IFC Films have unveiled a domestic poster and trailer combo for their upcoming release of Michael Winterbottom’s controversial neo-noir “The Killer Inside Me” based on the pulp novel by Jim Thompson.
The film centers on sheriff Lou Ford, a bored small-town West Texas cop played by Casey Affleck who spirals into a ruthless, sociopathic murderer digging himself further and further into a hole by trying to cement his innocence when evidence looks suspicious. Jessica Alba, Kate Hudson, Simon Baker, Bill Pullman, Ned Beatty and Elias Koteas all co-star.
While this trailer takes a more conservative marketing route and isn’t nearly as electric as its international counterpart which decided to poke fun at its earlier festival controversies, it does feature plenty of new material including a detailed look at Affleck’s relationships with his two romantic interests, played by Alba and Hudson, as well as his obligations as a sheriff. At the very least, it’s a great companion piece to that trailer with both hopefully bringing more attention to what looks like a potential tour-de-force performance by Affleck.
Our IFFBoston review described the character Ford as “a vehicle for a straight up study on the mind of a killer” from whom we’ll “exclusively be receiving the point of view of his twisted character.” Another writer’s review said the film “[was] brilliant, gloriously absurd in spots, employed excellent use of music and even had Kubrick-ian shades to it.” (And this trailer happens to feature a quote by Stanley Kubrick, who worked with Jim Thompson frequently, as well).
“The Killer Inside Me” hits theaters through IFC Films July 18th.