Killer chic

Mr. Brooks makes murder seem stylish and sexy | Megan Basham

There is a moment at the end of Silence of the Lambs when it becomes clear that Anthony Hopkins' character, the serial killer Dr. Hannibal Lecter, has escaped. Rather than striking a terrifying note, the scene is supposed to provoke a bit of wry admiration for Lecter's genius. Buffalo Bill alone, the homely, uncouth yin to Lecter's yang, warrants the audience's wrath. As for Lecter, we are glad he gets away. He is, after all, so good at what he does.

Mr. Brooks (rated R for extreme violence, graphic sexual content, nudity, and language) embraces the same spirit. As played by Kevin Costner, Brooks is a handsome, meticulous, and quite likable murderer, especially when compared to the sloppy, incontinent protégé (Dane Cook) he unwillingly takes on.