With the growing mainstream interest in true crime, Paul Drexler’s MURDER TO MOVIES: The Real Stories Behind Hollywood's Darkest Films will grab many readers' attention. Drexler looks at films that were inspired by real-life criminals and the unfathomable acts they committed.
The book covers 17 movies, some as well-known as Zodiac and others as obscure as 1980's Paraneglia! While reading MURDER TO MOVIES, one is certain to be collecting an ever-mounting “to watch” list as Drexler demonstrates a sincere interest and appreciation for film. He makes each one sound like an entertaining and unique perspective on a fascinating case. For example, when discussing the film Monsieur Verdoux, he describes actors Charlie Chaplin and Martha Raye as “vaudeville veterans [who] achieve a rich comic rhythm and physicality in their scenes together.”
Along with a list of movie recommendations, the reader will gain a better understanding of the true stories behind them. How often do you see the words "Based on a true story" come up on screen and wonder just how factual it really is? Drexler provides some well-researched insight as he explains the true story behind each film and studies how Hollywood depicted the case. Additionally, he opens the reader’s eyes to the impact the true case had on the world. One of the most interesting ones is arguably the story of Sada Abe, a Japanese geisha who murdered her lover. Drexler writes in an entertaining manner as well: “the stories about Rasputin’s death are like Russian nesting dolls; you open one and there’s another one inside.” Surprisingly, he's even able to weave in humor that doesn't come across as gauche: “If bad mothering were a crime, Andrea would be serving life without parole.”
Drexler notes that a movie’s ending is “perhaps the most carefully designed part of a film," but the ending of MURDER TO MOVIES could benefit from more attention. As it is, after the 17th film is covered, it goes directly into sources. This certainly demonstrates Drexler’s thorough research, yet it leaves the reader a little cold after reading about so many grotesque details. It would be great to have the author share his final thoughts on the relationship between true crime and film.
It is also worth mentioning that, although it should be obvious, MURDER TO MOVIES covers some dark material (including disturbing sexual imagery) that may be confronting to some readers. For those who can handle it, though, this book is well-worth picking up.
For fans of true crime and quality cinema, Paul Drexler's MURDER TO MOVIES: The Real Stories Behind Hollywood's Darkest Films is an entertaining and fast-paced read that will leave the reader with a stronger sense of history (as well as some great movie recommendations).
~ Tess McCumstie for IndieReader