Movies - TV
Jeremy Renner Played Jeffrey Dahmer Despite Not Knowing Who He Was
By MATT RAINIS
Jeffrey Dahmer was a serial killer who murdered 17 men and boys from 1978 to 1991, and the recent true crime miniseries "Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story" has brought him back into the public consciousness. However, back in 2002, Jeremy Renner took on the role of Dahmer in the horror flick "Dahmer," despite not knowing who he was.
According to the Interview Magazine interview, Renner said, "Well you know it happened so fast... it was the complete opposite of 'The Hurt Locker' where I had time to prepare. I mean, I didn't even know who Jeffrey Dahmer was, and then four days later after reading the script we're shooting principal photography, and two weeks later we're done. It was such a whirlwind."
To be plunged into such a dark role so quickly, and without knowledge of what he was getting into, was a wild experience for Renner. He said, "I mean to relate to that experience, I had to do a lot of work and allow myself to go places that were a little scary. You know when you play a guy like that it allows you the freedom to explore really weird parts about you."