"Lesní vrah" ("Forest Killer") covers the real story of a serial killer that terrorized the forests of Czech Republic in the mid-2000's. A film
that comes and goes without a shred of interest or thrills, neither offers any curious pyschological insight as to who was the silent and mysterious Viktor Kalivoda,
and just like the man himself no one will ever know the reasoning behind the triple homicide and the many suicide attempts he did before and after
the murders. In a nutshell, this is a very weak film without a purpose.
Kalivoda is played by Michael Balcar, and if there's a slight good reason that makes this film tolerable, if not watchable at times, it's because
of his commitment to a challenging role where silence is the key for his actions and reactions, a creepy mode that dominates the whole film that even
small talks with workers and the people he meets can frighten the audience very easily as you expect him to commit any act of insanity against others.
It's the basic profile we're accostumed to see as definied by witnesses and people who had early contacts with a future serial killer: lone wolf type,
very reserved, intelligent and possibly moody.
And if there's a curious moment related to Kalivoda is the fact he appeared on a popular quiz show and
earned a large sum of money - we usually know about cases of killers who appeared on dating game shows prior to murders and notoriety. Even that bit
from the game makes him look like a stone cold figure who doesn't seem to enjoy being in front of cameras and being popular. But it's the most curious
and interesting bit from the story, as this one stays focused in his quiet walks in the woods, waiting and searching for a potential victim, and we
follow him closely, hearing his footsteps and the sounds of nature.
Why "Forest Killer" fails so badly? The story makes of him a total mystery coming out of thin air and once there was an analysis of the individual,
investigations were conducted, there should be a way to construct this character a little better (or at least some imagination should be used). Instead,
it's just a series of situations, painfully tedious and nap inducing through the whole thing since we're stuck with this man rather than seeing the police
search for him (it's so jumpy that we never know exactly how he was found). That kind of film only works if audiences can find ways to analyze the
individual, see patterns and characteristics where you can sort of figure out behavior, choice of victims, past traumas etc; or on an ultimate scenario, to scare
audiences with the violence of acts - barely shown, mostly heard in this film.
There was no point to anything, despite some small qualities in its presentation and the relatively good acting from the lead. It'd probably work
if it was a short film, but it'd still be an empty experience about a soulless creature who wouldn't kill his own demons but unleashed them against
innocent people. 4/10.
