The Driller Killer Poster

The Driller Killer 1979

★ 5.2195 votes101 min📅 1979-06-15

"The Blood Runs In Rivers... And The Drill Keeps Tearing Through Flesh And Bone."

Dive into the gritty heart of 1970s New York with *The Driller Killer (1979)*, Abel Ferrara's raw and unsettling dive into urban decay, artistic struggle, and unraveling sanity.

Director: Abel Ferrara

Cast

Abel Ferrara
Abel Ferrara
Reno Miller
Carolyn Marz
Carol Slaughter
Baybi Day
Pamela
Harry Schultz
Dalton Briggs
Alan Wynroth
Al the Landlord
Maria Helhoski
The Nun
James O'Hara
James O'Hara
Man in Church
Richard Howorth
Stephen - Carol's Husband
Louis Mascolo
Knife Victim
Tommy Santora
Attacker

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Driller Killer (1979) about?

The film follows Reno, a struggling artist in 1970s New York City, whose spiraling mental health and financial woes drive him to prowl the streets at night. Armed with a power drill, he becomes a vigilante-like killer, targeting society's forgotten as a twisted outlet for his inner rage.

Who directed The Driller Killer?

Abel Ferrara, a filmmaker known for his bold and unconventional style, directed *The Driller Killer*. The movie remains one of his most infamous works, showcasing his knack for blending horror with raw urban realism.

Who stars in The Driller Killer?

The cast is led by Abel Ferrara himself, with Carolyn Marz, Baybi Day, Harry Schultz, and Alan Wynroth rounding out the key roles.

Is The Driller Killer (1979) worth watching?

While not for the faint of heart, *The Driller Killer* is a fascinating watch for fans of cult horror and gritty character studies. Its unflinching portrayal of madness and urban decay offers a unique, if disturbing, experience, especially in Ferrara's raw directorial style.

How long is The Driller Killer?

The film runs for 101 minutes, delivering a tight yet intense exploration of its themes.

🎥 Trailer

About The Driller Killer (1979) — Abel Ferrara's Nightmare of NYC's Darkest Streets

Dive into the gritty heart of 1970s New York with *The Driller Killer (1979)*, Abel Ferrara's raw and unsettling dive into urban decay, artistic struggle, and unraveling sanity. The film follows Reno, a struggling painter played by Ferrara himself, as mounting financial pressures and the chaos of sharing a grimy apartment with two roommates push him to the brink. Haunted by visions of violence and desperation, Reno transforms into a nocturnal predator, prowling the city's underbelly with a power drill—his twisted form of catharsis in a world that feels intent on crushing his dreams.

Ferarra crafts a nightmarish atmosphere thick with paranoia and dread, blending surreal imagery with the stark realities of late-70s New York. As Reno's grip on reality slips, so too does the film's grip on sanity, delivering a chilling descent into madness that lingers long after the credits roll. A cult classic in the horror genre, *The Driller Killer* remains a divisive but unforgettable exploration of isolation, creativity, and the thin line between victim and villain.