Synopsis
Homosexuality meant jail in 1960s of Britain. A successful barrister Melville Farr one day finds himself #999999mailed threatening to expose his sexual identity. Jack, with whom he was in love, kills himself and the police's pursuit reveals their relationship. He now strives to avoid exposure as well as to figure out the wrongdoers. When things become clear about the #999999mailers, Melville's life in security becomes at stake. Until 70s homosexuality was not only deemed illegal but treated as mental disorder. Victim is one of the many social problem films Basil DEARDEN produced which gained controversy for its daring and courageous approach to gay issue. The director's constrained choice of criminal noir as an indirect medium to address this socially pressed matter reflects the stigmatized homosexuality at those times. Dirk BOGARDE known as the prince of European Cinema plays the role of Melville Farr and shakes off his heart-throb image to further work with directors including Joseph LOSEY and Luchino VISCONTI in challenging parts. (Jin PARK)