Mr. Brooks Review

Messages: The protagonist is a serial killer; detective character is getting a divorce and has arguments with lawyers; college student drops out and announces she's pregnant (leads to discussion of abortion); discussion of genetic "passing on" of desire to murder.

Violence: Bloody, graphic early murder scene (two people in bed are shot by the film's "hero," who puts bullets through their heads and chests) is repeated during the film from various angles in flashbacks. Killer keeps photos of dead bodies as "trophies" frequent discussion of methods of murder and images of stalking; discussions of other serial killer cases; crime scene shows blood on walls; detective is assaulted and ends up with sutures (bloody); dead body is pierced by multiple needles; shootout between detective and killer. Grisly late scene shows a man stabbed in neck with scissors, gasping, bleeding, and lurching as he dies.

Sex: Serial killer's victims are shown in the middle of sex, in bed (naked back) -- their deaths result in explicit views of their naked torsos (woman's breasts visible repeatedly). Lots of cleavage shots. Discussion of sexual experiences ("You could see her nipples"). Killer appears naked (not explicit) as he ritually burns photos of dead bodies. A murder witness plans to use violent images to arouse himself sexually. Man appears in his bedroom in boxers; couple strips to their underwear and begins to have sex on a couch.

Language: Repeated use of "f--k" (usually in anger, once with "mother"); other language includes "s--t," "a--hole," "goddamnit," and "ass."

Consumerism: USA Today headline.

Drinking, drugs and smoking: Killer attends meetings resembling Alcoholics Anonymous, identifying himself as an "addict." Meeting attendees smoke cigarettes; mention of steroids.