Watch Villain

Villain is a crime drama film released in 1971. Starring Richard Burton, Ian McShane, and Nigel Davenport, the movie is a gritty portrayal of gangster life in London. The story follows ruthless criminal Vic Dakin (Richard Burton) and his loyal lieutenant Wolfe Lissner (Ian McShane) as they engage in a series of violent crimes, including armed robbery, kidnapping, and murder. Along their path to destruction, they cross paths with Scotland Yard Detective Bob Matthews (Nigel Davenport), who becomes obsessed with bringing them to justice.

The movie is filled with tension and suspense, as Dakin's and Lissner's criminal activities escalate and the police close in on them. It also explores the relationships between the characters, with Dakin attempting to control and manipulate everyone around him, including his girlfriend Karen (played by British singer and actress Sharon Duce).

One of the most striking aspects of Villain is Richard Burton's performance. He brings a chilling intensity to the role of Dakin, a man so consumed with power and violence that he seems to have no conscience. His interactions with the other characters are always charged and unpredictable, making him a fascinating and terrifying character to watch.

Ian McShane also delivers a standout performance as Lissner, playing Dakin's right-hand man with a mix of loyalty and fear. Nigel Davenport, meanwhile, provides a compelling counterpoint as the determined and principled detective who is determined to stop Dakin at any cost.

The movie is set against a backdrop of seedy London streets, featuring dingy pubs, rundown flats, and grimy alleyways. The cinematography captures the drabness of this world, using dark colors and low angles to heighten the sense of danger and desperation.

Villain is a film that pulls no punches, depicting violence and cruelty with a stark realism that can be hard to watch. It's not a movie for the faint of heart, but for those who can handle it, it's a raw and powerful portrait of criminal life in the 1970s. It also offers a compelling look at the complex psychology of a violent criminal, as Dakin struggles to maintain his power even as his actions draw him ever closer to ruin.

Overall, Villain is a riveting crime drama that is well worth watching. Its performances are excellent, its storyline is tense and engaging, and its setting is seedy and atmospheric. This is a movie that offers a stark and uncompromising look at the brutal realities of the criminal underworld, and is sure to stay with viewers long after the credits roll.

Villain is a 1971 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.