Driller Killer Merch

Original grindhouse logo for Abel Ferrara's 1979 slasher cult classic.

The 1979 classic

1979 horror classic

Driller killer 1979

Iconic UK logo for Abel Ferrara's cult classic 1979 video nasty.

Iconic UK logo for Abel Ferrara's cult classic 1979 video nasty.

Driller Killer

The Driller Killer is a 1979 horror film that focuses on Reno Miller, an artist struggling to survive in NYC. He draws inspiration from scenes of daily street life and occasional random violence. Under pressure to finish his oft-delayed grand masterpiece, his psychotic alter-ego takes over, and he begins killing random vagrants to boost his creativity, not quite realizing that it is happening in reality. When an art dealer grimly rejects Reno's finished masterpiece, Reno's mental condition quickly deteriorates and things go downhill fast.

We first see this text during the opening of Abel Ferrara's exploitation Video Nasty-piece, DRILLER KILLER. Anyone who has ever heard The Roosters would probably wanna go on a drill-killing frenzy, too. (It was also featured in Martin Scorsese's documentary THE LAST WALTZ, based around rock group The Band.)

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From the widely banned 1979 slasher, "The Driller Killer", it's Reno Miller.

The Driller Killer from the cult classic Slumber Party Massacre II

CHUD Retro UK VHS cover

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Abel Ferrar's classic MS. 45 as an early-20th century pulp novel.

Zoe Tamerlis as Thana from Ms .45 or Angel of Vengeance

If you've seen the '70s cult classic horror film, Driller Killer, then you are no doubt familiar with the fictional punk band, Tony Cola and the Roosters. In the film, unsuccessful New York artist Reno Miller is seen living off the largesse of his gallerist, and unable to break through a creative block. Facing an eviction deadline and a painting due in a week, he's already on the edge of snapping. Complicating things is his new neighbor, Tony Cola, whose band practices incessantly next door, causes Miller to lose his grip on reality. He snaps and embarks on a killing spree with the movie’s eponymous power tool. If you're into punk, Tony Cola and the Roosters isn't too bad, but hearing them incessantly could drive anyone crazy.

A vintage style Bloodhound Pix VHS box cover

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The Life and Times of the Bad Lieutenant

Abel Ferrara design