Alex is an outwardly normal man who goes on killing and mutilating sprees. When he is finally captured and brought to trial, the district attorney is torn between his own liberal ideals on g... Read allAlex is an outwardly normal man who goes on killing and mutilating sprees. When he is finally captured and brought to trial, the district attorney is torn between his own liberal ideals on guilt and the crimes the accused is being tried.Alex is an outwardly normal man who goes on killing and mutilating sprees. When he is finally captured and brought to trial, the district attorney is torn between his own liberal ideals on guilt and the crimes the accused is being tried.
- Awards
- 2 nominations
- Judge McKinsey
- (as Billy Greenbush)
- Andrew Tippetts
- (as Whitby Hertford)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaBased on the true story of Richard Trenton Chase, "The Vampire Killer" who killed six people in the course of four days in January 1978.
- GoofsDuring the amusement/fair scene, when the little boy is being held and throwing ping-pong balls into the cups, my wife and I walk by staring straight into the camera! (filmed in my then hometown)
- Quotes
Anthony Fraser: [addressing to the jury] The life of an innocent human being worths more than the life of an murderer. Charles Reece must die. Now, I want you to remember that you sit here as representatives of your community, your neighbors, your friends, your children. If you should decide to let this man go free, be absolutely clear in your mind that you are condemning his victims to a second death and saying to your neighbors that the life of a terrible murderer is worth more than the life of the people he killed. Thank you.
- Crazy creditsThis film has no opening credits or title. Only the Miramax logo appears at the beginning.
- Alternate versionsOriginally shot in 1987; after premiering in some European countries, the film was shelved when production studio DEG went bankrupt and sat unreleased for five years. In 1992 director William Friedkin re-edited the movie and slightly altered the ending (supposedly because in the meantime his feelings about the death penalty had changed) before its USA release. The European video versions usually feature the original ending.
- ConnectionsReferenced in Nekromantik (1988)
Talk about an admirably confronting and dreary cold-blooded thriller with no easy way out, but one that raises many ethical questions on the insanity plea to escape the death penalty. William Friedkin's "Rampage" has a routine set-up to its premise (taken of William P. Wood's novel), but there's enough emotional engagement and fascination that demands your interest. Friedkin who also wrote the sedate screenplay tries to delve a little deeper into the circumstances with some background and motivation. The way they look into the mind of the killer and try to explain his way of thinking is unnerving and unpredictable. While the stirring script wants to be thought provoking, it still could have used a touch up as some unconvincing details enter. This one plays out more like a bitter courtroom drama with the damaging effects of the incidents engulfing those who happen to be involved one-way or another, as the psycho-thriller part of the story coming off as seconds. However these moments are highly potent with unsparingly disturbing, intense and callous images and feelings finding their way in. What makes these scenes effective and stay in your mind is that they aren't cheap jolts. Ennio Morricone's simmering low-key score lends to the chilling and glum nature that blankets the air, and the sweeping doco-style camera-work gives it a bit of leering authenticity. However like some others have mentioned, it does feel like a TV-movie. Alex McArthur's casual performance is disquieting and really creepy, especially how he goes about killing his victims and seeking forgiveness for his actions. Michael Biehn is in exceptionally fine form as the public attorney. Friedkin's dependably gallant and dark direction covers most bases and steers to a psychological graduation of perfect timing. One solid aspect is that Friedkin truly makes you feel as if you're apart of the jury, as if your mind-set has an important say in deciding the fate of this man.
Provocative, but not entirely perfect.
- lost-in-limbo
- May 20, 2007
- How long is Rampage?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Anklage Massenmord
- Filming locations
- Front Street, Rio Linda, California, USA(Carnival Midway Scenes)
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $7,500,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $796,368
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $322,500
- Nov 1, 1992
- Gross worldwide
- $796,368
- Runtime1 hour 37 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1