Anamorph (2007)

Director: Henry Miller

Cast: Willem Dafoe as Stan Aubray, Scott Speedman as Carl Uffner, Don Harvey as Michael C., James Rebhorn as Chief Lewellyn Brainard, Peter Stormare as Blair Collet, Amy Carlson as Alexandra Fredericks, Yul Vazquez as Jorge 'George' Ruiz, Clea DuVall as Sandy Strickland, Samantha MacIvor as Crystal, Billy Wheelan as Young Man, Paz de la Huerta as Young Woman, Desiree Casado as Teenage Checkout Girl (as Desiree F. Casado), Robert C. Kirk as Heavy-Set Detective, Robin Goldsmith as Stone-Faced Detective, Marcia Haufrecht as Diner Waitress

This movie is great up until the ending. The cinematography is great,
the acting is top-notch and the plot and storyline keep you guessing
and on edge till the end.

The end is a terrible let down for an otherwise superb production. Its
like they ran out of ideas and money at the same time. Or maybe there
is a producer to blame.

I would definitely recommend watching this movie even with the poor
ending. I was reminded several times of the movie S7ven. Willem Dafoe's
character is extremely meticulous as was Morgan Freedman's character.
Other common elements: Both movies have young detectives partnering
with soon to retire detectives. Both movies have a seemingly omnipotent
serial killer always three steps ahead of the detectives, baiting them
along and watching from the background. Both movies rely upon arcane
literature and art to understand the villain's human "paintings."

I could continue to list common elements in both movies however I don't
want to give anyone the impression that this is a knock-off of
S7ven--its not. Rather its like reading a detective story written by
the same author with different characters. If you liked S7ven I think
you will like this movie. Just don't expect any great surprises.

The biggest difference between S7ven and this film is the ending. S7ven
had an incredible, mind-boggling ending while Ananmorph ended like a
candle blown out leaving the viewer in the dark and unsatisfied.