Unraveling the Identity of the Night Stalker in MaXXXine: A Look at Real-Life References
Ti West’s MaXXXine is the third installment of a slasher trilogy that references two infamous real-life crime stories: Night Stalker and Black Dahlia. These allusions add depth to the story.
Critics and fans alike have praised the movie, highlighting its unique portrayal of Minx’s journey in Hollywood through the adult entertainment industry. However, the plot takes a dark turn as murders start happening around her after landing a major film role.
Night Stalker: The real serial killer
The film’s trailer hints at the significance of Night Stalker, but the movie itself provides limited information. Richard Ramirez, known as The Night Stalker, was a serial killer and rapist in the Los Angeles area from 1984 to 1985.
Ramirez’s crimes escalated from burglaries to stalking, rape, and murder, with victims ranging from children to elderly women. His arrest came after his fingerprint was found at a crime scene, but he showed no remorse for his actions.
The role of the Night Stalker in MaXXXine
In the movie, news coverage of Night Stalker’s crimes serves as red herrings for the murders happening in Hollywood. While many sex workers remain unfazed, the main antagonist is revealed to be Maxine’s father, a religious extremist.
The narrative shift cleverly avoids glorifying real-life serial killers and focuses on the victims’ stories instead.
The Black Dahlia: A cold case legend
The Black Dahlia was a young actress brutally murdered in 1947, with her killer never identified. The film draws parallels between her story and Maxine’s, highlighting their challenging relationships with their fathers.
Accuracy of the true-crime references
Most of the true crime allusions in MaXXXine are accurate, portraying Richard Ramirez’s crimes authentically. The film also references The Black Dahlia thematically, connecting Short’s aspirations to Maxine’s story.
Strengthening the movie’s setting
The true crime references contribute to the film’s Hollywood 1985 setting, adding to its atmosphere and themes of vulnerability and ambition. By incorporating real-life crime stories, MaXXXine provides a rich and immersive viewing experience, concluding Ti West’s trilogy effectively.
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