KALAMAZOO, MI – A thrilling film with strong ties to Kalamazoo is set to premiere at the city’s newest movie theater, KP Cinemas, until Friday, January 12th. The movie, “He Went That Way,” will have a limited theatrical release in just 25 theaters across the U.S., before becoming available on streaming services like Apple TV and Amazon Prime.
The story behind the film is based on the book “Luke Karamazov” by Kalamazoo College Professor Emeritus Conrad Hilberry and was co-produced by Hugh Broder, a Kalamazoo College graduate. Broder was inspired by a chapter about Kalamazoo-born serial killer Larry Ranes and his road trip with celebrity animal trainer Dave Pitts. Ranes, who was convicted of first-degree murder, passed through Kalamazoo and later died in prison.
The film’s lead, Jacob Elordi, portrays Bobby Falls, a character based on Ranes, while Zachary Quinto plays Jim Goodwin, based on Pitts. The story revolves around Pitts’ experience of picking up Ranes as a hitchhiker and surviving the encounter. Broder, who discovered the story 19 years ago, emphasized the film’s exploration of why Ranes spared Pitts, rather than focusing solely on his crimes.
Despite the challenges faced during production, including a limited budget and an inexperienced team, the film’s completion is a testament to Broder’s dedication and the support of his colleagues. Kalamazoo College, proud of Broder’s achievements, recognizes the film’s demonstration of curiosity, creativity, and the ability to examine different perspectives – qualities valued by the college.
“He Went That Way” offers a compelling portrayal of a gripping real-life story, and its ties to Kalamazoo add a layer of intrigue for local audiences. As the film premieres this week, it sheds light on a captivating tale, rooted in the city’s history, and invites viewers to delve into the complexities of human behavior and decision-making.