The Driller Killer

BACK in the early 1980s, this country's film censors rather foolishly chose to outlaw a number of movies featuring scenes of extreme violence.

Around 70 films were banned in total, on the back of some outrageous media over-reaction, and thus the censors unwittingly gave birth to the cult of the video nasty, creating a notoriety and level of interest which, in most cases, the movies really didn't deserve.

One of the films to find its way on to the banned list - and even to the Director of Public Prosecutions' office - was Abel Ferrara's 1979 offering The Driller Killer, which has now been released in an uncut special edition.

The story features struggling artist Reno (played by Ferrara under a pseudonym), who is having problems with his work and his woman.

When the loud and disgracefully poor rock band Tony Coca-Cola and the Roosters hire an apartment in Reno's block and use it as a 24/7 rehearsal room, the constant, awful noise sends him, understandably, over the edge.

So he gets himself tooled up with a power drill and goes on a DIY death spree, killing a bunch of drunks and vagrants in his neighbourhood.

As with many of the video nasties, The Driller Killer is pretty dull for long spells, especially when Tony Coca-Cola and the Roosters are involved.

However, Reno's descent into madness is quite skilfully depicted, and if you're not too squeamish, then you'll love the segment of the film where Reno goes on his bloodthirsty rampage.

Throw in some dodgy acting, trashy production values and possibly the most gratuitous lesbian shower scene in cinema history and Bob's your uncle - you've got a cult classic on your hands!

Extras include an audio commentary by Ferrara, plus the film's cinema trailer. Ian Kelly