Villain is a 1972 movie directed by Michael Tuchner.
WHAT HAPPENS?
A vicious mob boss runs afoul of Scotland Yard after he blackmails a member of Parliament.
ONE LINE REVIEW
Villain is an unsentimental British crime movie that features a brilliantly quirky Richard Burton performance.
THE ACTORS
Richard Burton chews up the screen as the menacing Vic Dakin, a mobster that is equal parts vicious and hopelessly devoted to his aging mother. Burton’s Dakin is surrounded by colorful thugs but owns every scene. He’s witty and stylish but commanding – his great one-liners are often followed by tone-changing, frightening glares. His loving relationship with his mother and complicated sexual encounters with Ian McShane’s Wolfe complete a truly unique gangster character.
Ian McShane leads a fun group of supporting actors. His Wolfe is a coy, debonair pseudo high class pimp entangled in a sexual relationship with Burton’s Dakin. He maintains a power over his girlfriends, loaning them out to snare politicians into manipulative traps. Yet Dakin pummels him after an episode in the bedroom. Nigel Davenport is the sophisticated Inspector Mathews who engages in a cat and mouse chase with Dakin. Numerous thugs round out the cast, including Joss Ackland’s ever-suffering Edgar.
THE DIRECTOR
Michael Tuchner creates a lean crime narrative that features some gritty backgrounds and brutal scenes. The actors are allowed to show off their characters’ personalities, which leads to a fun balance between vicious action and tender moments. The middle of the movie features a terrific chase and beat down scene, which helps to cement Burton’s character’s reputation.
THE BEST – The One Liners
Mathews: “You call them punters. We call them witnesses.”
Dakin: “You know, if I looked at one of them, they’d piss in their pants. Because I’m Vic Dakin.”
Dakin: “Stupid punters. Telly all the week. Screw the wife on Saturday.”
Dakin: “Take it easy, Ed. You might perforate your ulcer.”
Wolfe: “There’s not much delinquency among the Jewish.”
THE BEST Part Two – Panty Hose Robberies
There’s nothing more authentic – or savage – than seeing competent criminals yank panty hose over their face before a robbery. Sometimes, it’s the simple touches that are most effective.
THE BEST Part Three – Ed’s Attacks
Joss Adkins’ Edgar wears his discomfort throughout the movie. Suffering from an ulcer, Edgar has to continually eat and drink – which draws the scorn of Burton’s Dakin. Ultimately, Edgar is hospitalized – which leads to Dakin’s downfall.
THE BEST Part Four – Reservoir Dogs Influences
Determining the true origin of a Tarantino influence can be impossible, given the director’s encyclopedic knowledge of movies. However, two scenes from Villain may register. The first sees Dakin slicking back his hair in the mirror, similar to Harvey Keitel’s Mr. White. The second sees Dakin’s fellow crime boss Frank Fletcher, played by T.P. McKenna, bleeding in the back seat of a getaway car after the pivotal payroll robbery occurs.
THE WORST – The Ending
Dakin’s downfall occurs a bit too easily, as Inspector Mathews basically finds him outside a warehouse and then has a witness finger him. While it’s a logical conclusion of sorts, it makes the preceding hour plus seem a bit unnecessary.
FOX FORCE FIVE RATING – 4/5
Villain is a unique, gritty and at times, incredibly funny British crime movie. Richard Burton hams up his character, but delivers a memorable performance. The action and dialogue are impressive. A must watch for crime movie fans.
