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[Paul]

I’ve never seen VILLIAN but have pre-ordered the DVD, as it’s due for release 3rd September – my birthday, no less! The film supposedly drew inspiration from the Kray twins, with Richard Burton portraying a composite character of both – a violent, homosexual gangster with a mother-fixation…

I’m a sucker for films of the seventies – especially those that were filmed here in London.

LINK: Villian

[Alfetta]

Prepare yourself for a treat, mate - I think Villain is fantastic and actually stands up to repeated viewing better than Get Carter does (not that I'm necessarily knocking Carter). Burton's performance is hilarious in places and his cockney accent is erratic, which only adds to the film's charm. It's also chocka with familiar British character actors and nails that fascinating moment when the underworld, the aristocracy and 'Swinging London' all seemed to collide in the late '60s.

The novel which inspired Villain, 'The Burden Of Proof' by James Barlow, is a cracking piece of pulp too.

[adopts cod-cockney/Shakespearean/Welsh hybrid accent] "Cover yer shoulders up, mum. It's getting a bit nippy."

[Paul]

Cheers for that Alfetta - I'm really looking forward to seeing it.

[Paul]

Cheers for that Richard - I'm really looking forward to seeing it.

That was Alfetta mate 

Duly corrected - sorry for the misunderstanding, Alfeta - I'd just previously replied to a couple of Richard C's posts...

So Jonny, have you seen this? I was recently at a family get-together and a guy that's married to my mum's cousin saw a lot of VILLAIN being filmed. Apparently, much of the film was shot in the Vauxhall area.

[Jonny]

No never seen it, sounds great though and Richard Burton always gets my attention when he's on screen in any of his films. Incredible actor.

Found a great UK quad poster for this film...

[Mart85]

Never seen it either but heard a lot about it.  Looking forward to seeing this one too.

[Paul]

I watched VILLAIN last night, had never seen it before and was really impressed. Richard Burton really underplays his no-nonsense gangland boss and is ably supported by the likes of Ian McShane, Fiona Lewis, Joss Ackland and erm, Donaldon Sinden. The film is shot in lucious Panavison and is well served by the new DVD from Optimum, which is presented in anamorphic 2.35:1. It's such a rare treat to see London captured in this way, especially when you consider the film was made during the seventies.

VILLIAN is a gritty British crime flick and although not ain the league of THE LONG GOOD FRIDAY or GET CARTER, it really should be afforded more respect.

[Richard C]

This is one I need to pick up to add to my excessive unwatched pile  Paul A J Lewis mentioned the film on DVD Maniacs and that guy's got taste in cinema (and so have you Paul  ). This and The Hill are going to be my next purchases I think - after some more Mexican Lobby Cards and VTC Pre Certs..... It's lucky I'm a sad singleton who lives with his parents isn't it 

[Inspector Tanzi]

Paul has convinced me to watch this, so as it's a U.K release i'll give it a couple of months and hopefully get it cheap!

[IL COMMISSARIO]

Just happened to run across this one on xploited's site today. Sounds a winner!

[Phill]

Finally got around to watching this the other week and I wasn't dissapointed ! Burton is on top form and christ Ian McShane was good in his day, although he is having something of a ressurgence now. Loosely based on the Krays (I forget which one was gay  ) the script by Clement and Le Frenais moves along at a fair old pace and the period is nicely evoked, poor old Joss Ackland though gets a rough deal again, he seemed to specialise in playing sympathetic loosers in his early career. Recommended 

[Stephen Grimes]

Loosely based on the Krays (I forget which one was gay  )

They both were from what i've heard though Ronnie was openly gay whilst it was a prison thing with the other.

I'll have to try and see VILLAIN again sometime,remember buying the vhs tape in a sale at Virgin or Tower back in the early 90's.

[Phill]

Loosely based on the Krays (I forget which one was gay  )

They both were from what i've heard though Ronnie was openly gay whilst it was a prison thing with the other.

I'll have to try and see VILLAIN again sometime,remember buying the vhs tape in a sale at Virgin or Tower back in the early 90's.

Your right Ronnie was the one who was openly gay, remember watching a Doc where one of the ex gang members said that he used to bring his boyfriends in and say " Isn't he lovely lads eh?" and of course they ALL had to agree with him! 

[Stephen Grimes]

Apparently, much of the film was shot in the Vauxhall area.

Also down at the famous Assembly House pub in good ole Kentish Town Road,never been in the pub but spent years walking past it on the way home.

[Paul]

Very cool, mate.