Blood for the MuseA black and white comic noir serial killer movie?! Yep that’s what I said. And surprisingly - it works.Originally from 2001 and now set for re-release through Pleasant Storm this adaption/reworking of the comic Blood For The Muse is helmed by Terry West who also wrote the comic so it’s no surprise that visually there are a lot of set pieces and comic style frames within this film. Moving panels if you will that really set the scene and help create the story. Our antihero Josh is a clerk in a video store by day and a serial killer by night. His victims are being sacrificed to Melpomene, a dark muse who haunts Josh’s dreams and whose tale we follow thru the comics Josh is reading. Yeah I know - what a shameless self plug by West actually having his comic in the film but after the initial laughter I have to say it does help with the story. Anyway, Josh is killing off hookers but its not getting him any closer to his muse. When he meets another like minded soul he discovers that he has to make a real sacrifice to Melpomene to get her attention, something that will bring personal pain and anguish, not just cheap hookers with great top shelves. So when Josh meets Sara at the video store and they start getting close we all know what he’s going to have to do. Or do we? Beautifully crafted and thought out, this film offers a slow burning experience that draws you in to Josh’s world and mindset as he struggles with his need to hear his dark muse’s song while trying to keep Sara by his side. For me though Sara (played by Tina Krause who has multiple roles) was the one weak link simply because her acting just wasn’t up to scratch. (or maybe her character just wasn’t given time to develop?) A much better job is done by Josh Robinson as Josh. He’s no hero, hell he’s a serial killer but you still find yourself being drawn in and wishing him success even though you know the sacrifices he will have to make and that y’re essentially rooting for the bad guy. An interesting movie, not one for the cheap thrill set but for the discerning noir fan and the comic geeks – this is a winner. I should point out though that the movie starts with a fake movie featuring painfully z-grade acting. Never fear, it’s supposed to be like that. Don’t panic, it does get better!
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