Review of Peeping Tom (1960) by Ryan C — 11 Oct 2010

In 1960 two great directors, Michael Powell and Alfred Hitchcock, both released their most shocking and controversial films. "Psycho" further solidified Hitchcock as a master director in the US; "Peeping Tom" ostracized Powell from the UK film industry and pretty much exiled him from his home country.

The most visually shocking moment of "Peeping Tom" comes in the opening scene, a superbly crafted segment in which our antihero, Mark, approaches a prostitute, goes up to her room, and proceeds to kill her. As the audience, we see this whole scenario take place through the lens of Mark's camera, and we soon learn that he thrills himself by filming the victims that he murders. Mark could well be portrayed as a monster, but instead Powell chooses to make us feel close to him - not only to understand his actions but to sympathize with them. The films theme of voyeurism is seeped into every scene. Not only does it drive Mark to commit his insane actions, but it involves us, the audience, as well. It gives us the sense that we are watching something that we shouldn't, a feeling that caused the British critics to loathe the movie, one critic calling it "the sickest and filthiest film I can remember seeing.".

The movie wouldn't have been nearly as effective without German actor Carl Boehm's portrayal of Mark. He plays this scarred and broken character to a subtle perfection - his awkward stances and nervous twitches really make the character feel alive; after the movie's premier in London, critics were scared to even shake the actor's hand afterward.

Luckily, time has allowed "Peeping Tom" to mature into the classic it is known as today. Many film critics who panned the film on first release have now changed their opinion of it, most calling it one of the most important British films ever made. That isn't to say it is a perfect movie; the middle of the movie slumps a bit and the doomed relationship between Mark and his tenant, Vivian, could have been crafted with more tension. Still, Powell offers us one of the most disturbing looks into the limits of film and his product is sure to give you a deep psychological chill.