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A chilling character study of a notorious serial killer. The Boston Strangler (1968) is a fascinating recreation of The Boston Strangler's brutal killings with shocking detail. Richard Fleischer uses long panning shots to draw out suspense, emotional close up shots, and silent ambiance to elevate this crime thriller into one of the all time greats. The editing herein is some of the most creative and neatly cut in cinema history. There is no other film like it. Fleischer's use of split screens is so imaginative, you'll never take your eyes away from the screen. The Boston Strangler is beautifully directed for such a monstrous tale. Edward Anhalt's script is filled with brilliantly nuanced writing. He attempts to explain the reasoning and deductive work that police go through to figure out the mystery as well as the mental state of the killer himself. This movie is equal parts investigation and character study and I continue to find it fascinating. The real star is Tony Curtis. His chilling performance is mesmerizing. His subtle facial movements and choices with his body language, hand motions, eye twitches, and vocal delivery are the stuff of legend. This is a top tier actor delivering a classic portrayal of a disturbed individual. I'm certain this performance must have influenced many that came after, particularly Michael Caine in Brian De Palma's Dressed to Kill (1980). Similarly, Henry Fonda gives an equally impressive performance as the detective obsessed and strained to capture this serial killer. His choice to show the man as conflicted by the case's method, ethics, and results is truly fascinating to the end. I bet Roy Scheider and Gene Hackman watched this movie before William Friedkin's The French Connection (1971). I must mention the incredible supporting cast. You will be hard pressed to find a more stacked cast of 1960's regulars. From Tony Curtis to Henry Fonda on down, The Boston Strangler is brimming with interesting roles. George Kennedy, Murray Hamilton, Sally Kellerman, Carolyn Conwell, and Mike Kellin give excellent smaller acting showings in The Boston Strangler. In all, The Boston Strangler is worth watching for its wonderful acting, thrilling moments, clever investigative work, and frightening suspense.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Excellent telling of the infamous killings in the early 60's Boston area and the capture of the supposed culprit. The Twilight Time Blu-ray is the best quality version I've ever seen. Highly recommended.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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