Shivangi Sinha
In Terry McDonough’s ‘Damaged,’ an action-crime thriller, the setting is the world of serial killers. While this genre has been explored extensively on screen, ‘Damaged’ distinguishes itself by prioritizing well-developed characters over gore and gritty scenes. The film follows Detective Dan Lawson, based in Chicago, who has previously pursued a serial killer five years ago until the trail went cold. Upon learning of a similar MO serial killer in Scotland, Lawson ventures there to collaborate with Detective Glen Boyd.
Both men are grappling with personal demons — Boyd with the grief of losing a son and Lawson with the weight of past failures that allowed a serial killer to escape years ago. Despite their vulnerabilities and personal struggles, they pursue the elusive killer. While the film initially follows a familiar trajectory, it deftly surprises the audience with unexpected plot twists that keep them on the edge of their seats. With its well-rounded and realistic characters, viewers may ponder the possibility of such high-stakes chases occurring in real life.
Where Does Damaged Draw Its Inspirations From?
The genesis of ‘Damaged’ was a collaborative effort by Paul Aniello, Gianni Capaldi, and Koji Steven Sakai, drawing from their collective creativity and inspiration. Capaldi, who also stars in the film as Glen Boyd, draws upon his love for thriller films, finding inspiration in classics like ‘Se7en,’ ‘Silence of the Lambs,’ ‘The Bone Collector,’ and ‘Zodiac.’ He expressed a desire to delve into this genre and was particularly impressed by the quality of writing in recent UK thriller shows. The challenge of crafting a script set in the world of serial killers allowed them to infuse the story with unique settings, dialogue, and mannerisms, resulting in a script that felt fresh and distinctive.
Capaldi highlighted the importance of developing strong character dynamics, drawing inspiration from the mentorship dynamic between Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt’s characters in ‘Se7en.’ To achieve a similar chemistry, he worked closely with Samuel L. Jackson, who portrays Dan Lawson in the film. Together, they sat and analyzed each crime scene and worked on building a rapport reminiscent of the mentor-mentee relationship. This collaborative effort translated authentically to the screen and gave us a realistic impression of them as working partners.
Capaldi offered a personal perspective on channeling emotions of loss and grief, revealing that he drew from his own recent experience of losing his grandmother just a month before the shooting began in February 2023. He explained that being raised by his grandmother made her loss particularly profound for him. This raw and recent life experience enabled him to infuse his character with real emotions of grief, lending genuineness to his portrayal on screen. ‘Damaged’ demonstrates hyper-realism by portraying the serial killer with a distinctive modus operandi, a detail that reflects the thorough research conducted by the creators.
Serial killers often exhibit specific patterns or methods in their crimes, and this characteristic is echoed in the film. For example, some serial killers thoroughly plan their murders, selecting victims based on specific criteria such as age, gender, or occupation. One notorious example is Ted Bundy, who targeted young women with long hair and often approached them with a fake injury or used a ruse to gain their trust before attacking. Another example is Dennis Rader, AKA the BTK Killer, who employed a systematic approach by planning his murders and frequently sending taunting letters to the media and police to boast about his crimes.
Filming ‘Damaged’ amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Scotland was a deliberate choice, one that lends the film an unparalleled sense of grandeur and culture. With his Scottish roots, Capaldi brings a unique perspective to the project, infusing each frame with an honest understanding of the land and its people. From quaint village squares to rugged coastlines, every scene imbues hints of Scottish culture. One example is the inclusion of passionate discussions about the Celtic Football Club, a cherished emblem of Scottish identity. These moments deepen the characters’ personalities and place them in a believable setting.
The creative brilliance of the film’s creators is unmistakable, evident in their ability to craft a movie from scratch that naturally integrates into the fabric of the real modern world. Through masterful storytelling and nuanced character development, the film explores themes of loss, grief, resilience, and the forging of human connections. This commitment to authenticity sets ‘Damaged’ apart and draws viewers into a story that resonates long after the credits roll.
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