* BrokenBase: Received a highly polarized reaction from the critical press. Creator/RogerEbert gave it a very positive review (even naming it one of the best films of 2000), and noted in his review his surprise at finding that numerous of his fellow critics utterly ''loathed'' the film.
* CompleteMonster: In the sequel, [[SerialKiller The Cusp]], [[spoiler:[[KillerCop Officer Duncan]]]], kidnaps women and tortures them to death, [[CruelMercy repeatedly reviving them from the brink of death for more torture]]. His methods include suffocation, electrocution, and cutting out his victims' hearts. All the while, he [[LovesTheSoundOfScreaming records their screams and pleas for mercy]]. Protagonist Maya Casteneda, the only person to survive his torture, was nearly killed by him six times. He is said to have killed 23 women, and he attempts to kill another woman named Penelope, torturing her to near death seven times. He frames the lead cop, Harris, for his crimes, and when he recaptures Maya, he declares that he will torture her so bad that he [[MindRape completely destroys her mind]].
* EvilIsCool: While in the real world Carl Stargher is an awkward, pathetic pervert, the Demon King, the most evil of his MentalWorld personas, is a terrifying and muscular devil who rules over a byzantine kingdom of death and torture.
* JustHereForGodzilla: Many people only watch/enjoy the movie for its incredible costume and set design. Its sheer use of visual motifs and surreal imagery make it somewhat of a CultClassic.
* {{Narm}}: When Agent Novak is investigating [[SerialKiller Carl]]'s murders, he comes to the conclusion that the killer ''wants'' to be caught because he's not even trying to hide the corpses anymore (either that, or the killer is becoming arrogant, although Novak himself believes the former). Unfortunately the shooting script is a lot less well-thought-out, because the line Vaughn actually says is [[CaptainObvious "If we don't stop this guy, he's not going to stop himself!']]
* SpiritualAdaptation: The disturbing images making up the mind of Carl could be at home in a Music/MarilynManson music video.
* {{Squick}}: The horse, the dolls, the intestines... take your pick.
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