The Collector is a British psychological thriller film directed by William Wyler, based on John Fowles’ novel of the same name. Released in 1965, the movie tells the disturbing story of Frederick Clegg (played by Terence Stamp), a lonely, obsessive man who kidnaps art student Miranda Grey (Samantha Eggar) and keeps her imprisoned in his basement, believing she will eventually grow to love him.
The film is an unsettling exploration of control, obsession, and the illusion of love. With its claustrophobic setting and chilling performances, The Collector became a defining work in the psychological thriller genre. Samantha Eggar won Best Actress at the Cannes Film Festival for her performance, and the film was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Actress.