The Boston Strangler
Dir: Richard Fleischer
1968
*****
Richard Fleischer's The Boston Strangler is a surprising thriller in that it explores the side of the story that most serial killer films forget. The first half of the film is basically challenging peoples misconceptions and prejudice views on certain members of society. This of course backs up the uncomfortable thought that anyone could be a potential murderer. We find 'the right man' quite far on in the film but as soon as Tony Curtis enters the film the story turns into a delectably dark exploration of the human mind. It's quite brilliant and well ahead of its time. It's such a shame that it's all totally untrue. Never has the term 'based' been so loosely used. The performances are fantastic with a cast to die for, the direction, particularly towards the end of the film is brilliant. An updated and more accurate version would be great but there is something very unique about this version that leaves it somewhat untouchable. A forgotten classic.