Dahmer (2002)

Dahmer is a 2002 American biopic horror film about serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, who committed 17 murders between 1978 and 1991. The film was directed by David Jacobson and stars Jeremy Renner in the title role.

Plot

 * Biopic about notorious American serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, taking place in both the past and the present.
 * Before his arrest and conviction for serial murders, chocolate factory worker Jeffrey Dahmer hunts Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for young attractive males to turn into unconscious (eventually dead) human sex toys, current acts which often prompt memories of earlier killings and of dealings with his suspicious but unaware father.

Cast
The real-life counterparts to the fictional victims are in parentheses.
 * Jeremy Renner as Jeffrey Dahmer
 * Bruce Davison as Lionel Dahmer
 * Artel Great as Rodney (Tracy Edwards)
 * Matt Newton as Lance Bell (Stephen Hicks)
 * Dion Basco as Khamtay (Konerak Sinthasomphone)
 * Kate Williamson as Grandma
 * Christian Payano as Letitia
 * Tom'ya Bowden as Shawna
 * Sean Blakemore as Corliss

Production
Although the script recreates actual events, the names were changed out of respect for Dahmer's victims. In reality, the escapee who led to Dahmer's capture was Tracy Edwards, portrayed by Artel Great as Rodney, and Dahmer's first victim was a man named Stephen Hicks, portrayed by Matt Newton as Lance Bell.

Production mostly took place in Los Angeles, with one scene being filmed in Milwaukee. The mask special effects were created by Christien Tinsley and Kelley Mitchell, who were involved two years later in the makeup of Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ.

Reception
Dahmer has received mostly mixed to positive reviews. It currently holds a 68% "Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Legacy
Kathryn Bigelow said that she cast Renner in The Hurt Locker because of his performance in Dahmer.

Awards

 * Independent Spirit Award - Jeremy Renner (Best Male Actor in a Leading Role) (nominated)
 * Independent Spirit Award - Artel Great (Best Newcomer) (nominated)
 * John Cassavetes Award - Larry Ratner and David Jacobson (nominated)