10 Rillington Place (1970)

the mind of a serial killer

Story of serial killer John Christie and the wrongful execution of Timothy Evans in the 1950s. Subtle performance of main character and supporting cast, character depth and quality of direction are in contrast to the typically sensational films of this genre. Setting (filmed at the location of the events) and detail recreate the working-class poverty of postwar Britain. Similar in tone to "Vera Drake" (2004). June 7, 2007

A CHLLING GEM OF A FILM

Knowing nothing about this movie, I found it in a sale for $2, and my money has not been wasted. From the opening scene it is riveting, with quiet but commanding performances from the two leads. Richard Attenborough makes his character sympathetic and rather likeable; why would you not trust such a gentle-seeming, well-spoken man who seems to endlessly offer cups of tea? As the story unfolded and the ghastly monster beneath the surface was revealed my heart went cold...as for John Hurt, as always, he held me spellbound...as soon as I hear his voice I know I am watching a class A actor (it's hard to remember he's only acting - so undderrated!). I found myself crying out at the television, trying to warn him...and although simple, his character is even more likable than Attenborough's, also, I felt very angry at the police and their lacklustre and pathetic investigation... no wonder the wrong man got hung. Anyway, it's a beautifully crafted film, darkly lit and seamy, but this only adds flavour to the sordid subject matter. Many of the actual "deeds" are left to the viewer's imagination, which is something that I found wonderfully refreshing. Seems to me that these days Hollywood has forgotten that A; people are not stupid and don't need to have everything spelt out and B; sometimes less is more.

An excellent movie, it's on my A list! October 17, 2004

very underrated.

Attenborough is probably the most underrated psycho in this creepy, understated, tense, appalling thriller. He reminds me of a gigantic baby with that bald round head of his. This movie will augment your respect for Attenborough and Fleischer. June 13, 2004

Post War London Pycho

Not really on a parrallel with Norman Bates, but most certainly believable in all respects.

A chilling account of a creepy but outwardly affable Christie, excellently portrayed by Richard Attenborough and John Hurt's fittingly daft and dim Timothy Evans in post war London.

The acting is well supported with bleached, drab colours and the grim surroundings of Rillington Place (the real tenament was knocked down but the producer's used the other side of Rillington Place's cul-de-sac to film the exteriors.)

The most terrifying and gripping scene is where Timothy, in a state of utter confusion, is thrust from a waiting room to his place of execution. I cannot adequately describe how very saddened and affected I was by this scene - almost to the point of shouting "No!" at the scene.

A physchotic thriller with very, very real acting - you'll be rivetted by both Richard and John. July 6, 2003

TALK ABOUT BRITISH UNDERSTATMENT!

I had always wanted to see this movie, thinking for some reason it was a spy movie. John Hurt has been in so many spy movies and I just thought....well. Bought the movie, settled down with a cup of coffee and was mesmorized by the performances and the subject.

Beautifully done. Beautifully calm and understated. If this had been a USA movie there would be drum rolls and trumpets blaring. Contorted faces and overplayed.

A tortured subject of murder but beautifully acted and directed.
See it. March 13, 2003

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