In 1966, former U.S. Marine Charles Whitman barricaded himself on the roof of a University in Texas with an arsenal of firearms. (Investigators can't explain how Whitman was able to carry his arsenal all the way to the top, claiming it physically impossible for a human of his size) He then proceeded to shoot random
people on the campus below killing 13, and wounding 32. The tragedy was televised and gained Whitman notoriety as "The Texas Tower Sniper". Later Whitman was gunned down, putting an end to his military like sniper murder and mayhem.
Whitman had previously that day killed his mother leaving a note on her front door: "Mother is sick today". He then murdered his wife, stabbing her to death and then killed the family puppy. Curiously, Whitman left suicide, confession notes, at the site of his horrendous crimes. He knew what he was doing in my opinion, or he wouldn't have left the notes, so I can only consider his actions in the tower as a ritualistic suicide. In one of his notes requested an autopsy to be performed on his part, due to massive headaches he had been suffering for a prolonged period of time. A tumor the size of a golf ball was found in his brain.
Well, that's the story of Sniper. Sniper is a dramatization of the tragedy that took place on 1966. A very young Kurt Russell had the lead role as Whitman. At the time Kurt was involved in several Disney projects acting mainly in comedies, and just like Leo, probably felt the need shaking off his cute boy image. Ned Beatty also has a part.
Sniper was a television production from NBC and is above average for its time. Kurt delivers a creepy silent presence as plans his actions, and then carries his arsenal to the roof top. Sniper is realistically made even though a couple of facts has been changed for the purpose of the films pace and drama.
My VHS copy was called "Deadly Tower", and I just found it on Amazon on a DVD-R. It got mixed reviews according to picture quality, but what do you expect from a TV production from 1975, F**king 3 D?
Directed by Jerry Jameson of AIRPORT 77 fame, who also directed Bonanza and Gun smoke in the 90's. Do not mistake Sniper with the Tom Berenger films, that are awful by the way.
If you're a moron "True Crime" buff like me, I recommend Sniper at all costs. It's an above average production that will please fans of the genre, and keep you on the edge of your seat.
November 24, 2010
