Born to Kill
Born to Kill

Born to Kill

1967Movie87 minItalian

Roose arrives in a town where a ruthless land baron is trying to take control of the entire area, eventually deciding to take sides with townspeople.

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Insights

IMDb7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes92%
Director: Robert WiseGenres: Film Noir, Crime, Drama, Thriller

Plot Summary

A drifter named Sam inherits a fortune, but his volatile temper and obsession with a married woman, Helen, lead to a deadly chain of events. He murders her husband and attempts to frame an innocent man, all while a former lover of his tries to expose his crimes. The film follows his descent into violence and paranoia as he tries to maintain his newfound wealth and control over Helen, ultimately leading to his tragic downfall.

Critical Reception

Born to Kill is a highly regarded, albeit dark and violent, entry in the film noir genre. Critics at the time and retrospectively have praised its intense atmosphere, raw performances, and unflinching portrayal of a sociopathic killer. While its brutality was shocking for its era, it is now recognized for its bold thematic elements and masterful direction.

What Reviewers Say

  • A brutal and uncompromising portrayal of a psychopathic killer.
  • Features a standout, terrifying performance by Lawrence Tierney.
  • Praised for its dark atmosphere and effective pacing within the noir framework.

Google audience: N/A

Fun Fact

The film was originally titled 'The Man Who Played God' before being changed to 'Born to Kill', and was marketed with the tagline 'The most sensational picture of our time!' due to its shocking violence.

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