MovieChat Forums > Peeping Tom (1960) Discussion > Disappointed

Disappointed

posted 19 years ago by soupready
16 replies | jump to latest

Perhaps because it's almost inevitable to compare it with Psycho, which is a masterpiece in every aspect. What worked in Psycho and doesn't in this one is that it doesn't keep you interested and at tension throughout.

I also found the situations a bit unbelievable, mainly because the guy overacted a bit. The rest of the characters, save for the blind mother, don't seem to notice how troubled and weird the guy is... implausible.

Also I think that the fact we're let to know who the killer is from the start spoils any mystery. We know who he is; we know he can't get away with it; all we wait to know is what it is that he shows to his victims that is as terrifying as to prevent them from even running away or fighting for their lives... Needless to say I was let down to find out what it was... implausible.

Anyway, it didn't make it for me. It's a good story and a good film. Perhaps a remake that deals with these flaws and further explores the subject of voyeurism and mobile phone cameras these days will work better.

[–] atomicstuffing 19 years ago

I was a tad disaapointed in this one. I finally saw this, amidst all the talk and its reputation as a rvial of Psycho and one of the most controversial films ever made.

First of all, it still has nothing on Psycho. Secondly, despite a few provocative moemnts, I found the overall film pretty mild and wondered what was so shocking for a 1960s audience. I also felt this was not the same caliber as Powell's other films, such as Black Narcissus and The Red Shoes.

Peeping Tom is a very good movie, just not quite as spectacular as I imagined.
I do love how it did explore the psychology and childhood of the main character though, something most thrillers and chillers never bother with.

[–] shayneferry 19 years ago

I was extremely disappointed, this film was horrible from beginning to end. I have no idea what the critics were saying when they called this film filthy and sickening, Its very tame if you ask me. In short BORING.

[–] condecoiryan 19 years ago

It was a great film for clips. I saw the first five minutes, where he kills the girl, filming her while she watches her own death (the same idea was used in 'Strange Days' 1998?), and thought this film must be great. It had a powerful idea making the audience part of the murder, but the film felt old and clunky, looking back to the 50's, where as 'Psycho' looked forward and does not feel as dated. The British critics were shocked and hated the film so much Powell's career was wrecked and he left for Australia never to make a film in Britian again. I think that shows how uptight Britian was at the time.

[–] jatrius 10 years ago

You say uptight. Perhaps you're right. BUT it was only 15 years after the end of a bloody war which had touched everyone's psyches and the physical landscape irreparably in a fashion that a US citizen outside of Hawaii could not possibly envisage. Scarred or harrowed would be the first words coming to my mind. Thefilm confronts the audience with their witness and collaboration in violence. Very brave thing to do given the conditions of the time.

[–] lyndzamabob 19 years ago

i agree totally. it is soooo overrated, and the acting is downright awful.

[–] carlin4737 19 years ago

"Also I think that the fact we're let to know who the killer is from the start spoils any mystery."
Dont agree, take Columbo, we see who did it before he comes into it, but that dosent take anything away from each episode.

"reputation as a rvial of Psycho"
Alot of that rival stuff is more maybe to do with the fact that they came out in the same year. A film like Peeping Tom in 1960 would of had and did have much more of a shocking effect than Psycho would of done.

"Its very tame if you ask me."
Tame? in what way are you classing this as tame? by todays standards or by the standards of 1960 when this was made?

------------------------
When you have to shoot, shoot, don't talk

[–] tville-1 19 years ago

The real shocker in this movie is the use of child abuse. I think that it's almost pornographic in the picture and rather disgusting.

I can see how Powell got huung for that one, as it really is uncalled for. I can understand how his girlfriend Helen takes pity on him for that, it would make for a rather sympathetic character, but obviously he has some severe sexual hangups...

[–] tville-1 19 years ago

Yes personally I found it a bit boring. After he offs Moira Shearer I really lost interest. I don't think that it helped by everyone constantly saying Mark, ....Mark...and the women being such pasties. I really don't know what got into Powell's head to do such a horrid movie.

There is no suspense and really no interest. I could not even care enough about this bad unattractive actor with his accent and droll mannerisms. It's really not like Powell at all but it is very much like Scorese, that's for sure.

[–] MistressKitty 19 years ago

I ,like all of you, had heard many good things about this movie.I saw it coming on TCM the other night and was delighted,that was until I started watching it.I was bored from the onset and honestly turned it off after about 30 or 40 minutes,but I am curious as to how it ended,could someone please share?

"Suddenly it's going to dawn on you'

[–] seoulless 19 years ago

When the cops close in, he impales himself on his tripod, all the while filming it as he had planned all along. His horrified girlfriend looks on. Now there's a dedicated film maker.

[–] MistressKitty 19 years ago

LOL thanks

"Suddenly it's going to dawn on you'

[–] Tashtago 11 years ago

Agree with the general thread here. Peeping Tom does not live up to its reputation. Lacks the suspense and humor of Psycho. Good not great. One of the problems is the police don't play a greater role in tracking the killer. This always adds that extra element of the cat and mouse chase that is such an enjoyable part of most thrillers.

[–] Errington_92 10 years ago

Surprised by the negative reaction. Though I failed to understand the controversy surrounding Peeping Tom, it was an adsorbing thriller witnessing a complex character like Mark.

"I'd rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not".

[–] filmfancy 9 years ago

@seoulless -- You might want to use spoilers if you're going to reveal the ending.

And all the pieces matter (The Wire)

[–] 9 years ago

[deleted]

[–] prplayer 8 years ago

buddy, you ain't kidding

boy was this a disappointing movie

so many movies, so little time