SKETCHES OF A STRANGLER Original Daybill Movie Poster Allen Garfield Meredith MacRae Serial Killer

Sketches of a Strangler (1978) Stars: Allen Garfield, Meredith MacRae, Frank Whiteman

“Sketches of a Strangler” is a 1978 horror film directed by Paul Leder. The film follows the story of Arnold (played by Allen Garfield), a man who is suspected of being a serial killer after a series of murders occur in his neighborhood.

The film is a slow-burn horror movie that relies heavily on atmosphere and tension to create a sense of unease in the viewer. The film takes place in a dark and moody city, with most of the action occurring at night, which adds to the overall sense of dread.

The performances in the film are solid, particularly Garfield’s portrayal of Arnold. He does an excellent job of playing a man who is constantly on edge, trying to avoid suspicion while also dealing with his own inner demons. However, some of the supporting characters are underdeveloped and feel like they are only there to move the plot along.

The film’s biggest strength is its use of imagery and symbolism. The opening scene of the film sets the tone, with an unsettling close-up of a statue’s face that sets the stage for the dark and disturbing story that follows. Throughout the film, there are several scenes that are hauntingly beautiful, particularly the scene in which Arnold attends an art exhibit featuring paintings of the murder scenes.

However, the film is not without its flaws. The pacing is slow, and there are several scenes that feel unnecessary or repetitive. Additionally, the film’s twist ending feels a bit predictable and underwhelming, leaving the viewer with a sense of disappointment.

Overall, “Sketches of a Strangler” is a decent horror film that relies heavily on atmosphere and tension to create a sense of unease in the viewer. While the performances are solid and the imagery is hauntingly beautiful, the slow pacing and underdeveloped supporting characters hold the film back from being truly great.