365 Days. 365 Films.

Peeping Tom is one of the first and best movies to venture into the mind of a psychopath. Karlheinz Böhm as Mark, a cameraman who fantasises about fear and films women as he kills them to get his kicks. It is an unusual but clever film that inspires sympathy and almost a general liking for the killer, yet he remains as creepy as the narrative itself.

It is beautifully played by Karlheinz Böhm and somewhat similar to Frenzy – a film I have recently reviewed in this blog – but more creepy than scary as Frenzy was. I do, however, get the impression that this was not director, Michael Powell’s intent, as I mentioned, it does inspire sympathy for Mark.

It is a difficult film to rate because it is an odd format for a movie – not original but still not conventional. It is awkward to watch because of the feelings provoked towards an obvious madman, but Mark’s recognition of his insanity, and his want for a cure once he meets and falls in love with his neighbour, is a very intelligent device by a clearly brilliant director. For that, and the fact that the dialogue is stunning, I think it deserves a high rating – despite some off performances by minor cast members…