It's hard to watch films like this. We immediately identify with those poor teachers who are just minding their own business and wander into hell. Any movie about psychotics is difficult because rational thought is beyond the scope of such a figure. This is the id personified. Since these people are not the hero types, just the folks next door, they don't have the ability to confront this kind of danger until it is too late. Considering this was the sixties, the execution type murder is so gut wrenching, not unlike the characters in "In Cold Blood." They could be us. The central figure, a gun toting nut case, is so threatening. For some reason, he looks so much bigger than everyone else. He taunts. He spits venom. He is, himself, a snake. There is no negotiating. The fact that they are teachers feeds into his hatred. He and his girlfriend were made to feel inadequate by teachers; it doubles the threat. I agree with other writers that this is about nightmares. Don't see it to enjoy it.
Review of The Sadist
