The Driller Killer by Abel Ferrara

The Driller Killer (USA, 1979; directed by Abel Ferrara) tells the story of the aspiring artist Reno (played by Ferrara under his stage name Jimi Laine) who is driven mad by his struggles and the pressure of urban life in New York City. Reno shares his apartment with his girlfriend and her friend, who unbeknownst to him, are carrying on a lesbian affair. Despite being urged by his girlfriend to finish his painting of a buffalo faster in order to pay the bills, Reno refuses, believing in the integrity of his art. The Roosters, a punk rock band, soon move into a neighbouring apartment and begin practising loudly at all hours. Reno’s inability to concentrate exacerbates his already apparent madness. After finally being completed, Reno’s painting is rejected by the head of the art gallery. Reno finally snaps and begins using an electric drill to murder.

Driller Killer was banned in the UK and in Germany. In 2002 the movie was released uncut in the UK, but never in Germany. Many cut versions of the movie still exist, which show scenes of drilling into heads and abdomens blacked-out. The uncut version of the movie does show certain parts blanked out using the colour red, most notably the final scene; however, this is intentional and done for theatrical effect.

Tributes to the movie The Driller Killer in music: Early British punk band The Damned reference the film in their song “Nasty,” which is itself an ode to various video nasties. Skinny Puppy mention the title of the film in their song “Hexonxonx.” Danish Psychobilly band Nekromantix, UK hardcore punk band Disorder, US death metal band Mortician all wrote songs inspired by the film, all entitled “Driller Killer” (the latter also included a sample from the film in their song). Portland-based band Frightmare pay tribute to the film in their song “The Blood Runs In Rivers…”. Swedish Crust punk band Driller Killer took their name from the movie.