Just a few days after the community came together to recognize the 20 year anniversary of the 1990 Gainesville murders, an independent horror film entitled "The Gainesville Ripper" is set to premiere. The Director, Josh Townsend, grew up in Gainesville at the time of the murders and he said that he chose to make a film based on the serial killer who terrorized Gainesville because he has the perspective to tell the story the right way.
He said, "It was a story I thought I could tell right and they've been making so many serial killer movies, I knew eventually that someone would make a movie about it, so I wanted to try and do it in a way that I thought was appropriate."
But many in the community believe that making a horror film about Danny Rolling actually glorifies his heinous acts.
Sheriff Sadie Darnell expressed strong opposition to the film. She said, "Murder is not entertainment." Sheriff Darnell also said, "I won't go to the movie, I will not go watch the trailer, I won't put any of my energy into that...it's my belief that when we do, we give power to that sort of consumerism and i think it does damage to us individually and as a society."
Townsend said that he can understand the criticism, but believes that telling a true story, no matter how horrific, is valuable. He also added that a scary movie can actually serve as an important warning. He said, "The FBI says that there's 20-50 active serial killers at any given point in the country, so I think it's also a good reminder to let people know that there's people out there like this."
Additionally, Townsend emphasized that the timing of the premiere is coincidental and that his intention was never to be insensitive.
If you want to judge for yourself, "The Gainesville Ripper" is showing at Gator Cinemas tonight at 7:30. But keep in mind, it is graphic in nature and not suitable for all audiences.