After having watched THE POUGHKEEPSIE TAPES for so many years online, it's odd to have a "legitimate" release of the film now available. In a way, it's bitter-sweet, since it had enjoyed such a dark, mythic life on the internet. The "tapes" are suitably gritty, grimy, and at times, difficult to watch. From the first abduction / murder (of a child), to the last, the atmosphere is bleak, doom-filled, and insane.
The stalking of Cheryl Dempsey, takes us along like co-conspirators while this madman operates. One scene in particular, wherein the killer creeps up on his victim on all fours like some sort of animal, is truly unforgettable, generating quite an uncomfortable viewing experience! Like something found by accident on the dark net!
Upon first viewing TPT, one is struck by its realism. Its "documentary" style makes it feel all the more like this guy could actually be "out there" somewhere.
Of course, this is also art reflecting reality, since we all know about the state of our world. Hell, in a sense, the killer in TPT does exist / has existed. Any casual viewing of COLD CASE FILES, FORENSIC FILES, etc., bears this out. Having grown up on Gacy, Bundy, Dahmer, et al,, imagine stumbling upon their video collections! TPT delivers that sort of terror, making us very uneasy in the process.
Is it perfect? No, but it is very effective.
LESSONS LEARNED FROM THIS MOVIE: #1- Never leave your children unattended, even in your front yard.
#2- Never let a stranger into your car. Ever!
#3- Do NOT allow your children to sell cookies door-to-door.
#4- Never get too comfortable in your own home. And don't think your boyfriend can help you!
#5- When will we ever learn to NOT accept rides from strangers? Just don't do it, folks!...
