One of the most in-depth studies of a serial killer ever made, and one of the better portrayals of a heroic character driven to the edge of their sanity and restraint. William Peterson perfectly portrays a man who is not only haunted by the things he has seen, but is more importantly sadistically fascinated in these things. However it is how this disturbed and half-deranged main character mirrors Tom Noonan's wonderfully alien serial killer, which earns this film's spot on this list. A battle of wits, between two stages of criminal insanity.
21. Vampire's Kiss
This movie is hilarious, however I hold that it is actually a pretty good film overall. I have written a vault review explaining why I feel that way, so check that out if you want. Anyway, Cage offers one of the most entertaining portrayals of insanity out there. However what makes this film powerful is the fact that Cage still manages to display the real pain and suffering of his character, along with giving a suitably psychotic performance. One of the best blends of entertainment and pathos on this list.
20. M (1931)
With all biases on the table, this is my favourite film on the entire list, and one of my favourite of all time. Ignoring that however, this film's portrayal of an uncontrollable compulsion to do evil is shockingly effective. Peter Lorre's performance here haunts me more than nearly any other performance in cinema history, and I simultaneously feel terror and sympathy for every moment he is on screen. Just a wonderful film, with a terrifying and psychotic edge.
By Jack D. Phillips
A Zoom Film Review
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