"The Gray Man" Review - Written by Mathius Mack Gertz

Title: The Gray Man
Review Date: April, 2010
Year: 2007, USA
Director: Scott L Flynn
Starring:
Patrick Bauchau ... Albert Fish
Jack Conley ... Det. Will King
John Aylward ... Captain Ayers
Jillian Armenante ... Delia Budd
Silas Weir Mitchell ... Albert Fish, Jr.
Vyto Ruginis ... Detective Maher
Mollie Milligan ... Gertrude
Lexi Ainsworth ... Grace Budd
MPAA Rating: R
Studio: Animationwerks
Distributor: Monarch Home Video
Running time: 96 minutes
Official Website: www.monarchvideo.com

Dominated by the tour de force turn by Patrick Bauchau, The Gray Man tells the story of the tracking and capture of infamous kidnapper and cannibal Albert fish in 1934. With a decidedly television movie feel, director Flynn chooses to let our imaginations work for us instead of giving us graphic horror as in Silence of the Lambs or Hannibal. This is probably a good thing; for the murder and devouring of children is still touchy fare; even in this day and age of non-shock-ability.

The production values for a period piece on a relatively low $1.3 million dollar budget are excellent. It is unfortunate that a larger budget and better script were not available because the material is so compelling it is a shame that it is direct to video and not getting a big screen turn. Jack Conley as Detective Will King in slightly cartoonish but still in keeping with the Edward G Robinson school of flatfoot portrayal that was common in the 1930’s The best thing about the film is the visceral feeling of disgust and revulsion that one gets for Albert Fish while watching it. That alone separates the film from the category of also rans and makes it worthwhile entertainment worthy of your time.

Review Rating: Four Stars.