I really enjoyed this dark and brooding psychological whodunnit. A woman is murdered in a most unpleasant way. She has her foot severed at the ankle. She is then skinned alive. When she is finally dead the killer decides now would be the best time for some sex... Yuck! On the scene of the crime is Detective Hanley (Carradine) who, having seen more than his fair share of depravity, chooses alcohol as his work partner of choice. Meanwhile, across on the other side of the town, a couple of men have turned up at a farm looking for a telephone as their car has broken down. At the stables, they find Jenny (West), who is house and horse sitting for her friend while she and her brother go on spring break. There's something not quite right about these brothers, Paul (Wasson) and John (Fletcher)...
It's at this point that the story starts to get good and twisty. The trouble is that the writers and director go a little heavy-handedly about dropping hints as to the twists in the story. I have to admit this was the only off-putting thing in the film for me. Apart from these little bits, the story is strong and well structured. But the best thing about it is the ending, which is brilliant, and probably one of the truest endings on film - as well as the most ironic.
The acting is above average and I found all the characters to be realistic and believable... except for one scene towards the climax of the film. This had John and Jenny playing out a scene. It's Jenny's behaviour, at this point that really angered me. The character that we've seen, up to this point, wouldn't do, act, or say the things she does in this scene. I know that's vague but I don't want to spoil the film for anyone. And besides, this is only a slight annoyance and shouldn't stop anyone from watching this film. But when you get to this scene and you'll know and be ready for it. I think this flick also shows how underrated David Carradine was as an actor. He really does get the alcoholic detective fighting the monkey on his back down pat. It's not Oscar material, but it is good.
And I have to give respect to Bill Crain who was great at using light to create atmosphere and tension... some of it is pretty striking while others are quite subtle. Take the climax around the pool, very artistic. I also loved how he ceased all sound when you were looking out of John's eyes as he was a deaf-mute. This added a different perspective, even if it was just a few seconds at a time. There are some really nice camera shots too. The climax in the bedroom is especially beautiful and sad, as well as being beautifully lit.
Though this isn't the greatest film ever made it does have a lot going for it. It's one film that I wouldn't mind watching again... maybe, even a few times. I would say to all psychological thriller lovers, murder mystery fans, armchair detectives, and whodunnit pundits give this one a go - it's worth it.
