Short but not sweet low-budget import from notorious German director Buttgereit (of Nekromantik infamy) has Florian Koerner von Gustorf playing sexually deviant serial killer Lothar who's been dubbed "The Lipstick Killer" by the local press. This follows the events leading up to his accidental death (where he fell off a ladder while painting over blood in his apartment) and is told in flashback while his body lays surrounded in paint and blood on the floor.

Engrossing and extremely strange with a concept that works well and manages to be pretty original; this definitely isn't for all and is loaded with stuff North American filmmakers wouldn't even dare attempt. And while there's a few moments of laughably fake gore (like the eyeball scene) this is starkly directed with talent and has a nicely tied together script even if not much seems to happen.

While with some flaws (doesn't every movie have some?) this is certainly impressive stuff. Just try not to cringe when Lothar combines his skill with a hammer and a certain private part of his anatomy.

Beware certain prints in which the subtitles are difficult to see (because they're in white) and don't fit the frame properly.

Directed By: Jorg Buttgereit.
Written By: Jorg Buttgereit, Franz Rodenkirchen.

Starring: Florian Koerner von Gustorf, Monika M.