Frisk
1995, USA, dir. Todd Verow, 88 mins

Frisk is an adaptation of Dennis Cooper's 1991 novel of the same name. The gay fiction writer, a proclaimed Sadean, is known for his graphic portrayals of the most unsightly corners of human desire — things like pedophilia, shit-eating, necrophilia, and murder. Frisk is arguably his most gruesome, chronicling in first-person the murderous desires of a gay serial killer. It blurs the lines between pleasure and violence, sex and death, and leaves the reader unresolved on whether the acts described are real or imagined.

The film, Verow's feature debut, captures the shocking and perverse horror of the novel without showing too much. It's tastefully camp and as endearing as an amature porno. Its low-budget form only enhances the story's seedy tone. It also features a very deep-cut role from Parker Posey — super random, super cunt.

From Frameline:

A first person narrative of the exploits of a gay serial killer in a deeply disturbing, controversial drama about violence, sexuality, and the imagination. Dennis, the main character, whose lead we follow on this path between what is real and what we can only hope is surreal. His friends attempt to determine if he’s truly a psychopath.

Todd Verow's notorious adaptation of Dennis Cooper's novel of the same name also stars Craig Chester, Michael Stock, Parker Posey, Alexis Arquette, Michael Waite, Alyssa Wendt, and James Lyons.



NOTES:
Interview with Dennis Cooper, 2021
Filmmaker Todd Verow On Dirty Movies, Queer-Sploitation and Dive Bars
Frisk film review by Jose Arroyo