Eye of the Killer

Eye of the Killer is a 2000 movie. It tells the story of Detective Mickey Hayden (played by Kiefer Sutherland), a homicide detective who gains psychic abilities after a head injury. After he touches something he can see the past, usually an emotional event experienced by the owner of the item; often the victim through the eyes of the killer. Dr. Vera Swann (played by Polly Walker), a parapsychologist, Hayden's love interest. He uses this psychic ability to solve the "Jabberwocky" murders, a series of crimes committed ten years ago, that seem to be starting up again.

The film is a neo-noir with supernatural elements, and includes several gay characters, friends of Hayden's.

Characterization

Most of the cast and speaking roles were men, although several gay characters were positively portrayed. Dr. Vera Swann played the most significant female role: a "scientist" (parapsychologist) who advises Hayden. All the major characters were white. A few minor characters are African-American: one of Hayden's gay friends is African-American, and a transsexual hooker (Claudette).

Casting and production

The film was written and directed by men (Paul Marcus & Jeff Miller; Paul Marcus), but one of three producers was a woman — Tina Stern (others included Tom Kinnimont & Andre Paquette).

Intertextuality

"Eye of the Killer" is significantly referent to other works, particularly Alice in Wonderland — the film was originally named "After Alice". Referential elements include: Hayden fell down a whole before gaining his psychic powers; "Alice" is the victim; another character is named "Hatter"; and the serial killer is called the "Jabberwocky" serial killer.

The film may also reference "Harvey" (Hayden, a habitual drunk , runs into a fellow named Harvey, who is not, however, imaginary).

The premise is similar to the TV series "Medium" and the film "The Dead Zone".