a thematically dense, messily grounded film which, although about a drill, never bores - and there is nothing else quite like it.

Only sporadically exhibits the skill and wit of [Ferrara's] scintillatingly skuzzy subsequent efforts.

More grindhouse than arthouse, The Driller Killer does have a striking ambience... If only the rest of the film could match these visceral moments.

Has some surprisingly strong performances, coupled with a vibe and attitude that's a great look into the gritty punk atmosphere of New York City at that time period.