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Rather more skilfully plotted than it initially appears, Victim generates considerable tension, and boasts fine performances from an ensemble cast including Sylvia Syms as Farr's wife, Norman Bird, Donald Churchill and John Barrie. Basil Dearden, who memorably featured Bogarde in an early role in The Blue Lamp (1950), directs with professional assurance. Not just a historical document--though the location footage of central London circa 1961 is fascinating in its own right--Victim was instrumental in changing attitudes, which led to the decriminalisation of homosexuality. A turning point for Bogarde too, the film marked a move from matinee idol to the more serious fare of The Servant (1963) and Darling (1965).
On the DVD: Victim is presented in an anamorphically enhanced 16:9 transfer, which beautifully captures the noir-ish black-and-white cinematography of Otto Heller. There is occasional print damage, but it is minimal and doesn't distract from the film. The mono sound is very good. The disc also includes the original trailer, an annotated gallery of production photographs and a 28-minute television interview with Dirk Bogarde. This excellent feature was filmed in the actor's house just prior to the release of Victim and finds him discussing his career with particular reference to Hunted (1952), the Doctor comedies, Song Without End (1960) and his latest, "bitterly controversial" picture, which he says couldn't have been made even two years earlier. --Gary S Dalkin
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Never more true than in this remarkable (for its time) film. Apart from being a story of courage, determination and sacrifice, it presents a picture of a time, now happily gone, when to be gay was a matter of secrecy and shame. Dirk Bogarde's career could have disappeared overnight when he took the brave decision to make this film and he gives a fine performance of a man torn between his comfortable life and successful career and his deep and secret passion. He is surrounded by a fine ensemble cast led by the splendid Sylvia Syms as his wife, Peter McEnery as "Boy" Barratt, the object of his desire and with Dennis Price, Nigel Stock and Charles Lloyd Pack in strong support. A special mention should go to a character actor by the name of Norman Bird who plays a second-hand book seller deeply in love with "Boy" Barratt, the catalyst for Bogarde's actions. Bird gives a wonderful and very moving performance as this bland little man who must mourn his loss in secret. Well ahead of its time, the film still packs a significant punch and tells a heartbreaking tale about what it was to be gay before the law changed in 1967.
It handles the subject of homosexuality in a very sensitive and yet inspiring way. I was especially impressed with the relationship between husband and wife - this could have been treated in a very negative way, but was in fact very moving.
This is a film that everyone should see at least once as it is profoundly significant - I would put it on a par with The Colour Purple - as it similarly confronts the viewer with human truths.
This film is criticised nowadays for its attitude to homosexuals: it treats them as sad, tortured creatures who deserve our pity - and whilst I can understand people making that objection, I think that director Basil Dearden and all involved had their hearts in the right place. You'll also see a very early (and moving) performance by Peter McEnery and a couple of excellent acting turns by Sylvia Syms and Dennis Price.
Definitely a film to watch, learn from and savour.
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