From Powerhouse Films, the movie that Peter Sellers hated so much he tried to erase it entirely receives a welcome Blu-ray debut. Sellers half-succeeded in this angry endeavour for censorship, given that Hoffman, one of the comedian’s few dramatic films, has existed for over 50 years in near obscurity and is even skimmed over or dismissed by loyalists of the late actor. This is fair game given the film’s questionable subject matter, stilted script, and titular character – Benjamin Hoffman – the kind of man most people would rather not see Sellers portray, including Sellers himself.

Indeed, wealthy businessman Hoffman is selfish, scheming, and manipulative. But is this only because he is lonely, repressed and frustrated? Director Alvin Rakoff seeks to explore this question and ultimately create a sympathetic character. Rakoff had his work cut out, given the plot revolves around Hoffman’s sleazy extortion of his young secretary, Janet (Sinéad Cusack). He has proof of her boyfriend’s criminal doings and uses it to his advantage, blackmailing the callow Ms Smith to spend a week with him at his London apartment, where he admits his obsession over her in numerous speeches that are as genuine as they are creepy and desperate. Despite Sellers’ best efforts at a nuanced performance, Hoffman doesn’t eventually become the tragic hero the filmmakers want him to be.

The idea to explore Hoffman’s psyche and have Ms Smith warm to him as the days progress isn’t convincingly played out. Granted, the idea of turning a despicable character like this into a relatable one is an uphill struggle, but the script is thin and repetitive, never excelling past its stage play origins and never giving its characters interesting scenarios where they are able to believably grow closer. Having said that, Powerhouse Films handle this release with its usual care, treating film fans with insightful special features and making this misguided but notable movie a worthwhile release.

HOFFMAN is out on Blu-ray now