Watch Memories of a Murderer: The Nilsen Tapes

In the year 2021, the documentary-style movie "Memories of a Murderer: The Nilsen Tapes" tells the story of one of Britain's most notorious serial killers, Dennis Nilsen. The film features tapes of interviews with Nilsen conducted by journalist Brian Masters while the killer was in prison. With the help of police experts and witnesses, the documentary piece unveils the gruesome details of Nilsen's crimes, and his twisted mind.

The movie starts with a recording of Nilsen speaking about his upbringing, his jobs, and his first victims. He admits that he killed 15 people over the span of five years, beginning in the late 1970s. He explains that he targeted mostly young, vulnerable men, who he strangled or drowned. Nilsen's shocking statements are intercut with news footage of the time, which adds another layer of horror to the revelations.

The documentary unfolds with a chronological account of the investigation into Nilsen's crimes, including his arrest and subsequent trial. It draws from interviews with the police officers who investigated the case, as well as the families of Nilsen's victims. The filmmakers explore the impact of Nilsen's crimes on society and highlight the systemic failures that allowed him to escape detection for so long.

There are also several reenactments in the movie, featuring actors portraying both Nilsen and some of his victims. These segments are highly disturbing, but they do add an element of realism to the movie. The use of archival footage, including crime scene photos and video diaries, is similarly effective in capturing the gruesome details of Nilsen's deeds.

Throughout the movie, one gets a glimpse of Nilsen's twisted psyche, and his inability to feel empathy or remorse. His statements are sometimes chilling in their matter-of-factness, and viewers come to the realization that he was motivated by a deep, dark need to possess people through murder. The interviews with Nilsen make it clear that he was not insane, but rather, evil in the truest sense of the word.

Overall, "Memories of a Murderer: The Nilsen Tapes" is a difficult but compelling watch. The filmmakers have woven together a narrative fraught with tension and horror, which is tempered by interviews with those impacted by the case. The journal footage adds an extra layer of realism, and truly makes the viewer feel like they are inside the killer's mind. While it is not for the faint of heart, this piece is worth watching as it shines a light on the investigation of one of Britain's most shocking serial killers.

Memories of a Murderer: The Nilsen Tapes is a 2021 documentary. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.