Slasher is a semi-comic and revealing documentary about the crude art of selling used cars in a hurry. Filmmaker John Landis, best known for some key 1970s and '80s comedies (Animal House...( read more  read more... )>, Trading Places), directs this warts-and-all look at the life and trade of Michael "the Slasher" Bennett, a California freelance salesman who travels the country mounting garish campaigns to clear car lots of old inventory. The film focuses on one weekend in which Bennett and his team of "mercenaries" descend on a lot in Memphis, attempting to unload 60 automobiles in 48 hours. Motormouth Bennett and his allies pull out all the stops (raffles, pretty hostesses, music) and keep intense pressure on themselves, revealing a few unscrupulous practices in the course of things. Landis finds moments of unintended and sometimes tender comedy everywhere, especially in Bennett's strenuous efforts to live up to the moral standards of his wife and children. --Tom Keogh

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60% liked it

598 ratings

Unrated, 85 min.

Directed by: John Landis

Release Date: June 19, 2004

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DVD Release Date: July 13, 2004

Stats: 35 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (35)


  • June 29, 2008
    A lunatic disguised as a car salesman murders his victims in the confines of his flourescent-lit, wood paneling office.

    Kidding of course...however, if there is any doubt remaining in anyone's mind, Slasher has finally come along to put it to rest. Bottom line, you just can't ...( read more)trust a used car salesman.

    A very entertaining documentary, that includes a fun soundtrack by original Stax artists and directed by John Landis, about a bizarre indidual who helps car lots clear their older models. I wouldn't buy a car from him, but Michael Bennett's an entertaining guy to watch. This is a much safer way to get the slasher experience without getting burned on a used car lot.
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  • May 23, 2008
    In his first feature on digital film, John Landis tackles something he hasn't before: a documentary.

    Landis follows a "mercenary car salesman" and his partners on a trip to Memphis, Tennessee to shift as many cars at a local dealership. Their business is traveling the country a...( read more)s "top salesmen" - selling large quantities of cars at dealerships that, for various reasons, desperately need to get cars off their lot and a temporary sales boost.

    The main subject, Michael, is one of the most interesting documentary subjects I've seen and his personality not only carries the movie, but also creates plot where there is simply life being lived. His two friends, try to keep him out of trouble, being a hyperactive alcoholic with a loud mouth that he runs as fast as top sports car, as well as having several other unique traits that I can't peg as I'm not a psychologist.

    Besides his "lead", Landis is able to capture a portrait of lower class and middle class America in poorer cities. There are some tear-tugging moments, both out of laughter and sympathy.

    Landis said he had trouble working with a doc crew because he is used to setting up shots as opposed to just shooting (and disregarding things like other camera operators or crew members in a shot). However, Landis does get some of his desired set-up shots, and they look just as great as his studio work, but is more powerful in my opinion because of the catching content and the serendipitous execution of documentary.
  • October 19, 2009
    1 of the best documentaries Ive ever seen.I was hooked from the start
  • September 28, 2009
    Overall quite a mediocre documentary, shows passionate'd people but nothing more really.
  • August 5, 2009
    A gritty look at the psychopathic, workaholic, hype and hustle sales mentality. Take note: this guy sells cars, but your stockbroker is a creature of the same outlook and method
  • May 21, 2007
    docu about a used car salesman. actually kinda interesting.
  • April 16, 2007
    A decent doc. I thought it was funny.
  • February 19, 2007
    I've been wanting to watch this...
  • February 9, 2007
    A good documentary with a great soundtrack.
  • January 22, 2007
    Interesting life of a car sales man....

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Slasher Trivia


  • In the "Nightmare on Elmstreet" series, who played the gruesome dream slasher otherwise known as Freddy Krueger?  Answer »
  • According to the Horror Movie Survivial Guide, which movie slasher has racked up the biggest death toll?  Answer »
  • Which slasher film was Johnny Depp's first big screen debut?  Answer »
  • Which actress played the leading lady in a 1978 slasher picture, coincidentally taking a similar role to her mother in a Hitchcock film?   Answer »

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