Review of Victim (1961) by Johnnylee T — 17 Jan 2016

A fascinating film more than a fully entertaining one. What is groundbreaking is that gays are shown from all walks of life, from barrister to bookshop owner to ticket-seller at the cinema. A real cross-section of society, though the barrister is never actually shown in court, only in his chambers. SPOILER ALERT. And not all are shown sympathetically, for the bar couple (one of whom is blind) are also extortionists. (Is one of the blackmailers - even both - gay, with the framed print of "David" on his living room wall?).

What struck me was the lack of real affection shown by anyone - emotions are repressed between the husband and wife and the gay men also. Of course this real lack of expressing any sort of intimate feeling was a result of the fear of being blackmailed and going to gaol. And I assume also the filmmakers' desire to censor any outward display of affection between the gay characters anyhow. The scenes in the pub relieved this atmosphere at times (but even here the landlord admits he just tolerates the gay drinkers for their business). Sad times that thankfully were not far off beginning to change. The streets of London in 1961 are gloriously photographed in b & w.