The tag line for this flick's dated trailer reads, "when he's around, nothing quite adds up." That maybe so. For me though, The Minus Man as a September 1999 release, "adds" up to something mighty special. It's underrated. In fact it's so underrated that hardly anyone in the free world bothered to see it (it played on about 45 screens total). I hope my enthusiastic review might stir up a small cult following. After all, any movie this good, deserves a little resurrection.Directed by the guy who scripted the futuristic Blade Runner and possessing daydreaming sequences that involve two philosophical detectives, The Minus Man follows the journey of low key serial killer Vann (with 2 n's) Siegert. Owen Wilson plays Siegert and at the time, he took this serious role in between comedic stints like The Cable Guy (1996) and his big hit Wedding Crashers (2005). I gotta admit, his performance is pretty impressive. He comes off as a relaxed, laid back psychopath. His character seems to be nonchalant, carefree, and having the equivalency of a resting heart rate in the mid 30's (just a little movie speculation).He's a drifter who according to the proceedings, lost his father, doesn't owe anyone any money, and wants to I guess, end people's lives because of their suffering (I guess he's that kind of sicko). He goes around poisoning people by persuading them to take a drink out of his silver flask full of Amaretto. It is mentioned that he may be from Oregon and is heading down the California coast. He decides to stop at a small town and rent out a room. While there, he gets a job as a postal worker all the while continuing to commit murders as he masquerades as a normal, shy person. He even befriends a married couple (The Durwins played by Brian Cox as Doug Durwin and Mercedes Ruehl as Jane Durwin) and catches the eye of a co-worker in Ferrin (played by Janeane Garofalo). Everyone seems to like him and take him in. He's easy to be around, seems to be attractive to woman, and is even able to evade any policemen who don't seem to take the time to wanna solve his killings (there is a sketch of his face in the local newspaper and it looks nothing like him).Throughout The Minus Man's 1 hour 50 minute running time, you never sense that he is in any danger of getting caught or spending his life in prison. That element, which was interpreted by myself, only added to the calm, creepy vibe that forced me to think about things long after the final credits rolled.The Minus Man although categorized as your typical crime drama, is different in that it focuses more on the antagonist and hardly ever hones in on the authority figures trying to capture him. Its plot and the unmotivated actions by the main character aren't exactly clear. However, you'll still be pulled in as a viewer because of the stylishness, the somberness, and the cast of capable B-listers (Brian Cox, Janeane Garofalo, and rock star Sheryl Crow).The script is wittingly and intelligently written by director Hampton Fancher. As mentioned earlier, he co-wrote the sci-fi bender Blade Runner. If you've seen that film, you can tell that he uses his touches as a writer in that same light featured here. He's totally complex in his wording. There's a little bit of irony and you'll notice by the dialogue spoken by the actors, that nothing is what it seems. I thought it was interesting that this is the only vehicle he has ever helmed (but you wouldn't know it). He knows where to put the camera, he's good with light (I like certain scenes that are shown in a ray of bright sunshine), he lets his shots pan out, and he edits well in cuts. "Minus" was made 16 years ago. I kinda wish Hampton wasn't out of the loop and maybe someday, he could put out something new (doesn't matter what genre, I'm game).All in all, I dig this movie's title, I love its indie feel, and I think what translates on screen, is a capably numbed down thriller. Upon a second viewing, I now dub it as quietly, almost sheepishly disturbing stuff. And give credit to Wilson for being in almost every frame not to mention holding the screen in the palm of his hand (without doing a lot, just underplaying to perfection). Overall, as a rare art flick depicting a psycho killer, The Minus Man is nocturnal bliss from the reclusive 76 year old Fancher. It gets a "plus" for being a solid, late 90's cinematic tool of faux translation.

I woke up in the middle of the night and knew it was useless to try to get back to sleep immediately. This was on. Yes, it stars Owen Wilson, who is definitely a minus man for me, but it was shown at Sundance, so I gave it a shot.It was certainly different. Not the usual serial killer type of movie. He also just arranged things and watched them happen. he never really seemed engaged in killing and he often fantasized about getting caught.So, why, you may ask, did he do it? Good question, and, no, I don't really know the answer.I did get to see Janeane Garofalo, so it wouldn't be a total loss. I was worth watching, even at 2 am.

Owen Wilson, the famous COMEDY guy, stars in this almost surreal thriller-drama about a different kind of serial killer who travels along the country to pick up innocent victims and poison them for their soul defects and obvious unhappiness.As you could suggest, Wilson is the highlight here. The storyline is very deep, but it never manages to top his impressive performance. The guy should do more drama. I never knew he was that talented until The Minus Man. Considering Wilson's undoubtedly successful career as a comedian, this movie is his art moment and it's not that famous. Too bad, because it's been almost 10 years and Wilson hasn't made anything like that. What a pity.Anyway, the storyline is indeed very deep and thoughtful, full of things you can't understand or apprehend at the moment. It requires second viewing although the "experience" element won't be there. It's a very emotional ride, but if you insist on receiving explanations for everything, you'd better avoid The Minus Man and pick up something like Ridley Scott's Hanibal. This movie is definitely not for everyone.I guess I could call it innovative since Wilson's character is one of a kind serial killer. He says "I feel like a light in the dark, they come to me like moths, because I shine". Vann is intelligent, quiet and friendly. He is the perfect "Good guy" who simply can't be suspicious. This is some terrific writing. I've never watch such a simple, yet incredibly complex killer-thriller.The Minus Man is highly recommended. Perfect dark, psychological thriller with almost no flaws, splendid music tone and high class acting.

I really liked this movie because it's not you're typical serial killer kinda flick, i mean ya , you do see people getting killed, but this guy is like nice to his victims and all, and really knows how to schmooze, sorta like Gary Gilmore,, but better i think. Owen Wilson, deserves kudos for this role,, i didn't think that he'd be able to pull of a serious role, but yet look at this he did it, with honors i must say,, only part of the movie i didn't care for was the way the cops were used in the flashback scenes, but hey other than that,, i also like the ending,, very classy i must say. Jeanane Garrofolo, gosh i'm sorry i think i butchered her name again,, is very sexy, and skinny in this one,, kind very cute,, sinful,, didn't really understand too much why he hit her,, but so powerful when she brought the dogie in to protect her.. very well done film,, about a weird, but likable serial killer who you would really never ever suspect, would really pull the wool over anyone's eyes,, i sure as heck wouldn't have suspected him.. i mean what serial killer would join the manhunt to find the victim that you just killed,, go check it out , you won't be disappointed.