Fade to Black (1980, USA) C-98m. **½ D: Vernon Zimmerman. Starring Dennis Christopher, Tim Thomerson, Gwynne Gilford, Norman Burton, Linda Kerridge, Mickey Rourke. Interesting take on TAXI DRIVER about nerdish film geek Eric Binford (Christopher), who lives under the thrall of his aunt. When he falls in love with Marilyn Monroe look-alike Kerridge, he finds the courage to stand up for himself and revenge himself (violently) on all those that suppressed him. Interesting thriller has lots of movie references (mostly to 30s and 40s gangster films), but is never really convincing, though Christopher gives his best. Ambitious script by director Zimmerman. Good score by Craig Safan.