I first read about Tony Vorno's "Victims" in brilliant book by Stephen Thrower "Nightmare USA: The Untold Story of Exploitation Independents". After reading Chapter 13 I wanted to see this utterly obscure and very bleak serial killer movie. Finding a copy wasn't simple, but certainly worth looking for.
Paulie occasionally murders women. He was abused by his prostitute mother Paula, her friend - an alcoholic hooker Sheila and her perverted pimp. A childhood trauma prompts Paulie to become violent and unpredictable. He slowly lurches into madness and the murders of women begin. Murders full of fear, fury and anger.
The central performance of Tony Vorno/ Daniel DiSomma is excellent. His portrayal of frustrated killer is on par with Joe Spinell's haunting role in William Lustig's "Maniac". The character of Paulie is both sad and comical. Unfortunately Paul becomes very dangerous during his encounters with women. The rape attempt of Marianne, the psychiatrist's secretary is quite harrowing and disturbing without relying on sexual violence. "Victims" is loaded with extensive flashbacks which show the origins of Paulie's madness. Paulie is like the child trapped in man's body. Traumatized child with the penchant for rape and violence.
"Victims" was never released in the United States, Canada, Mexico and South America. If you liked downbeat serial killer movies like "Deranged", "Nightmare", "Angst", "Maniac", "Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer", "Don't Go in the House" or "Don't Answer the Phone" you can't miss this neglected cult classic. 9 serial killers out of 10.
