Psychos are everywhere. We probably pass several a day and not even realize it. Marcus is certainly not the first film to ever make this point but the film does do it in a unique way.
Marcus is of course the films feature psycho and it seems that he is a bit obsessed with Brooke, a nice enough lady who just has the misfortune of becoming the apple of Marcus’s eye. We meet Marcus as he is torturing poor Brooke in a bathtub and making cassette tapes of their conversation and her torture. We also meet Brooke’s brother, his girlfriend and one of Brooke’s old boyfriends and his new girlfriend. Confused? Yeah a little complicated but as the film wears on the importance of all these folks comes forth and things get a bit hairy.
My major problem with this film is pacing. I understand slow burn. I get the idea of building tension but this film is just chock full of long lingering looks and harsh spittle filled dialogue. The good news is that the film recovers from those awkward scenes and actually turns out to be a pretty damn good film.
The thing that stands out the most to me is the use of music in this film. Lots of Christmas Carols, yeah you heard that right, Christmas Carols. The film takes place during a family and friend get together which is being held at Brooke’s apartment. It seems that Brooke and her brother have not seen each other for three years and this is a bit of a reunion. The brother is bringing along his girlfriend (who is hot as hell by the way) and are also accompanied by another couple an ex boyfriend and a best friend. With all the characters in place the film starts to pick up in pace and the extent of Marcus’s madness starts to become revealed. I thoroughly enjoyed the last third of the film. The pacing issues vanish and I really liked how the dirty little secrets are revealed.
Marcus kind of has an American Psycho vibe going for it and much like that film you kind of end up liking the whacked out bastard. They leave the film open for a sequel and a lot of loose ends still remain. The story is by no means any where near wrapped up and you know what, this is fine by me. I would like to pay another visit to Marcus and see what the sick bastard has been up to.
Aggressive, compelling and original, Marcus is a fine addition to the serial killer genre. I have a feeling that we’ll be seeing more of this sadistic wacko.
If you like, click here to check out the films official website where you can view the trailer and read all about the film. Marcus has been playing the festival circuit and getting rave reviews by most that see it. No official word of a DVD or theatrical run but it shouldn’t be long till someone picks this one up. With a little trimming in the first reel this one has the potential of being a major player but as it stands now it is in my opinion still a must see when the opportunity arises.
