Director: James B. Harris
Starring: James Woods, Charles Durning, Lesley Ann Warren
Running Time: 110 minutes
Synopsis: Highly stressed Los Angeles Police Detective Lloyd Hopkins (James Woods) takes on the case of a young woman brutally murdered in her apartment. After his wife and daughter leave him, Lloyd immerses himself in the investigation, concluding that the victim was a feminist and the assailant enjoys poetry and may be a serial killer. Supported by Detective "Dutch" Peltz (Charles Durning), Lloyd tangles with corrupt Deputy Sherriff Delbert Haines (Charles Haid) before seeking insight from feminist author Kathleen McCarthy (Lesley Ann Warren).
What Works Well: Director and writer James B. Harris adapts the James Ellroy book into a gritty crime procedural with neo-noir vibes. Despite no shortage of violence and suspense, the focus is on the character of Lloyd Hopkins, a restless detective with strong convictions, a short temper, and dubious morals, unable to get out of his own way. James Woods injects unrelenting energy into the role, powering through a sordid plot punctuated by sex and blood.
What Does Not Work As Well: The frequency of coincidences and vague plot points is high, even for this type of hard boiled everyone-is-shady thriller. Lloyd's inability to ever read a room and modulate his behaviour confines him to the status of a ticking time bomb, while the third act suffers from an exceptionally poorly defined villain and barely explained motives.
Key Quote:
Lloyd: Well, there's some good news and there's some bad news. The good news is you're right - I'm a cop and I've gotta take you in. The bad news is I've been suspended and I don't give a fuck.
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