Peeping Tom: The 1960 British flop that invented the slasher movie

In 1960, a British film titled 'Peeping Tom' was released, directed by Michael Powell. Upon its release, the film was met with widespread disgust and criticism, leading to a significant decline in Powell's career. However, in retrospect, 'Peeping Tom' is often credited as the pioneer of the 'slasher' genre, a subcategory of horror films characterized by a violent antagonist who inflicts harm or death upon their victims, typically with a bladed weapon.

The narrative of 'Peeping Tom' unfolds in an unremarkable setting, often reminiscent of a nondescript American suburb. The antagonist is a remorseless, blade-wielding killer, psychologically scarred by past trauma, who lures unsuspecting victims to their gruesome demise. The potential victims are usually young, carefree individuals, with the exception of one character, often a morally upright and resilient female, who might survive the ordeal. This narrative structure is a common trope in slasher films, as seen in popular titles such as 'Halloween', 'Friday the 13th', and 'A Nightmare on Elm Street'.

Despite its initial reception, 'Peeping Tom' is now recognized for its groundbreaking contribution to the slasher genre. The film follows the story of Mark Lewis, an aspiring director who moonlights as a pornographic photographer. His sinister obsession involves filming women in their final moments of life, capturing their terror as he murders them. This disturbing narrative, coupled with the film's innovative use of cinematic techniques, has solidified 'Peeping Tom's' status as a seminal work in the history of slasher films.