Copycat

Copycat is a truly unpleasant serial killer thriller about a serial killer who copies the misdeeds of famous serial killers down to the smallest detail. M. J. Monahan and Ruben Goetz of the police homicide department are investigating the murders of women, but Monahan insists on getting expert help with the case, as the department has no experience whatsoever of serial killers.

So far the police have received anonymous phone calls with advice and guidance about the murders. Monahan and Goetz trace the calls to Dr. Helen Hudson, a renowned psychologist who is an expert on the psyche of serial killers. They seek out Helen Hudson to ask for her assistance. She agrees and indeed proves to be an extremely effective help. Helen, however, has her attacks of paranoia and agoraphobia (fear of open spaces), which mean that she only dares work within her own four walls. Helen's mental imbalance stems from an unpleasant encounter with one of her fans, the serial killer Darryl Lee Cullum, who very nearly took her life.

This time the killer is no less cunning, for Helen plays a part in his plan. He is always a length ahead of the investigating team led by Monahan. The film comes close to ending in the killer's favour.

Copycat is nail-biting suspense that does not need to resort to large quantities of stage blood to create its eerie atmosphere. It was a little unsatisfying not to be told more about the killer's background and psychology, but otherwise there is not much you can put your finger on.

It was exciting to see Weaver in a role that is almost the exact opposite of the roles with which she has won her star status. True, she plays it hyper-intelligent as Helen Hudson, but her character is also a weak, mentally unstable and frightened woman. Holly Hunter has then snapped up the role that seemed obvious for Weaver, namely that of Monahan, who has learnt to pack her feelings away as a clear-headed and competent policewoman.