Dahmer

2002
R
1h 41m

IMDb RATING

5.6/10

12K

YOUR RATING

Play trailer2:20

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8 Photos

Docudrama Serial Killer Slasher Horror True Crime Biography Crime Drama Horror Thriller

Biopic about notorious American serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, taking place in both the past and the present.Biopic about notorious American serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, taking place in both the past and the present.Biopic about notorious American serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, taking place in both the past and the present.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

5.6/10

12K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Awards
- 3 nominations

Trivia
Jeremy Renner was cast because of his resemblance to Jeffrey Dahmer and because not many actors wanted to portray the serial killer.

Goofs
When Dahmer gets pulled over by the cop in 1978, he shows a New York State driver's license from post 1995.

Quotes
Jeffrey Dahmer: You know what the cross was, don't you?
Rodney: Yeah, where Jesus died, right?
Jeffrey Dahmer: A torture device... used to kill criminals. So when you pray to it, it's like praying to an electric chair, or a guillotine.

Crazy credits
Though the names of Jeffrey Dahmer's victims were changed in this biopic, details of his killing methods were used; yet, the film's closing disclaimer states that any similarities to the history of any actual person, living or dead, or any actual event is entirely coincidental and unintentional.

Connections
Featured in The 2003 IFP Independent Spirit Awards (2003)

Soundtracks
Just out of Reach
Performed by Patsy Cline
Written by V.F. "Pappy" Stewart
Used by permission from Acuff Rose Music Inc.
Courtesy of The San Juan Music Group
By Arrangement with Media Creature Music

User reviews152

Review

Featured review

8/10

Impressive

Extremely well acted, particularly by the lead. Appropriately creepy and atmospheric -- as well as poignant and introspective. Makes a character out of a "monster". Examines Dahmer's struggle with his homosexuality and that struggle's basis for his sickness. Doesn't focus on the violence, and doesn't explore the cannibalism at all. Flashback structure works well. Liked the comparisions of his banal teenage years to the horrific current years. Would have liked a little bit more of an acknowledgement of how totally out of control this guy became. Cinematography is excellent at times -- but is bedeviled by some sloppy focus work. Again, the lead actor is topnotch. This is a work to be proud of.