Hard (1999)

Independent filmmaker John Huckert tosses the notion of politically correct, positive representation of gays out the window with this chilling closeted-cop-meets-openly-gay-serial-murderer crime drama. Raymond Vates (Noel Palomaria), a rookie detective, joins seasoned partner Tom (Charles Layner) and a brutish lot of veterans. Vates is elated, but harbors a secret: he's a serious closet case who cruises macho men in gay bars by night. Meanwhile, Jack (Malcolm Moorman), a serial psycho with murderous tastes for hustlers and gay teens, has breezed into town. Vates eventually beds him, and wakes up, handcuffed, to a challenge presented by Jack, who pilfers his badge: come out and risk harassment at work or allow Jack to get away with, literally, murder.

Huckert doesn't shy away from explicit sex or violence, nor references to Jeffrey Dahmer. In one such homage/sequence, policemen detain and question Jack and his near-catatonic abductee - but let them go. After all, they're just a faggot couple, right? Although fiercely independent and operating with a slim budget, Huckert has managed to wrangle a slick look and solid performances with this gruesome thriller reminiscent of Seven and The Silence of the Lambs.

Raymond Murray