10 Rillington Place is a 1971 British crime drama film that tells the story of notorious serial killer John Christie who murdered at least eight women and buried most of their bodies in the backyard of his house located at 10 Rillington Place in London during the 1940s and 50s. The movie also portrays the tragic story of Timothy Evans, who lived in the same boarding house with Christie and was wrongfully convicted and hanged for the murder of his daughter, despite being innocent.
The film is based on the true events that shocked the nation and exposed the flaws in the British justice system. Richard Attenborough plays the chilling role of John Christie with haunting authenticity, while John Hurt convincingly portrays the troubled and innocent Timothy Evans. The story unfolds gradually, revealing the psychological manipulation and abuse inflicted on Evans by Christie, who lured him into confessing to crimes he did not commit.
The film offers a bleak and disturbing portrayal of post-war British society, with poverty, social isolation, and mental illness being key factors in the murders committed by Christie. The cinematography is stark and minimalist, reflecting the dark and macabre nature of the events portrayed. The film is considered a masterpiece of British cinema and a powerful indictment of the death penalty and the injustice it can perpetrate.
Overall, 10 Rillington Place is a haunting and thought-provoking film that raises questions about the nature of evil, the flaws in our justice system, and the importance of truth and justice in a civilized society. It is a must-watch for fans of true crime and British cinema alike.