More often than not, films gain a cult following purely by accident. That’s almost the point. However every now and again filmmakers present their work with the sole intention of achieving that cult status, and it simply feels too contrived, defeating the object somewhat. Henry Saine’s Bounty Killer can be accused of just that, in a film that is full to the brim of corny one-liners. There are only so many you can implement before they lose their impact – and this feels like a screenplay made up of t-shirt slogans.
Set in the not too distant future, we enter into a post-apocalyptic society where corporations have displaced the government. However a rebellion is sparked amongst the people, and the Council of Nine have issued death warrants for all of the guilty, white collar criminals. Those undertaking the murders are the Bounty Killers – a heroic and adulated group whose determination to put an end to corporate greed makes them celebrities, as they kill for stardom as well as their pay-check. However when a long-standing killer (Matthew Marsden) finds he has a warrant over his head for crimes committed in his shady and elusive past, the predator becomes the prey, as alongside his sidekick Jack (Barak Hardley), the pair venture across the barren wasteland to plead his innocence. Though with a hefty sum on his head, he knows it’s going to be a long ride, especially with the dangerous and seductive Mary Death (Christian Pitre) on his tail.
There’s no denying that the world Saine has created is an enjoyable one to be a part of, where killing is a lifestyle, and there’s a celebrity culture attached where the murderers are revered by the general public. However the picture is caught between being an absurd comedy, and a socio-political satire, not truly mastering either genre. Nonetheless, it’s an entertaining piece of cinema, and doesn’t take itself at all seriously – which can only be a good thing. Fans of the genre are bound to enjoy this and revel in the trashy approach, though others may struggle. Saine knows exactly who his target audience are, and tirelessly, and triumphantly, plays up to them.
Meanwhile, the setting works well, as the film predominantly takes place out in the vast wilderness. It’s a timeless setting and could be the backdrop for any era, deeming it a wise choice for a crew working on such a meagre budget. The modest sized finances are not too jarring either, as the compelling action sequences and variety of creative deaths, are actually rather well choreographed. Many of the heroes, and characters in a position of great authority, are refreshingly given to women, the majority of which are also physically lethal fighters. That being said, and especially the case with Mary Death, it seems the frustrating cliches of the B movie genre are still enforced, as the women are also objects of sexual desire, wearing very little when in combat. Above anything else, it’s just impractical.
The problem with films of this ilk, is that the joke wears thin somewhat, and the concept, which initially is rather good fun, grows tired and tedious as we progress towards the latter stages, as you begin to crave a film that’s just a little more accomplished. Though that being said, if you’re flicking through the more ignored, niche channels on your digital box, there are worse films you could stumble across.
[Rating:2/5]
