The Boston Strangler

The Boston Strangler is a chilling 1968 American crime thriller film featuring a historical true crime. Noted for its star-studded cast, the film stars Tony Curtis, Henry Fonda, and George Kennedy among others. Richard Fleischer served as the director, and Edward Anhalt lent his talents to scribe the script based on the novel by Gerold Frank. This movie centers around the investigation of the infamous Boston Strangler's cases that shook Boston in the early 1960s.

The transformation of Tony Curtis in his portrayal of the Boston Strangler, Albert DeSalvo, is remarkable. Curtis, who was traditionally cast for his charm and good looks in light-hearted roles, takes a starkly contrasting character in his stride. His profound commitment to his role, as the criminally insane strangler, offers a terrifying, yet riveting insight into the mind of a serial murderer. His portrayal of a man harboring dual personalities presents audiences a chilling experience underlining Curtis' exceptional acting prowess.

Henry Fonda leaves no stone unturned with his performance as John S. Bottomly, the primary investigator assigned to catch the serial killer. Fonda's refined and delicate portrayal of the methodical and under-pressure detective offers a much-needed balance to the severity of Curtis’ character. Top federal agent Bottemly's meticulous investigation, coupled with his relentless pursuit of the Boston Strangler, forms an integral part of the narrative.

The film takes viewers on a tension-filled journey within the city of Boston, which demonstrates the pandemonium and fear that had befallen residents during these horrific times. Showcasing an excellent use of split-screen cinematography, the film allows the audience to follow multiple conversations and situations simultaneously. This innovative technique made a significant impact in storytelling during the era and is used to enhance the intensity of several sequences in the film.

Meanwhile, George Kennedy delivers a sturdy performance as Detective Phil DiNatale, a relentless law enforcer determined to apprehend the notorious killer. He goes about his duty with a calm sense of urgency, skilfully trapping clues in a maze of misleading information. The intriguing interplay between Fonda and Kennedy moving through the lower depths of Boston in search of the strangler forms a gripping part of the action.

In addition to the gripping storyline, The Boston Strangler is also a significant accomplishment of its time for exploring the human psychology of a serial killer. Excellent usage of flashbacks, intense therapy sessions, and smartly written monologues gives us insights into DeSalvo's disturbed mind, thereby contributing to the suspense. The film broached the theme of dual personality disorders, mental illness, and their possible relation to criminal behavior, which was considered groundbreaking for that time.

Similarly remarkable is the visual style and cinematography of the movie. Capturing the bleak and grim atmosphere of a city living under constant threat, the greys and gloomy blues used in the film project an impending sense of doom effectively. Emphasis on shadow play and the rough, harsh light during investigation sequences accentuate the turmoil and anxiety of both the killer and those in pursuit.

As all characters inch closer in this predator-prey chase, the suspense escalates, leaving audiences at the edge of their seats. Apart from the engrossing portrayal of characters, the fact that events in the movie were based on real incidents makes it a particularly chilling watch.

The Boston Strangler presented a turning point in many of its cast’s careers due to the departure from their conventional roles, especially Curtis'. This film remains a classic that showcases not just an appalling chapter in history but also the subsequent cinematic brilliance used to portray it. It continues to be appreciated by audiences for its innovativeness, immersive storytelling, and the rhythmic build-up of intensity leading up to its nerve-wracking climax.