At its best David Jacobson's journey into the mind of one of history's most notorious serial killers is an unusually restrained and introspective view of an unhinged mind that committed unspeakable acts of atrocity that if portrayed accurately would detract from the subtle approach taken in Dahmer. At its worst, the film is a pointless attempt to once again capitalize on the name of a true-to-life boogyman in the form of failed exploitation that doesn't even begin to explore deeply revolting nature of his crimes. Since those details have been so graphically portrayed in the previous and much more obviously sensational The Secret Life of Jeffrey Dahmer, Dahmer's lack of gore and historical ambiguity at times edges it towards a more low-key form of exploitation, though the solid lead of Jeremy Renner (despite bearing little to no physical resemblance to Dahmer through the majority of the film) as well as a fine supporting cast and an underlying honesty keep it barely afloat despite its shortcomings. Flashbacks in particular tend to weigh the film down as it moves along, appearing from time to time to provide a glimpse into some of Dahmer's previous crimes, but providing absolutely no motivation for those crimes, which even he seems initially repulsed by. Though the interaction with a personable young man whom Dahmer lures into his lair (Artel Kayaru) does provide psychological chills by providing chilling insight into Dahmer's twisted logic, one increasingly gets the impression that there is no real reason for the film to exist. Providing no real new insight into Dahmer's mind and falling far short in terms of exploitation value, the film simply exists in a sort of void that, despite assured performances and direction, leaves the viewer dry. We all know that Jeffrey Dahmer was insane and that his crimes were unspeakable, so why make a film to state the obvious without even attempting to delve any deeper?
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