I think it's safe to say that the slasher is one of, if not the most beloved of all horror sub genres. More specifically, the 80's slasher. What is basically movies about serial killers slowly picking off a group of people. Usually teenagers and usually for a random, often very personal reason. These movies usually focus on the group above the killer, and mainly the one member of the group that is to survive. One of the most entertaining types of horror movies, but never to be taken the least bit seriously. A sub genre which horror itself became synonymous with during its 80's heyday. As the decade went on, the more unrealistic, and in many cases, less respectable they became. Perhaps these types of horror movies overshadowed certain others more deserving of our attention. One type in particular I have always found far more interesting. It's just too bad there aren't nearly as many of them. I'm talking about Serial killer movies of the 80's. Stories which are vaguely similar to that of slashers, but are more realistic and focus more on the killer. I'm sure we've all seen at least one. Movies like Maniac and Henry: Portrait Of A Serial Killer. One in particular, I'd like to talk about today. One that seems to have gone somewhat unnoticed. Nothing too original or groundbreaking, but still pretty entertaining. Certainly better than many slashers I've seen. Today, I'd like to talk about Murderlust.

Steve Belmont is not what one would call a nice guy. Steve doesn't seem to like or give a shit about anyone but himself. This doesn't take very long to figure out. He seemingly lives a pretty normal life, working as a security guard as well as a Sunday school teacher on the side. The sunday school gig is weird as Steve's personality away from the church often contradicts certain things he says while on the job. Why does he work there? He doesn't seem to be the least bit religious, and sure as hell doesn't seem to like kids very much. It's a job Steve more or less goes through the motions for, while always knowing the right things to say when questioned. Deep down, Steve is a lazy, immature scumbag with a sense of entitlement. While on Sundays, he's not. On Sundays, Steve is a great guy. Or at least he says the things a great guy would say. Seemingly not caring enough to put much feeling into his nice guy lines he so easily regurgitates once a week, there is obviously something up with this guy. Why the act? Does Steve need the money that bad? Or maybe it's all a cover. The perfect cover for his chosen hobby. Steve kinda sorta rapes and murders hookers, and buries their bodies in the Mojave desert.

Despite being an obvious sociopath who is pretty good at keeping his lies organized, Steve is a trainwreck of a human. An all around lousy attitude prevents him from having the life he probably thinks he deserves. Steve lives in a shitty apartment where he is visited often by his snide cousin who he seems to despise, but keeps around just in case he needs something. Neil is sure to let Steve know the feeling is mutual as he makes it quite clear he has no respect for Steve whatsoever. Their back and forth bickering is probably the highlight of the movie. Meanwhile, during Sunday school, Steve deals with an unruly teenage girl who seems to have an equally shitty attitude towards life. Steve chastizes and disciplines the girl, pretending to care about her well-being, while being unable to resist making subtle attempts at antagonizing her. Steve seems to think of this girl as some sort of opponent rather than the thorn in his side which he would have everyone assume.

As he reads "the Mojave murderer" headlines in the paper, Steve feels a sense of accomplishment nothing else in the world can give him. Steve may be an underachiever, and what many may call a piece of shit, but no one can take away from him the fact that he is very good at manipulating women. A gift that comes from pure hatred and resentment of the opposite sex. Whether he wants it or not, Steve gets a chance at a little normalcy as he runs into a girl from way back in high school. She claims to have had a crush on him, but he doesn't even remember her. They get to talking, one thing leads to another, and Steve finds himself in the early stages of a normal relationship with a woman. Steve has to be extra careful not to blow his cover if he wants to keep this one around. Throwing a tantrum when she tries to fuck him probably isn't the best move, but I'm guessing ol' Steve has a hard time getting it up when rape isn't involved. All I know is this guy better watch his step because this one might surprise him if provoked.

I can't help but notice a vague similarity between this movie and American Psycho. While Steve the immature loser is the antithesis of materialistic snob Patrick Bateman in just about every way, this movie seems to focus more so on the quirks than the psychosis. We've got a ringside seat for all his killings, but in this story, Steve's bloodlust often takes a backseat to his shitty attitude and all around irritable nature. It often feels as though I'm watching a movie about some asshole as opposed to one about a deranged serial killer. That might have a little to do with what little violence and blood this movie has to offer. I'm not sure what's going on there, but personally, this doesn't ruin the movie for me. Things are entertaining enough watching this mustached prick arrogantly pull fast one after fast one until the very end. What I like most about this movie is that the story is solely from the killer's point of view. No cops, no investigation. Just this fucking guy. Steve is a slick one, but not nearly as slick as he thinks. An Otis who thinks he's a Henry. A story about an insecure little man who believes everyone else is stupid. A story about a serial killer slowly digging his own grave. 5/10