Rampage (1986 film)

Rampage is a 1986 American crime thriller film written, produced, and directed by William Friedkin. The film stars Michael Biehn, Alex McArthur, and Nicholas Campbell.

The film follows the story of Anthony Fraser (Michael Biehn), a deputy district attorney who wrestles with his conscience as he prosecutes Charles Reece (Alex McArthur), a mass murderer who has committed a series of brutal killings after ingesting a mysterious chemical substance. Fraser is a staunch advocate for the death penalty, believing it is the only fitting punishment for such heinous crimes. However, as he delves deeper into Reece's background and the circumstances surrounding the murders, Fraser begins to question his own beliefs and the efficacy of capital punishment.

Reece's defense hinges on an insanity plea, with his lawyers arguing that the chemical substance he ingested rendered him unable to understand the nature of his actions or to control his impulses. The film explores the complexities of the legal system, the ethical dilemmas faced by prosecutors and defense attorneys, and the moral implications of the death penalty.

Rampage was initially rated X by the MPAA due to its graphic violence, but Friedkin refused to cut the film and eventually released it unrated. It was later re-rated R. The film received mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics praising its gritty realism and thought-provoking themes, while others criticized its excessive violence and sensationalistic treatment of the subject matter. Despite the controversy, Rampage has garnered a cult following over the years and is considered by some to be one of Friedkin's most underrated films. It explores themes of justice, morality, the legal system, and the effects of chemical substances on the human mind.