Watch Profilers - Gaze Into the Abyss

As a documentary film, "Profilers - Gaze Into the Abyss" explores the nature of serial killers and the work of criminal profilers in hunting them down. Directed by Donato Totaro with interviews from some of the world's foremost experts on the subject, the film is a sober look at some of humanity's darkest corners. The movie's strength comes from its attention to detail, answering some of the most pressing questions about the subject. How do profilers get into the minds of killers? What is it that makes certain people more prone to commit such heinous crimes? What are the commonalities among serial killers and how can investigators track them down?

The film takes a multi-faceted approach, opening with an introduction to the nature of crime profiling and showcasing some of the most interesting cases solved through these means. Several high-profile cases are featured, including that of the Unabomber and the DC sniper, as well as several lesser-known cases from Europe.

The interview subjects featured in the movie are some of the most respected experts in the field. Roger L. Depue, a former chief of the FBI's Behavioral Science Unit, offers insight into the way that profiling has evolved over the years. Stephan Harbort, a German profiler, offers a fascinating perspective on how the approach differs in Europe versus the US. Other experts featured in the film include Dr. Brent Turvey, a forensic scientist, and Prof. David Wilson, a criminologist.

Together, these experts offer fascinating insights into the dark world of serial killers. We learn about the differences between organized and disorganized killers, as well as the reasons why certain people become serial killers. The film goes on to showcase some of the techniques that profilers use to develop a profile of the killer, including analysis of crime scenes and victimology.

One of the highlights of the movie is its focus on international cases. We learn about the way that European investigators approach cases differently than their American counterparts, as well as some of the challenges that come with cross-border investigations. For example, one case involving a French serial killer highlighted how the killer's technique of targeting young children gave investigators vital clues as to his identity.

Throughout the film, the viewer is given an appreciation for the complexity of the subject matter. Profiling is not a magic bullet that can solve every crime, and the limitations of the approach are also explored. For example, some killers are simply too unpredictable or operate in such a way as to leave no trace of themselves behind. In such cases, profiling can only get investigators so far.

One of the strengths of the movie is its ability to balance the dark subject matter with a sense of detachment. The viewer is not asked to sympathize with the killers or the victims, but rather to understand the methods that investigators use to solve these heinous crimes. While some images from crime scenes can be graphic, the overall tone of the movie is one of professionalism and respect for the subject matter.

In conclusion, "Profilers - Gaze Into the Abyss" is a fascinating documentary that offers a glimpse into the minds of serial killers and the methods used to capture them. With a focus on international cases, the movie offers a broad perspective on the subject matter, while the interviews with world-renowned experts provide a depth of understanding that is unparalleled. Ultimately, the movie is an exploration of the darkness that lurks within humanity, and the methods that we use to bring it to light.

Profilers - Gaze Into the Abyss is a 2018 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes.