Watch The Minus Man

The Minus Man is a 1999 American independent thriller film directed by Hampton Fancher and based on the novel by Lew McCreary. The movie stars Owen Wilson, Sheryl Crow, and Dwight Yoakam in leading roles, with Brian Cox, Mercedes Ruehl, and Dennis Haysbert making notable appearances. The story follows Vann Siegert (Owen Wilson), a soft-spoken and unassuming drifter, who travels from one small town to another, leaving behind a string of dead bodies. Vann is a killer, but he does it in a gentle and methodical manner, without remorse, and with the intent to make others happy.

As the film begins, Vann arrives in a small town and lands a job at a local diner. The diner owner, Doug Durwin (Brian Cox), takes a liking to him and gives him a place to stay. Vann soon becomes a part of the community, and he strikes up a friendship with a couple, Ferrin (Sheryl Crow) and her boyfriend, Doug (Dwight Yoakam).

Ferrin is a recovering drug addict who is trying to put her life back together. She immediately takes an interest in Vann but is unaware of his violent tendencies. Vann, however, is drawn to Ferrin because she is vulnerable, and he sees in her an opportunity to be someone's hero.

At the same time, a local detective, Graves (Dennis Haysbert), is investigating a string of murders in the area, and he begins to suspect Vann's involvement. Graves is a seasoned detective who is good at his job, but he is also struggling with his own demons, including an ongoing affair with a married woman.

As the story progresses, Vann's past is slowly revealed through a series of flashbacks. His troubled childhood and dysfunctional family life are shown, providing a window into what motivates him to kill. We also learn that Vann has been using a variety of poisons to kill his victims, which he calls "minus factors," hence the title of the movie.

The Minus Man is a character-driven film that explores the psyche of a killer. Fancher does an excellent job of building tension and suspense, not through graphic violence but through quiet moments of introspection. There are no car chases or shootouts in this movie, but rather a slow burn that leads to a haunting and surprising conclusion.

The acting in the film is superb, especially from Owen Wilson, who delivers a chillingly nuanced performance as Vann Siegert. Wilson's ability to convey both charm and menace in a single scene is remarkable. Sheryl Crow also shines as Ferrin, displaying a vulnerability and strength that make her character as compelling as Wilson's.

Brian Cox and Dennis Haysbert are also excellent as a diner owner who befriends Vann and a detective who becomes obsessed with him, respectively. Dwight Yoakam, in a smaller role, adds depth to the story with his portrayal of Ferrin's boyfriend, who struggles with his own addiction issues.

The Minus Man received mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics praising its slow-burning suspense and nuanced performances, while others found it too slow and lacking in action. However, the film has gained a cult following over the years, with many viewers appreciating its unconventional take on the serial killer genre.

In conclusion, The Minus Man is a haunting and atmospheric thriller that delves into the mind of a killer. Fancher's direction and Wilson's performance make for a memorable and unsettling cinematic experience that is well worth watching.

The Minus Man is a 1999 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 51 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0 and a MetaScore of 56.