The Minus Man is a 1999 film based on the novel by Lew McCreary. It was directed by Hampton Fancher, who also wrote the screenplay.

Plot

The movie centers on a serial killer, Vann (Owen Wilson), who picks victims who seem to be unhappy with their lives, the first example being a drug addict with asthma (Sheryl Crow, in her first film appearance). Vann settles into a small seaside town with a job delivering mail, looking for his next victim while living with a married couple (Brian Cox and Mercedes Ruehl). He is pursued by a woman in town (Janeane Garofalo) and tormented by hallucinations of being pursued by a pair of detectives (Dwight Yoakam and Dennis Haysbert).

Reception

The film was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival.

Marketing

The Minus Man is notable for being one of the only films to feature promotional materials focusing on the film's ability to spark discussion among audience members. In addition to the tagline "Don't see it alone. Unless you like talking to yourself," the main trailer for the film showed a couple leaving a theater showing the film. They discuss the movie and moral issues raised by it.

Taglines

When he's around, nothing adds up. Don't see it alone. Unless you like talking to yourself.

Cast

Owen Wilson .... Vann Siegert

Sheryl Crow .... Laurie Bloom

Dwight Yoakam .... Detective Blair

Dennis Haysbert .... Detective Graves

Alex Warren .... State Trooper

Mercedes Ruehl .... Jane Durwin

Brian Cox .... Doug Durwin

Janeane Garofalo .... Ferrin

Meg Foster .... Irene

External links

• The Minus Man Page at aboutfilm.com
• interview with the book's author