DOUBLE EXPOSE
US, 2017, 87 minutes, Colour.
Melissa Archer, Brandon Beemer, Graham Hamilton, Bryan Murphy, Alicia Ochse, Jesse D.Goins.
Directed by Chris Jaymes.
The content and style of this film are familiar. It is the detective investigation of a serial killer, a kind of vigilante who is punishing those who lead double immoral lives.
The detective on the case is Maxine, played by Melissa Archer, absolutely dedicated to her work, partnering with a sympathetic Nick Curtis, played by Brandon Beemer. Maxine is in a difficult relationship with a teacher, Simon, Graham Hamilton. He wants to propose. She puts him off.
The investigation leads to a website where clients can enrol, indulge in their practices, yet have anonymity. Ultimately, they are exposed, leading to a complication with Maxine and her close friend, Jennifer.
There are dangers for Maxine, considering her to be the target of the serial killer, a final confrontation, and unmasking, one of the central characters but who has been fairly unobtrusive.
A short film for those who enjoy detective stories and the tracking of serial killers.
1. Serial killer’s story? Detective story? The personal life of the detective?
2. The city setting, homes, restaurants, shops, police precincts? The locations of the murders? The musical score?
3. The title? The identity of the killer? The unmasking?
4. The first murder, the caravan, the hanging? The interrogation of the victim’s wife, her being a suspect? His reputation? The website, the exposes of people and their immoral lives? The video clips, to the police, the masked killer? The second murder, sadomasochism, whipping, the hypocritical preacher? His disbelieving wife?
5. Maxine, complete dedication to her work, Nick Curtis as her partner? Jennifer and Greg as her friends? The party? The friendship with Jennifer, from the past, ambiguous, Jennifer and her hitting on Graham? Maxine on Graham together, his wanting to marry? Her putting him off? The revelation about her previous marriage? Ryan, his work in the department, challenging her? His stand up to Graham? His being discovered dead?
6. Officer in charge, the FBI intervening? Maxine, her own investigations? The tensions with Graham? His wanting to make up to her, buying the dress…?
7. Nick Curtis, his character, support of Maxine? The fears that the killer was targeting Maxine?
8. Maxine and her contact with the manager of the website, the manager of the agency and the anonymity of her clients? Exposed on television? Her being murdered? The revelation about Jennifer? Maxine and her disbelief?
9. The final summons, Maxine confronting the killer, the revelation is that it was Greg, his abducting Jennifer? Confrontations, shooting?
10. Maxine, reconciled with Graham, learning a lesson, becoming more human?
