The film chronicles the rise and fall of London gangster Eddie Fitzwilliam, a ruthless and ambitious criminal mastermind. Fitzwilliam operates with cold-blooded efficiency, manipulating those around him to achieve his goals of wealth and power. However, his violent methods and increasingly paranoid nature eventually lead to his downfall.

Villain received mixed to negative reviews upon its release, with critics often citing its gratuitous violence and formulaic crime drama elements. While Richard Burton's performance was occasionally praised for its intensity, the film was generally seen as a grim and uninspired entry in the genre.

• The film is noted for its bleak depiction of criminal ambition.
• Richard Burton's portrayal of the central gangster is intense but often overshadowed by the film's violence.
• Considered a fairly standard, albeit grim, crime thriller of its era.

Google audience: Information on Google user reviews and ratings for "Villain" (1971) is not readily available.

Richard Burton famously accepted a significantly reduced salary for his role in 'Villain' in exchange for a percentage of the profits, a deal that did not ultimately prove lucrative due to the film's performance.