The now out-dated expermental look of this film often detracts from the subject, and it was no wonder that this style in which it was filmed didn't stay around longer.
Forgiving that, it must be said that this film is almost entirely ficticious. It has almost no claims on reality besides some of the murders and the character names. Many of the plot points are made up entirely, or distorted by untruths and rumors.
But, Tony Curtis' protrayal of De Salvo is inspired, and he carries an uncanny likeness to the actual man. Unfortunately everyone else's role in the film feels stiff and unmemorable. But some of the mistakes regarding the characters themselves (most notably De Salvo himself) and their roles in the investigation are unforgivable and misleading, chalked up to a movie that sacrifices the real story for no palatable reason.
On the whole, a severe disappointment and a text book case of "Hollywoodising" a serious moment in history.
Forgiving that, it must be said that this film is almost entirely ficticious. It has almost no claims on reality besides some of the murders and the character names. Many of the plot points are made up entirely, or distorted by untruths and rumors.
But, Tony Curtis' protrayal of De Salvo is inspired, and he carries an uncanny likeness to the actual man. Unfortunately everyone else's role in the film feels stiff and unmemorable. But some of the mistakes regarding the characters themselves (most notably De Salvo himself) and their roles in the investigation are unforgivable and misleading, chalked up to a movie that sacrifices the real story for no palatable reason.
On the whole, a severe disappointment and a text book case of "Hollywoodising" a serious moment in history.