The Devil's Cinema
Non-fiction book by Steve Lillebuen
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Devil's Cinema: The Untold Story Behind Mark Twitchell's Kill Room is a true crime book by journalist and author Steve Lillebuen.[1][2][3] The book is a work of narrative nonfiction.[4][5][6] In May 2013, the book won "Best Non-Fiction" at the Arthur Ellis Awards.[7]
| |
| Author | Steve Lillebuen |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | True crime |
| Publisher | McClelland & Stewart |
Publication date | March 2012 |
| Publication place | Canada |
| Media type | Print (hardcover and eBook) |
| Pages | 352 |
| ISBN | 978-0771050336 |
Overview
The book is set in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and follows several detectives working on a missing persons case and the intersecting lives of Johnny Altinger and aspiring filmmaker Mark Twitchell,[8] who is under investigation for luring strangers to his "kill room,"[9] which police believe is designed to replicate elements and methods used by fictional serial killer Dexter Morgan.[10]
Background
Twitchell's arrest and trial attracted substantial media attention since his crimes were inspired by Dexter, the television series. ABC's 20/20,[11] Dateline NBC,[12] CBC's The Fifth Estate,[13] and many newspapers around the world covered the story, from England's The Guardian[9] to Australia's The Age.[14]
Steve Lillebuen had been an Edmonton Journal crime reporter when Twitchell was arrested, leading to a three-year project on writing and researching the book.[1] He also spent a year corresponding with Twitchell after he called the author from prison to volunteer for an interview.[15][16]
Notable people
- Mark Twitchell: a young businessman and filmmaker who aspires to be the next George Lucas.
- Johnny Altinger: a pipeline worker who loves computers and motorcycles.
- Gilles Tetreault: a new arrival to the city of Edmonton.
- Mark Anstey: the primary investigator in charge of solving the Altinger disappearance.
- Bill Clark: a detective tasked with interrogating major suspects.
Film adaptation
A film adaptation of the book was acquired by David Permut with Sam Hobkinson (Misha and the Wolves) set to direct.[17]