book:
“‘Ask a working writer what he feels about critics is like asking a lamppost what it feels about dogs.’ “
I’m struggling to review this book, as my thoughts about it are as all over the place as the content in this book is.
Christopher Berry Dee is happy that you’re reading this book, but not as happy as he would be if you read his other book ‘Talking with Serial Killers’; which he happens to mention in absolutely every single chapter. It got to the point I was actually waiting for it with every new chapter ...’wait for it, where’s the reference....oh there it is!’ Here’s one of the many, many references to it:
These are the questions I began ruminating over as I wrote a single chapter on Lee for Talking with Serial Killers – first published in 2003 and still going great guns in paperback even today.”
Eek. Cringe.
Berry Dee also seems to have a lot of controversial feelings and isn’t afraid to let them pour out all over his chapters. He does this about: people being interested in serial killers, the penal system, criminals themselves, and even the police. It’s often hard to know whose side he’s on as he contradicts himself so much. On the one hand, he explicitly hates films that focus on murderers that exploit the tragedy for entertainment and for financial gain...and on the other he’s writing multiple books about exactly the same thing for the same reasons. Did I mention he has another book...’Talking with Serial Killers’?? Here’s a snippet of his explosive feelings on the subject:
“What a morbid exploitation of a real-life mass murder The Amityville Horror and all of the sequels truly are. It is akin to desecrating the graves of the dead and upsets me deeply. I sometimes wonder whether, if some of these exploitative filmmakers had lost a loved one under such terrible circumstances and viewed the broken body in a morgue, they would have been so quick to exploit the deaths of others.”
hmm, although I’m sure your books on the same incidents are better right?
He also believes prisons are ‘too nice’ and everyone wants to be in them:
“The problem in the UK these days is that prisons are made so comfortable that many of the inmates are anxious to return.”
Not forgetting also this nugget:
“Some would argue that it’s only since the removal of hard labour that a culture exists where a little, mindless thug who is in prison for almost beating a granny to death, is up on the roof having been denied his TV privileges with a lot more like-minded cretins ripping off the slates, behaving like monkeys in a zoo and pissing over everyone who is trying to put out the fire they have just started. “
I feel like I’m engaged in a conversation with a skinheadded far right know it all down the pub at this point.
These are his feelings about homeless people preferring to have somewhere safe to stay at night:
“Just before Christmas each year it’s not uncommon for the courts to see an increase in down-and-outs heaving bricks through off-licence windows or some similar premises. Off they go to prison where a warm bed awaits; Christmas dinner with all of the trimmings; a medical check and treatment ‘as required’; dentistry; a new set of civvies and a nice handful of cash plus a travel pass to wherever they want to go upon their release. “
I’ll be honest, I struggle to feel warmly about anyone who feels this way and I really don’t see what the relevance is to movies about serial killers. He does have another book though...’Talking with Serial Killers’.
This isn’t where his opinions stop though, whether welcome or not. Next up is women’s looks:
“ disfigured women will most like commit suicide, especially if the damage is really severe. Although I believe that millionairess Jocelyn Wildenstein, aka ‘Catwoman’, is still modifying her bizarre facial appearance to this very day, I’d put money on it that when the sun starts to rise in the morning she truly wishes she could reset her face to its factory settings – proving that money cannot buy everything.”
Wow.
His thoughts on ALL serial Killers:
“Fully emerged criminal psychopaths have no conscience because, in place of a moral compass, there is a black hole.They are unable to feel any compassion at all for other human beings and they kill with the same lack of concern as one might swat a fly. Furthermore, they do not genuinely regret any of their dreadful crimes, rather they boast about what they have done and revel in the attention caused by their sins.”
Really....literally all people who kill are exactly the same?
Don’t worry though, Berry evens his feelings out with his thoughts on the cops that hunt these morally devoid humans down:
“Homicide cops never admit their mistakes – even those that have cruelly sent innocent people to their executions, and that is a fact, too.”
Right. A fact. Mhmm.
You maybe wondering at this point whether there is any reference to any serial killers or movies in this book. There are, and there are some good bits on how real life crimes (potentially) inspired some of the big films about famous killers. A lot of this is just the author’s own thoughts though, rather than definite fact. Some bits were easier to get on board with, like the background of The Silence of The Lambs film and some similar true life crimes, but others were just really random conjecture by the author and tedious at best. At one point he can’t remember if he is saying Se7en is based on true life crime...or not...
“Seven , like The Silence of the Lambs, is a compilation of true crime, real-life events all rolled into a cinematic feast of horror.” ok so it is?
“Somewhat unusually for Hollywood, what we have here is not a compendium of real-life murder, but a selection of Biblically alleged sins that can hasten one’s demise.” oh wait...so it’s not?! Right.
When talking about the movies he references, we get a little bit of a reference to a real crime and then a lot of Christopher Berry-Dee’s personal review/critique of the film itself. At the end, the movies he starts reeling off with reviews aren’t even about serial killers any longer...just films with a Bit of crime in them that he personally likes. To be honest I come to goodreads for reviews, I don’t really want to read books full of one persons personal reviews.
Similarly when discussing crimes in the book, it doesn’t always relate to any form of movie. In fact it often veers off into the author’s memories of meeting with murderers and serial killers. All of them available in his other book ‘Talking with Serial Killers’ no doubt. In fact, if that’s the case why aren’t I just reading that one...rather her than reading about how good the book is with all the information that isn’t in this book, the one I’m actually reading...?
In fact some of this shameless recounting of his memories and bigging up of himself, is just so outright cringey it’s hard to read. I’ll give you some snippets:
“Over the years, I have written extensively about Mr Gacy, the result of which the Des Plaines PD presented me with a beautiful blue crystal mug decorated in gold – something not every writer receives.”
And this
“This particular case brought tears to my eyes. In fact, so upsetting was it that I took to the bottle, and everything taken together it made me quite ill. Now you don’t hear that from a former Royal Marine ‘Green Beret’ Commando every day, do you? Indeed, at one point during this time I asked myself, ‘Could this be a man/woman sentimental issue clouding my otherwise very detached thinking?’
In fact, perhaps the cops should be listening to Berry-Dee more, considering he knows best:
“From the very moment Dennehy entered prison I have warned the authorities that she will try and kill again. I believe it is only a matter of time before she does. I base this on her track record of violence.”
Thank god you’re around Berry-Dee, I’m sure they wouldn’t have a clue otherwise right?
The book feels rushed together, and loses focus all over the place. At times it’s about movies, at times it’s about serial killers and at other times it’s just Berry-Dee talking about himself and recounting his experiences. Which all incidentally are covered in his other book - ‘Talking with Serial Killers’. The focus on whether he’s talking about the movie or the real crime is sometimes completely blurred and mashes together which makes it very difficult to keep up and the paragraphs are all over the place. There was often no real evidence or substance to the claims he was making, However, I kind of enjoyed the bits that were clearly attributable between real killers and the famous movies about them.
I have a big list of movies to watch now anyway....and I have a strange urge to read another book...titled ‘Talking with Serial Killers’....weird? Must have read about it somewhere.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for my honest (sorry) review. As Hitchcock once said, and is quoted in this book:
“‘Ask a working writer what he feels about critics is like asking a lamppost what it feels about dogs.’ “
March 3, 2021
This book was interesting. However, I just couldn't get into it! I didn't appreciate the way the author promoted his own work throughout the book (I totally understand every now & again, but to me it felt it was happening incessantly). I also didn't appreciate how he described some of the victims as "Delicious". I also think I just prefer watching Crime Documentaries rather than reading them.
March 6, 2021
This one was a bit of a mixed bag, honestly. Anyone that knows me knows I LOVE all things "true crime" and I love horror movies. So this should have been a home run for me. Alas, I often found it boring and long winded. You can't love them all, right?
**ARV Via NetGalley**
**ARV Via NetGalley**
January 8, 2021
Even though this book was interesting, it just wasn’t for me!!!
November 6, 2022
I really can't read any more books by this author.
The title, the front cover and the premise of this book look interesting and exciting for true crime fans. But this book, was just like all the others I've read by this author- very bad.
As with all of his books, Christopher mentions books he has previously written which is incredibly annoying and repetitive.
This book provided very little insight or interesting information. It's incredibly opinionated.
As with a lot of his books, the titles are misleading. This book starts with chapters about films based on real life serial killer's but ends with just a list of films based on any crime. Some of which weren't even films.
This author is so lazy. As the book goes on you get less and less actual information about the crimes and the cases, and instead just repeated information, unwanted opinions and short paragraphs which add nothing to the book at all.
Its like he had an idea to talk about the Silence of the lambs and amityville horror and then realised he needed another 200 pages to fill this book.
And don't get me started on amityville horror, he didn't like it, fine. But we don't need to be reminded again and again, outside of the chapter you dedicated to the franchise.
I refuse to read any more books by this author.
The title, the front cover and the premise of this book look interesting and exciting for true crime fans. But this book, was just like all the others I've read by this author- very bad.
As with all of his books, Christopher mentions books he has previously written which is incredibly annoying and repetitive.
This book provided very little insight or interesting information. It's incredibly opinionated.
As with a lot of his books, the titles are misleading. This book starts with chapters about films based on real life serial killer's but ends with just a list of films based on any crime. Some of which weren't even films.
This author is so lazy. As the book goes on you get less and less actual information about the crimes and the cases, and instead just repeated information, unwanted opinions and short paragraphs which add nothing to the book at all.
Its like he had an idea to talk about the Silence of the lambs and amityville horror and then realised he needed another 200 pages to fill this book.
And don't get me started on amityville horror, he didn't like it, fine. But we don't need to be reminded again and again, outside of the chapter you dedicated to the franchise.
I refuse to read any more books by this author.
November 7, 2021
Amazing. Absolutely loved it. If you’re a fan of true crime, and like horror movies, this is absolutely the most perfect book for you!
October 17, 2021
Not quite what I expected. Lots of self publicity for the author and I felt it lost the plot quite early on.
February 22, 2021
Let me begin my review my telling you that Christopher Berry-Dee has written another book about serial killers, called Talking with Serial Killers. Mr Berry-Dee would like that. He's very proud of that book -- so much so that he mentions it and how great it is at least once a chapter in this book. Would you like to know about John Wayne Gacy? There's a chapter on him in Serial Killers at the Movies, but the one in Talking with Serial Killers is much more complete and detailed. Mr Berry-Dee definitely thinks you should read that one. I'm starting to think he wrote this book just to tell us all about that one.
But on to the book at hand, which has me feeling so conflicted. The cover is great. The premise sounds really interesting. The first chapter on the inspirations behind The Silence of the Lambs and Hannibal Lecter is so well done, I was sure at that point this was going to be a five-star book review. And then...
And then, Mr Berry-Dee seriously (I think) suggests that while there is NOTHING supernatural about the backstory behind The Amityville Horror, his friend seems to be in possession of some photographic evidence that the police deny knowing about which has somehow magicked itself into existence. (I kid you not.) I was willing to play along with that, after all, we're talking about Amityville here.
And then the wheels really start to fall off. It seems to stop mattering if the real life serial killers have actually inspired the authors or screenwriters. If Mr Berry-Dee thinks they have, then they have. If there's no serial killers that fit the movie, that's okay too. I'm not sure this would bother me as much if he hadn't set his bar so high in the well-researched first chapter. The story of Aileen Wuornos (the inspiration for Monster) made him cry, but we never find out why - unless it's in the other book, I forget. He also has some pretty strong feelings about what movies should be seen, and which are a waste of time, even shoe-horning some into the books when they barely fit the premise. Spoiler Alert (not really) - He's a big fan of American Mafia movies. There's a strange "Intermission" about what makes good movies. And that's perfectly fine, but that's not why we're here.
Mr Berry-Dee's misogyny and ego are on full display here. For him, women are to be things of beauty, and more likely to commit suicide when ugly and disfigured, Aileen Wuornos' unfortunate appearance (in his eyes) takes up a chunk of her chapter. We're reminded many times that he's not like other writers. He's gotten gifts from police departments. He's brought down serial killers.
I wanted to like this book more, but I was left feeling a bit underwhelmed. I wish the author would have edited the list of movies and focus, going into more detail on less movies. He clearly knows his stuff when it comes to serial killers, but it seems like he tried to jam so much into the book that it was a bit scattered and disjointed.
Thanks to NetGalley and AdLib Publishers for the opportunity to read Serial Killers at the Movies in return for my honest opinions.
But on to the book at hand, which has me feeling so conflicted. The cover is great. The premise sounds really interesting. The first chapter on the inspirations behind The Silence of the Lambs and Hannibal Lecter is so well done, I was sure at that point this was going to be a five-star book review. And then...
And then, Mr Berry-Dee seriously (I think) suggests that while there is NOTHING supernatural about the backstory behind The Amityville Horror, his friend seems to be in possession of some photographic evidence that the police deny knowing about which has somehow magicked itself into existence. (I kid you not.) I was willing to play along with that, after all, we're talking about Amityville here.
And then the wheels really start to fall off. It seems to stop mattering if the real life serial killers have actually inspired the authors or screenwriters. If Mr Berry-Dee thinks they have, then they have. If there's no serial killers that fit the movie, that's okay too. I'm not sure this would bother me as much if he hadn't set his bar so high in the well-researched first chapter. The story of Aileen Wuornos (the inspiration for Monster) made him cry, but we never find out why - unless it's in the other book, I forget. He also has some pretty strong feelings about what movies should be seen, and which are a waste of time, even shoe-horning some into the books when they barely fit the premise. Spoiler Alert (not really) - He's a big fan of American Mafia movies. There's a strange "Intermission" about what makes good movies. And that's perfectly fine, but that's not why we're here.
Mr Berry-Dee's misogyny and ego are on full display here. For him, women are to be things of beauty, and more likely to commit suicide when ugly and disfigured, Aileen Wuornos' unfortunate appearance (in his eyes) takes up a chunk of her chapter. We're reminded many times that he's not like other writers. He's gotten gifts from police departments. He's brought down serial killers.
I wanted to like this book more, but I was left feeling a bit underwhelmed. I wish the author would have edited the list of movies and focus, going into more detail on less movies. He clearly knows his stuff when it comes to serial killers, but it seems like he tried to jam so much into the book that it was a bit scattered and disjointed.
Thanks to NetGalley and AdLib Publishers for the opportunity to read Serial Killers at the Movies in return for my honest opinions.
January 16, 2021
When I first seen it, I wasnt too sure what to expect as it isnt something that I would usually read. If you are a true crime and/or a huge film fan then this book is for you. The author shows so much insight as he explores all the stories from so many different angles. He looks at the murderers who have inspired the films, the actions of the real life serial killers and the stories that are used for our entertainment.
I found this book a really interesting read. It really got me thinking of all the amazing films out there that have been inspired by some awful, sadistic and cruel people and all of the families that have been affected by these crimes. I know I'm guilty of not giving the victims a second thought in the movies but its definitely something I will think about in the future.
For me personally, this is a 3 star read but it is a fantastic, fact packed and intriguing read if this is your thing.
I found this book a really interesting read. It really got me thinking of all the amazing films out there that have been inspired by some awful, sadistic and cruel people and all of the families that have been affected by these crimes. I know I'm guilty of not giving the victims a second thought in the movies but its definitely something I will think about in the future.
For me personally, this is a 3 star read but it is a fantastic, fact packed and intriguing read if this is your thing.
December 17, 2021
This was a fascinating book which includes movies such as Zodiac, Silent of the Lambs, Seven, Monster, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The Amityville Horror, The Green Mile, Snowtown and many more.
The book itself was very informative; and it shows how authors got their inspiration for their beloved characters. Author Thomas Harris (Hannibal Lecter Series), got his idea for Dr Lecter when he was 23 years old and visiting a prison, he believed her was talking to a prison doctor until the guards pointed out that he was talking to Dr Trevino (he was a real doctor) who was in prison for murdering, butchering and disposing of his lover in a box. Harris was excited and decided he wanted to interview him, when he got to do so he was surprised as he was the one that ended up being interviewed by Dr Trevino. Hense part of his sequel novel was the story of Dr Lecter and Clarice Starling in The Silence of the Lambs. Dr Trevino was actually released from prison in the early 1980s and went back to treating patients as if nothing has happened. The Lecter and Starling relationship of him helping her profile "Buffalo Bill" was actually based off of Robert Keppel (who worked for the FBI) and Ted Bundy, Keppel was getting help from Bundy to profile The Green River Killer. "Buffalo Bill" in The Silence of the Lambs was based off of mixed bag of murderers such as: Ted Bundy, Jerry Brudos and Ed Gein.
Some of these movies are only very loosely based off of real stories, take for example The Amityville Horror; the real life Amityville Horror was when a guy named Ronald DeFoe Jr also know as "Butch" shot and killed his entire family whilst they lay sleeping in their beds. Where as the movie talks about ghosts and unexplained events that happen when the house tries to get exorcised. Along side a man who tries to butcher his kids with an axe. When you think about it it's hardly any resemblance to the real life events at all.
Overall this was a fantastic book, you can't fault a book that states facts from the fiction. I thoroughly enjoyed it as I love horror and thriller movies too.
The book itself was very informative; and it shows how authors got their inspiration for their beloved characters. Author Thomas Harris (Hannibal Lecter Series), got his idea for Dr Lecter when he was 23 years old and visiting a prison, he believed her was talking to a prison doctor until the guards pointed out that he was talking to Dr Trevino (he was a real doctor) who was in prison for murdering, butchering and disposing of his lover in a box. Harris was excited and decided he wanted to interview him, when he got to do so he was surprised as he was the one that ended up being interviewed by Dr Trevino. Hense part of his sequel novel was the story of Dr Lecter and Clarice Starling in The Silence of the Lambs. Dr Trevino was actually released from prison in the early 1980s and went back to treating patients as if nothing has happened. The Lecter and Starling relationship of him helping her profile "Buffalo Bill" was actually based off of Robert Keppel (who worked for the FBI) and Ted Bundy, Keppel was getting help from Bundy to profile The Green River Killer. "Buffalo Bill" in The Silence of the Lambs was based off of mixed bag of murderers such as: Ted Bundy, Jerry Brudos and Ed Gein.
Some of these movies are only very loosely based off of real stories, take for example The Amityville Horror; the real life Amityville Horror was when a guy named Ronald DeFoe Jr also know as "Butch" shot and killed his entire family whilst they lay sleeping in their beds. Where as the movie talks about ghosts and unexplained events that happen when the house tries to get exorcised. Along side a man who tries to butcher his kids with an axe. When you think about it it's hardly any resemblance to the real life events at all.
Overall this was a fantastic book, you can't fault a book that states facts from the fiction. I thoroughly enjoyed it as I love horror and thriller movies too.
December 1, 2020
Like a lot of people are find books about aerial killers and real crime fascinating but I just couldn’t get on with this one. I spent a whole night forcing myself to keep reading, because sleep was eluding me, but it was really tough going.
The author constantly jumps from the murder to film and name drops like crazy, but I had no idea who all these people were that he was name dropping about. It was like sitting as a child listening to a relative talk about all their friends as if you know them, when your aunt lives miles away and you only see her once a year.
And it keeps changing too, one minute your reading about what the book is supposed to be about then suddenly it’s books based on real murder, but didn’t it say movies on the title.
I’m telling you my insomnia must be bad tonight because even this books couldn’t put me to sleep and if any book should have been able to do that, it’s this one.
Again thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book for free. Even if sadly it was not for me.
The author constantly jumps from the murder to film and name drops like crazy, but I had no idea who all these people were that he was name dropping about. It was like sitting as a child listening to a relative talk about all their friends as if you know them, when your aunt lives miles away and you only see her once a year.
And it keeps changing too, one minute your reading about what the book is supposed to be about then suddenly it’s books based on real murder, but didn’t it say movies on the title.
I’m telling you my insomnia must be bad tonight because even this books couldn’t put me to sleep and if any book should have been able to do that, it’s this one.
Again thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book for free. Even if sadly it was not for me.
January 4, 2021
In this novel, Christopher Berry-Dee talks to the serial killers whose stories have thrilled and fascinated everyone. He gets a chance to interview the mass murderers who provide him with their stories. Some of these stories have helped to make some of the best movies in history. The book takes the reader on a roller coaster of darkness and unforgettable murders.
This novel was a little boring for me. I didn't like the writing style. The information and details were a little too detailed. Some of the information was interesting but it was nothing new and exciting. I think I was more looking for a story than the real information. It was also very annoying that the author kept referring to his other books. This book annoyed me bored me and confused me a little. I really love the cover tho and the idea. But It wasn't for me.
I give it one 1 star ⭐👎
This novel was a little boring for me. I didn't like the writing style. The information and details were a little too detailed. Some of the information was interesting but it was nothing new and exciting. I think I was more looking for a story than the real information. It was also very annoying that the author kept referring to his other books. This book annoyed me bored me and confused me a little. I really love the cover tho and the idea. But It wasn't for me.
I give it one 1 star ⭐👎
July 15, 2022
I’m usually a fan of true crime. Reading about the macabre is often fascinating but I think the book fell a bit flat.
The parts describing the ‘real’ killers that inspired movies were interesting, and I did learn a fair bit. However, I felt uncomfortable with some of the views portrayed by the author - describing women as slim and delicious (!!!!!) and also arguing for the fact that women need to be pretty and if they lose this, they are likely to commit suicide. These parts of the book surprised me as it is clear the amount of time and research that has gone into this.
I also found the author to constantly push his other works on the reader which didn’t sit well either. It’s a shame as it could have been done better.
The parts describing the ‘real’ killers that inspired movies were interesting, and I did learn a fair bit. However, I felt uncomfortable with some of the views portrayed by the author - describing women as slim and delicious (!!!!!) and also arguing for the fact that women need to be pretty and if they lose this, they are likely to commit suicide. These parts of the book surprised me as it is clear the amount of time and research that has gone into this.
I also found the author to constantly push his other works on the reader which didn’t sit well either. It’s a shame as it could have been done better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2021
So this is a non-fiction book all about real life serial killers that were based on the movies we all watch.
This story followed iconic movies like Hannibal, Silence of the Lambs, Leatherface, Amityville Horror and went into depth all about the serial killers that these movies was based on. I really enjoyed about Hannibal/Silence of the Lambs as I was surprised at who the real killer was. He wasn't anything like Hannibal Lectre in the movies. His crime was nothing like Hannibal, it was one fleeting unprecedented kill. Nothing was planned. How Hannibal was made was by the real killers interviews in prison, rather than the killing itself. It was interesting to see that this killer was the one who took control, he asked all the questions he was doing the interviews. Rolls reversed kinda thing. Loved reading that was interesting and clever.
I also was gobsmacked at how many Amityville horrors were there, 22! 22 different movies! I absolutely hated the movie, scared the sh#$ outta me haha. Literally cowered behind the sofa with a pillow over my head too. I was equally shocked at how different the Amityville story is, to the real life one. So the actual serial killer, killed his parents and his sibblings. Not at all a haunted house with a devil trapped in the wall!
It was really interesting learning all these different things and the real truth. I did feel some parts dragged a bit and maybe were a bit unnecessary. Also and I mean no offence, but the author constantly bigged himself up, kept throwing in his books he's written. He got a little too big-headed and self-centred and it was throughout every chapter. It was needed at all and it was slowly putting me off reading. I don't know why he did this but yeah, na mate not good!
Overall, it was a fascinating read and considering it was Non-Fiction, I was surprised at how easy it was to read it. Just you know take the self-centered parts out and the parts that were not really needed and this would of been perfect for me.
This story followed iconic movies like Hannibal, Silence of the Lambs, Leatherface, Amityville Horror and went into depth all about the serial killers that these movies was based on. I really enjoyed about Hannibal/Silence of the Lambs as I was surprised at who the real killer was. He wasn't anything like Hannibal Lectre in the movies. His crime was nothing like Hannibal, it was one fleeting unprecedented kill. Nothing was planned. How Hannibal was made was by the real killers interviews in prison, rather than the killing itself. It was interesting to see that this killer was the one who took control, he asked all the questions he was doing the interviews. Rolls reversed kinda thing. Loved reading that was interesting and clever.
I also was gobsmacked at how many Amityville horrors were there, 22! 22 different movies! I absolutely hated the movie, scared the sh#$ outta me haha. Literally cowered behind the sofa with a pillow over my head too. I was equally shocked at how different the Amityville story is, to the real life one. So the actual serial killer, killed his parents and his sibblings. Not at all a haunted house with a devil trapped in the wall!
It was really interesting learning all these different things and the real truth. I did feel some parts dragged a bit and maybe were a bit unnecessary. Also and I mean no offence, but the author constantly bigged himself up, kept throwing in his books he's written. He got a little too big-headed and self-centred and it was throughout every chapter. It was needed at all and it was slowly putting me off reading. I don't know why he did this but yeah, na mate not good!
Overall, it was a fascinating read and considering it was Non-Fiction, I was surprised at how easy it was to read it. Just you know take the self-centered parts out and the parts that were not really needed and this would of been perfect for me.
November 3, 2020
Thank you so much NetGalley and the author for providing this ARC.
I’m no expert on serial killers, but a few names remain familiar to me- Aileen Wuornos, Ted Bundy, and Ed Gein. So it was delightful to read about them in the books, and how some of them were actually inspiration for my favourite books- The Hannibal Lecter series. The first chapter “Silence of the Lambs” was enlightening to me and an absolute joy to read. Though subsequent chapters focused on each different movie, the author cross examined them whenever possible which provided for some interesting analytical read on the MO of serial killers. Great work down there.
From the chapters “Se7en” onwards though, my interest started to dwindle, as perhaps the killers mentioned were the lesser known ones. The author quoted his other book “Talking with Serial Killers” more frequently, which honestly became a little annoying because I thought that was already promised in this book judging by its title but now I have to go get another of his book to read up on his conversations with the serial killers? Not that I mind getting them but it makes more sense to me combining the two books together into one because you want to read about the conversations right after reading about the references to the movies.
That said, I am still looking to get those books, as well as the one on Ted Bundy helping with the investigation of the green river killer. Exciting!
Oh one more thing: why isn’t there a mention of the TV series American Horror Story- Hotel? That was honestly where I learned about most of the serial killers in my somewhat limited repertoire of true crime.
I’m no expert on serial killers, but a few names remain familiar to me- Aileen Wuornos, Ted Bundy, and Ed Gein. So it was delightful to read about them in the books, and how some of them were actually inspiration for my favourite books- The Hannibal Lecter series. The first chapter “Silence of the Lambs” was enlightening to me and an absolute joy to read. Though subsequent chapters focused on each different movie, the author cross examined them whenever possible which provided for some interesting analytical read on the MO of serial killers. Great work down there.
From the chapters “Se7en” onwards though, my interest started to dwindle, as perhaps the killers mentioned were the lesser known ones. The author quoted his other book “Talking with Serial Killers” more frequently, which honestly became a little annoying because I thought that was already promised in this book judging by its title but now I have to go get another of his book to read up on his conversations with the serial killers? Not that I mind getting them but it makes more sense to me combining the two books together into one because you want to read about the conversations right after reading about the references to the movies.
That said, I am still looking to get those books, as well as the one on Ted Bundy helping with the investigation of the green river killer. Exciting!
Oh one more thing: why isn’t there a mention of the TV series American Horror Story- Hotel? That was honestly where I learned about most of the serial killers in my somewhat limited repertoire of true crime.
October 19, 2020
Serial killers are undoubtably fascinating, in fiction and in real life. Watching them in a movie lets the audience experience the thrill of encountering them in safety, when you know that you can’t possibly become their victim. Meeting them in real life, like Christopher Berry-Dee has done, must be scary and disturbing. How can someone do such things? Where do they get their ideas and fixations? The author explores those motivations, comparing them with their counterparts on the silver screen. Many times, reality is even worse than fiction. As a horror fan, I’ve read and watched many works of fiction about serial killers and I’ve never been squeamish, but this book really got to me. The atrocities here are real, so it takes a certain detachment to read about them. The author knows his movies, and his point of view is more knowledgeable than a casual fan. He has met the real people so his analysis of the characters on film is very complete. Fans of true crime will also find a wealth of material that Berry-Dee references. Movie lovers will want to re-watch some of the films discussed, even if it may be more disturbing.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/ Ad Lib Publishers!
February 17, 2021
Thank you to Netgalley, Ad Lib Publishers and Christopher Berry-Dee on the arc of Serial Killers at The Movies.
5 Star read- Another Immense superb book from Christopher Berry-Dee about Serial killers! He has written many books about serial killers and knows what he is doing when writing about them! This new one targets Hollywood's obsession with serial killers! and it analyzes which movies are accurate on them and which are just a fail and shambles... and he goes into details hit films such as Silence of the Lambs to Zodiac, Pyscho and even The Amityville Horror! he goes deep into details on what serial killer they could have been focusing the film about to delving deep into what elements are facts, I loved hearing about the lesser known serial killers as well as the poor popular and well known ones this was such a great read and such written so well I love his movie analysis's in this book as there so detailed and factual!
Totally Recommend- 5 Stars!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5 Star read- Another Immense superb book from Christopher Berry-Dee about Serial killers! He has written many books about serial killers and knows what he is doing when writing about them! This new one targets Hollywood's obsession with serial killers! and it analyzes which movies are accurate on them and which are just a fail and shambles... and he goes into details hit films such as Silence of the Lambs to Zodiac, Pyscho and even The Amityville Horror! he goes deep into details on what serial killer they could have been focusing the film about to delving deep into what elements are facts, I loved hearing about the lesser known serial killers as well as the poor popular and well known ones this was such a great read and such written so well I love his movie analysis's in this book as there so detailed and factual!
Totally Recommend- 5 Stars!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
August 19, 2021
This book started out very interesting and as someone that loves horror movies as well as a very large interest in true crime it was shaping up to be a very good book
However, about halfway through it went downhill. He seemed to talk more about films that had a vague connection to crime over one's directly linked or inspired by serial killers. Buying the book I expected to to focus purely on movies that had been inspired by real life crimes. Several chapters concluded that the movies weren't based on any killer even remotely (so why put it in the bloomin book?) It also felt that he was just bragging more about his own accomplishments towards the end. Overall disappointing
The chapters not relating to a killer would have be interesting (bar the ones that concluded "total work of fiction") if it was a book about movies based on crime and prisons, but well its not.
Sad to say this book really missed the mark for me, the first half was great, second half, massive let down
However, about halfway through it went downhill. He seemed to talk more about films that had a vague connection to crime over one's directly linked or inspired by serial killers. Buying the book I expected to to focus purely on movies that had been inspired by real life crimes. Several chapters concluded that the movies weren't based on any killer even remotely (so why put it in the bloomin book?) It also felt that he was just bragging more about his own accomplishments towards the end. Overall disappointing
The chapters not relating to a killer would have be interesting (bar the ones that concluded "total work of fiction") if it was a book about movies based on crime and prisons, but well its not.
Sad to say this book really missed the mark for me, the first half was great, second half, massive let down
November 19, 2020
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Serial killers at the movies - Christopher Berry-Dee
A fascinating and extremely interesting dive into the minds of some of the most renowned serial killers who have inspired some of the most popular horror movies.
Silence of the lambs, Texas chainsaw massacre, Psycho, and many more are explored by investigative criminologist Christopher Berry-Dee.
The first chapters are excellent, I couldn’t stop reading the gruesome details, and pictures that Christopher manages to paint in your mind from his intimate talks with serial killers.
What I found really interesting was the so called ‘based on true events’ movies that were in fact, well, barely based on true events at all.
This was my first real rendezvous with the true crime genre, and despite the change of direction and pace toward the end of the book I thoroughly enjoyed my first encounter.
Thank you Christopher Berry-Dee and Ad-lib publishers for sending me an advance copy.
Serial killers at the movies - Christopher Berry-Dee
A fascinating and extremely interesting dive into the minds of some of the most renowned serial killers who have inspired some of the most popular horror movies.
Silence of the lambs, Texas chainsaw massacre, Psycho, and many more are explored by investigative criminologist Christopher Berry-Dee.
The first chapters are excellent, I couldn’t stop reading the gruesome details, and pictures that Christopher manages to paint in your mind from his intimate talks with serial killers.
What I found really interesting was the so called ‘based on true events’ movies that were in fact, well, barely based on true events at all.
This was my first real rendezvous with the true crime genre, and despite the change of direction and pace toward the end of the book I thoroughly enjoyed my first encounter.
Thank you Christopher Berry-Dee and Ad-lib publishers for sending me an advance copy.
January 20, 2021
The Hannibal Lector mask cover peaked my interest and the reason for my purchase as it is my favourite film. This is a very interesting book with some gruesome real life tales. It tells real life stories of mass murderers/serial killers who have influenced films and tv. I found this very interesting and informative. The author is a criminologist and studied many serial killers as well as aiding the police while investigating murder cases and he also interviews convicts/prisoners. Perhaps not for the faint hearted, but movie and true crime fans would be sure to take something away from it. It only took me a day to read, so that says something!
January 16, 2021
A really interesting read. Not a normal one for me but I liked it. Each chapter is a different film and it was a little unsettling to realise some of these famous films had their original idea in a real person or real event. Some of the chapters were easier to read than others, as some flowed a little better. But in general an enjoyable read .
November 25, 2020
A fascinating exploration of the real life inspiration behind the portrayal of serial killers in the movies. The reader learns about both well known and less known serial killers. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
August 11, 2022
I actually hated this book which is upsetting to say the least.
It was not intimate talks with the inspiration behind movie killers, instead it felt like some stuck up guys reviews of them instead as well as an excuse to name drop his other books and the facy he had apparently talked to some of them. Could have done with using less case studies and fleshing out what was there.
It was not intimate talks with the inspiration behind movie killers, instead it felt like some stuck up guys reviews of them instead as well as an excuse to name drop his other books and the facy he had apparently talked to some of them. Could have done with using less case studies and fleshing out what was there.
May 14, 2022
Interesting read on various serial killers who have been portrayed in movies and real life inspiration for the portrayals.
Authors writing style was quite disjointed - often going off on tangents however it was enjoyable non the less
Authors writing style was quite disjointed - often going off on tangents however it was enjoyable non the less
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