The Collector (2009 film)

Last updated
The Collector
TheCollectorPoster.jpg
Theatrical release poster
Directed by Marcus Dunstan
Screenplay by
Based on
The Midnight Man [lower-alpha 1]
by
  • Patrick Melton
  • Marcus Dunstan
Produced by
  • Brett Forbes
  • Patrick Rizzotti
  • Julie Richardson
Starring
CinematographyBrandon Cox
Edited by
  • Alex Luna
  • James Mastracco
  • Howard Smith
Music by Jerome Dillon
Production
companies
Distributed by Freestyle Releasing
Release date
  • July 31, 2009 (2009-07-31)
Running time
90 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$3 million [2]
Box office$10.2 million [3]

The Collector is a 2009 American horror film written by Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan, and directed by Dunstan. [4] It stars Josh Stewart, Michael Reilly Burke, Andrea Roth, Juan Fernandez, Karley Scott Collins, Madeline Zima, and Robert Wisdom. The film follows a man who, in order to pay a debt, decides to rob a house, only to find out somebody with far more sinister intentions has already broken in.

Contents

The original script, titled The Midnight Man, was at one point shopped as a spin-off prequel to the Saw franchise, as an origin story for the villain John Kramer / Jigsaw, but the producers opposed the idea and dismissed it, leading to the script getting reworked to an original story. [5] [6]

The Collector was released on July 31, 2009, by Freestyle Releasing. It received generally negative reviews from critics, but was a moderate box office success, grossing $10.2 million against a $3 million budget. A sequel, The Collection , was released in 2012.

Plot

Married couple Larry and Gena Wharton return home and discover a large trunk upstairs, horrified by its contents. They are then attacked by an unseen assailant.

Former convict Arkin O'Brien works as a handyman for the Chase family. After work, he meets his wife, whose debt to loan sharks is due by midnight. To protect her and their daughter, Arkin plans to steal a valuable ruby from the Chase home.

As he is doing so, Michael, the father of the Chase family, appears, injured, triggers a trap, and is dragged into the basement by a masked man. Arkin attempts to call 911, but the phone is rigged with a spike that punctures his ear. The windows have been boarded up and lined with razors, making escape impossible.

Arkin retreats to the basement, where Michael informs him that his wife Victoria has also been captured, his older daughter Jill is out, and younger daughter Hannah is hiding in the house. Michael gives Arkin the combination to the safe, which contains a gun. Arkin grabs the gun (which has no bullets) and pockets the ruby.

Arkin finds a trunk containing a bloodied Larry. Larry explains that the masked man is a "collector" of people; he only collects one person from a household and kills everyone else. Horrified, Arkin flees and discovers that Michael is now dead. He frees a tortured Victoria, who is killed by the Collector.

Jill arrives home with her boyfriend Chad. Chad is killed when he is pushed into a room filled with bear traps. Jill manages to make a 911 call before being captured. Arkin frees Jill, only for her to be killed by a trap. Arkin escapes the house but sees the Collector approaching Hannah. Changing his mind, he reenters the house.

Arkin prepares a trap to kill the Collector, but the trap kills Larry instead. He sends Hannah down a laundry chute to the basement to hide. Before he can do the same, the Collector captures and brutally tortures him.

A police officer responding to Jill's 911 call is killed by the Collector's dog. Arkin frees himself and discovers a dead Victoria and armed explosives in the basement. After killing the Collector's dog and trapping the Collector in one of his own traps, Arkin escapes with Hannah.

He runs into the road to get the attention of police cars and is hit by one of the cars. He sees Hannah carried away by the police and tells them that the Collector was an exterminator working at the Chase house. The explosives detonate but the Collector gets away unharmed. While Arkin is being taken to the hospital, the Collector ambushes the ambulance and kills everyone except Arkin, whom he kidnaps.

In a post-credits scene, the Collector watches film slides on the trunk containing Arkin, who threatens to kill him.

Cast

Release

The Collector was theatrically released by Freestyle Releasing on July 31, 2009, in the United States, and on DVD on April 6, 2010. [7] A rental version was made available February 12, 2010, through Blockbuster Video's Exclusive Line. [8] The DVD includes two deleted scenes, and also an alternative ending which is Arkin leaving after seeing Hannah in the window –thus cutting off the remaining 25 minutes of the film.[ citation needed ]

Reception

Critical response

Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes reported that 28% of 75 critics were positive, with an average rating of 4.12/10. The site's critics consensus reads, "Increasingly tedious displays of gore makes this torture porn home-invasion-horror more programmatic than provocative." [9] On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 29 out of 100, based on 11 critics, indicating "generally unfavorable reviews". [10]

Clay Cane of BET noted that, "You will squirm, but aren't we getting a bit desensitized to these routine torture flicks? It's like seeing a pop songstress get naked for the billionth time – yeah, she's hot, but we have all seen it before." [11] Bloody Disgusting gave the film a 3.5/5 and wrote that The Collector is "a raw, gritty and uncompromising horror film that puts the previous Saw film to shame." The reviewer also believed that the character of the Collector had the potential to become a new horror icon. [12]

Box office

On the opening day, the film opened in 1,325 theaters, grossing $1,325,000. [13] The film has grossed $7,712,114. [14]

Sequels

Speaking about a sequel, Patrick Melton said in an interview:

I didn't think it necessarily would happen because while the movie did well for its budget, it certainly wasn't a blockbuster, but it did well enough that the film's producer, Mickey Liddell, wants to make a sequel and of course wants me and Marcus to be involved again. So we are seeing if we can work out some sort of a deal for us to write it and for Marcus to direct, but right now it's just in the deal stage. It is a possibility. I couldn't imagine it being made without Marcus directing it." [15]

Shooting on the second film, The Collection , began in October 2010, [16] and the film was released on November 30, 2012. Josh Stewart reprised his role as Arkin.

On May 2, 2019, Josh Stewart tweeted that another sequel titled The Collected, stylized as The Coll3cted, was happening along with a poster.

In April 2021, writers Marcus Dunstan and Patrick Melton admitted that the third film may not happen due to "creative disinterest" from producers and many of the props being stolen. [17]

Marcus Dunstan stated in an interview on June 6, 2022 that he still intends to finish the project. [18]

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ Although not stated in the film's credits, the Writers Guild of America lists the film as being based on "a screenplay" by the same writers, referring that the earlier script they shopped around, titled The Midnight Man, was considered as a separate project. [1]

Related Research Articles

<i>Hellraiser</i> 1987 film by Clive Barker

Hellraiser is a 1987 British supernatural horror film written and directed by Clive Barker, and produced by Christopher Figg, based on Barker's 1986 novella The Hellbound Heart. The film marked Barker's directorial debut. Its plot involves a mystical puzzle box that summons the Cenobites, a group of extra-dimensional, sadomasochistic beings who cannot differentiate between pain and pleasure. The leader of the Cenobites is portrayed by Doug Bradley, and identified in the sequels as "Pinhead".

<i>Saw</i> (film) 2004 American film by James Wan

Saw is a 2004 American horror film directed by James Wan, in his feature directorial debut, and written by Leigh Whannell from a story by Wan and Whannell. It is the first installment in the Saw film series, and stars Whannell alongside Cary Elwes, Danny Glover, Monica Potter, Michael Emerson, and Ken Leung.

<i>Halloween: Resurrection</i> 2002 film by Rick Rosenthal

Halloween: Resurrection is a 2002 American slasher film directed by Rick Rosenthal, who had also directed Halloween II in 1981. Larry Brand and Sean Hood devised the screenplay. The film is a direct sequel to Halloween H20: Twenty Years Later and the eighth installment overall in the Halloween franchise. It stars Busta Rhymes, Bianca Kajlich, Thomas Ian Nicholas, Ryan Merriman, Sean Patrick Thomas, Tyra Banks and Jamie Lee Curtis, with Brad Loree as the primary villain Michael Myers. This was the final installment of the H20 timeline of the Halloween franchise, which had just been rebooted with the previous film in 1998, before it was rebooted again in 2007 and again in 2018. The film follows Myers continuing his murderous rampage in his hometown of Haddonfield when his childhood house is used for a live internet horror show.

<i>Phantasm II</i> 1988 film by Don Coscarelli

Phantasm II is a 1988 American science fantasy action-horror film and the sequel to Phantasm (1979). It was written and directed by Don Coscarelli and stars Angus Scrimm, James LeGros and Reggie Bannister. The first film's protagonist, Mike, recently released from a mental institution, recruits Reggie and some new friends in an effort to defeat the villain Tall Man.

Friday the 13th is an American horror franchise that comprises twelve slasher films, a television series, novels, comic books, video games, and tie‑in merchandise. The franchise mainly focuses on the fictional character Jason Voorhees, who was thought to have drowned as a boy at Camp Crystal Lake due to the negligence of the camp staff. Decades later, the lake is rumored to be "cursed" and is the setting for a series of mass murders. Jason is featured in all of the films, as either the killer or the motivation for the killings. The original film, created to cash in on the success of Halloween (1978), was written by Victor Miller and was produced and directed by Sean S. Cunningham. The films have grossed over $468 million at the box-office worldwide.

<i>When a Stranger Calls</i> (2006 film) 2006 American thriller film by Simon West

When a Stranger Calls is a 2006 American psychological horror film directed by Simon West and written by Jake Wade Wall. The film stars Camilla Belle, Brian Geraghty, Katie Cassidy, Tessa Thompson and Clark Gregg. Belle plays a babysitter who starts to receive threatening phone calls from an unidentified stranger, played by both Tommy Flanagan and Lance Henriksen. It is a remake of Fred Walton's 1979 horror film of the same name, which became a cult classic for its opening 20 minutes, which this remake extends to a feature-length film.

<i>Halloween</i> (2007 film) Slasher film by Rob Zombie

Halloween is a 2007 American slasher film written, directed, and produced by Rob Zombie. It is a remake of John Carpenter's 1978 horror film of the same name and the ninth installment in the Halloween franchise. The film stars Malcolm McDowell, Sheri Moon Zombie, Tyler Mane, Scout Taylor-Compton, Brad Dourif, Danielle Harris, and William Forsythe. The "reimagining" follows Michael Myers who murdered his family as a child and becomes institutionalized at an asylum, before breaking out and stalking Laurie Strode and her friends on Halloween night.

Halloween is an American slasher media franchise that consists of thirteen films, as well as novels, comic books, a video game and other merchandise. The films primarily focus on Michael Myers, who was committed to a sanitarium as a child for the murder of his sister, Judith Myers. Fifteen years later, he escapes to stalk and kill the people of the fictional town of Haddonfield, Illinois. Michael's killings occur on the holiday of Halloween, on which all of the films primarily take place. Throughout the series various protagonists try to stop Myers including, most notably, babysitter Laurie Strode and psychiatrist Dr. Samuel Loomis. The original Halloween, released in 1978, was written by John Carpenter and Debra Hill—the film's director and producer respectively. The film, itself inspired by Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho and Bob Clark's Black Christmas, is known to have inspired a long line of slasher films.

<i>Saw</i> (franchise) Horror media franchise

Saw is a horror media franchise created by Australian film makers James Wan and Leigh Whannell, which began with the eponymous 2004 film and quickly became a worldwide pop culture phenomenon. The franchise has expanded into various films and other media, including a television series, video games, comic books, music, theme park attractions, and merchandising including toys, masks, and clothing. Saw is the fifth highest-grossing horror film franchise.

<i>Saw IV</i> 2007 film by Darren Lynn Bousman

Saw IV is a 2007 horror film directed by Darren Lynn Bousman from a screenplay by Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan, and a story by Melton, Dunstan, and Thomas Fenton. It is the fourth installment in the Saw film series and a sequel to 2006's Saw III. The film stars Tobin Bell, Scott Patterson, Costas Mandylor, Betsy Russell, and Lyriq Bent.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Patrick Melton</span> American dramatist

Patrick Melton is an American screenwriter, producer and novelist.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marcus Dunstan</span> American screenwriter and director

Marcus Dunstan is an American screenwriter and director who, along with Patrick Melton, wrote screenplay for the film Feast, which was the winner of Season Three of the filmmaking competition reality TV series Project Greenlight. Dunstan has since written the screenplays for Feast, Feast II: Sloppy Seconds, Feast III: The Happy Finish, The Collector, The Collection, Saw IV, Saw V, Saw VI, and Saw 3D, and in some cases, making cameo appearances in those films as well.

<i>Saw V</i> 2008 film by David Hackl

Saw V is a 2008 horror film directed by David Hackl, in his directorial debut, from a screenplay by Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan. It is the fifth installment in the Saw film series and a sequel to 2007's Saw IV. The film stars Tobin Bell, Costas Mandylor, Scott Patterson, Betsy Russell, Mark Rolston, Julie Benz, Carlo Rota, and Meagan Good.

<i>Saw VI</i> 2009 film by Kevin Greutert

Saw VI is a 2009 horror film directed by Kevin Greutert and written by Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan. The film stars Tobin Bell, Costas Mandylor, Betsy Russell, Mark Rolston, Peter Outerbridge, and Shawnee Smith. It is a sequel to 2008's Saw V and the sixth installment in the Saw film series.

<i>Mirrors</i> (2008 film) 2008 American film

Mirrors is a 2008 supernatural horror film directed by Alexandre Aja, starring Kiefer Sutherland, Paula Patton, and Amy Smart. The film was first titled Into the Mirror, but the name was later changed to Mirrors. Filming began on May 1, 2007, and it was released in American theaters on August 15, 2008.

<i>Saw 3D</i> 2010 film by Kevin Greutert

Saw 3D is a 2010 American 3D horror film directed by Kevin Greutert and written by Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan. It is a sequel to 2009's Saw VI and the seventh installment in the Saw film series. The film stars Tobin Bell, Costas Mandylor, Betsy Russell, Sean Patrick Flanery, and Cary Elwes.

<i>The Last Exorcism</i> 2010 American film

The Last Exorcism is a 2010 American found footage supernatural horror film directed by Daniel Stamm. It stars Patrick Fabian, Ashley Bell, Iris Bahr, Caleb Landry Jones, and Louis Herthum.

<i>Piranha 3DD</i> 2012 American 3D horror comedy film by John Gulager

Piranha 3DD is a 2012 American 3D horror comedy film directed by John Gulager, and written by Marcus Dunstan and Patrick Melton. It is a sequel to the 2010 film Piranha 3D and stars Danielle Panabaker, Matt Bush, David Koechner, Chris Zylka, Katrina Bowden, Gary Busey, Christopher Lloyd, and David Hasselhoff. Set after the events of the previous film on Lake Victoria, a prehistoric school of bloodthirsty piranhas invades a newly opened water park.

<i>The Collection</i> (film) 2012 film by Marcus Dunstan

The Collection is a 2012 American horror film directed by Marcus Dunstan and co-written with Patrick Melton, and starring Josh Stewart, Emma Fitzpatrick, Lee Tergesen and Christopher McDonald. It is a sequel to the 2009 film, The Collector. The story follows a young woman who gets captured by The Collector, while Arkin escapes but is recruited shortly after by a group of mercenaries whose mission is to save her at the Collector's base.

<i>I Spit on Your Grave 2</i> 2013 American film

I Spit on Your Grave 2 is a 2013 American rape and revenge horror film directed by Steven R. Monroe. It is a sequel to the 2010 film I Spit on Your Grave, also directed by Monroe, which in turn was based on Meir Zarchi's 1978 film of the same name.

References

  1. ↑ "The Collector". Writers Guild of America West. Retrieved 18 January 2022.
  2. ↑ McNary Dave (July 17, 2009). "Duo sparked by 'Project Greenlight'". Variety.
  3. ↑ "The Collector Box Office". Box Office Mojo . Retrieved December 28, 2009.
  4. ↑ Confirmed! The Collector DVD Coming in April
  5. ↑ "How 'The Collector' Was Almost a Prequel to Saw!". Blooding Disgusting. Retrieved July 21, 2009.
  6. ↑ "INTERVIEW: Marcus Dunstan & Patrick Melton". UpcomingHorrorMovies.com. July 31, 2009.
  7. ↑ "The Collector DVD Release in April?!?". DeadCentral.com. December 28, 2009.
  8. ↑ Full Specs and Art for DVD and Blu-ray of The Collector
  9. ↑ "The Collector (2009)". Rotten Tomatoes . IGN Entertainment . Retrieved February 28, 2020.
  10. ↑ "The Collector Reviews". Metacritic . Retrieved December 29, 2009.
  11. ↑ Cane, Clay (2009-07-31). "Movie Review: The Collector". BET . Archived from the original on 2009-08-02. Retrieved 2022-10-05.
  12. ↑ "The Collector Review". Blooding Disgusting. Retrieved July 27, 2009.
  13. ↑ New Stills From The Collector
  14. ↑ "Box Office Mojo – The Collector". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved August 2, 2009.
  15. ↑ "The Collection". latinoreview.com. March 15, 2010.
  16. ↑ "The Collection". bloody-disgusting. April 28, 2010.
  17. ↑ Hussaini, Fahadullah (April 6, 2021). "The Collector 3 May Not Happen, Leaving Trilogy Incomplete". Screen Rant. Retrieved April 6, 2021.
  18. ↑ Hermanns, Grant (2022-06-06). "Collector 3 Gets Hopeful Update From Original Movie Director". ScreenRant. Retrieved 2023-09-28.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.