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Peeping Tom (1960)

1960 • 1h 41m • Drama, Horror • NR
On September 24, 2026
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All reviews

John Chard on Peeping Tom

10/10 · Feb 11, 2014

Peeping Tom, directed by Michael Powell and written by Leo Marks, features Carl Boehm, Moira Shearer, Anna Massey, Maxine Audley, and Brenda Bruce in the cast. Brian Easdale composed the music, and Otto Heller was responsible for the cinematography. This film is well-known—or perhaps infamous—for several reasons, primarily because its release essentially ended Michael Powell’s career. It's noteworthy that even more than fifty years later, people are still seeing it for the first time and aren't quite sure what they've just witnessed, much like many critics did in 1960. Those looking for a horror movie often express disappointment, expecting something akin to a Jack the Ripper film filled with bloodshed. They seem to assume that “serial killer” means constant gore and terror. As those who appreciate the film know, Peeping Tom isn't that type of serial killer story; it’s an intriguing work. It offers a carefully constructed exploration of a troubled mind, focusing on voyeurism, loneliness, and child abuse. From the very beginning, Easdale’s unsettling piano score establishes the atmosphere, then the strikingly vivid color palette comes into play as Mark Lewis (Boehm), a disturbed man, focuses his attention on a potential victim—a woman working in the sex industry who is about to be filmed dying. This marks Powell and Marks' intention to make viewers feel involved in Lewis’s actions, and subsequently, they challenge us to empathize with him as his past is revealed and he struggles with his feelings for Helen Stephens (Massey). There’s also a subtle commentary on the film industry woven throughout the movie, which likely frustrated critics and distributors back in 1960. One could possibly argue that the trauma and psychological themes at the heart of the story feel somewhat dated now. However, what remains relevant is the filmmaking itself—the voyeurism aspect, as we are constantly presented with reality television for entertainment today. The production quality across all departments is top-notch; the performances are very effective, with Boehm, who was unfairly criticized, being perfectly cast in the role of Lewis, even evoking shades of Peter Lorre at times. Heller’s bold color photography creates a disturbing atmosphere, Easdale's music is an ominous presence, and the sound team did excellent work. It’s flawless. Powell himself suffered greatly from the harsh criticism he received upon the film's release; it’s gratifying to know that before his death in 1990, he witnessed Peeping Tom gain recognition as a significant piece of filmmaking. The movie and its creator deserve praise—his direction is remarkably innovative, his framing of Lewis is deliberate, and naturally, the camera serves as our eyes and ears, uncomfortably so. It’s an extraordinary and brilliant film. 10/10

Source on TMDB