The opening quote of Cowboy Killer contains at least one typo. The film stars non-famous, non-actors. The sound effects are occasionally out of sync with the visuals. The visual effects are sometimes non-existent, and often unconvincing. The film is full of silly dick jokes, flat characters, and is generally crude.
Yet, there is something lovable about it.
More importantly, there is something oddly fascinating about the film. In a world of derivative studio films, mass-produced direct-to-DVD schlock, and insipid cable movies, there is something to be said for a truly independent cinematic experience. Even a jaded film critic can be surprised by this no-budget film evocative of the drive-in/grindhouse days of yesteryear, made by a generation raised on Clerks. It has a certain level of honesty, an authenticity, that is hard to find in today’s focus group driven climate.
Cowboy Killer starts out with a group of guys drinking and driving their way to a strip club before going to the homecoming dance. One of their girlfriends gets tired of waiting for her beau and accepts a ride from a stranger, a cowboy who claims to be going to homecoming despite being 30 years out of high school. This just isn’t any cowboy though. He is Roy, the cowboy killer.
(Perhaps he is more of a killer cowboy. Cowboy killer sounds like he would be a murderer who offs cowboys instead of a cowboy who murders regular people. Meh, to each his own.)
Quickly enough, the cowboy killer is making out with the girlfriend’s severed head in the front seat of his Ford F-250. In fact, Roy (quite randomly) kills a large portion of the cast. He subsequently fantasizes befriending them, having picnics, dinner parties and the like. Trying to stop this (surprisingly polite) madman on his demented quest are two slow-witted cops, two slower-witted cable guys, the staff of the local titty bar, the town drunk, and the lone survivor of the opening scene.
People are stabbed, shot, beaten, and old ladies are run over. Gratuitous nudity runs rampant. Characterization range from the broad to the very broad. All the while, the film plays with familiar tropes: the police chief makes the entire force (both members) turn in their badges, and we get a “trying on clothes montage” starring the serial killer.
It is remarkably entertaining, and has a strong potential for cult film status. Cowboy Killer is the bastard child of Basket Case and American Psycho (not as good as the former but better than the latter). It’s not something that you want to watch with your grandma, but would probably make for an entertaining evening with a group of drunken friends.
Surprisingly, the disc contains Special Features. These include the film’s trailer, a six-minute blooper reel, and a commentary track. The commentary track is the highlight here. It consists of a large group of the cast/crew pointing out the film’s mistakes, non-sequiturs, and which extras have been arrested for robbing banks.
No, seriously.
Cacchioti Productions presents Cowboy Killer. Directed by Jason Baustin. Written by James Camery, Ben Solenberger and Jason Baustin. Starring Paul Bailey. Running Time: 80 minutes. Unrated. Released on DVD June 17th, 2008.
