directed by Bruce Evans
However, this film still lets Costner play a protective decent family man, although a very twisted one.
It was a fine piece of acting and perhaps something you should watch if you've never seen Costner portray wicked characters. This wasn't really a hit IIRC. Some would argue that's because Costner isn't a very compelling actor. I would disagree with that. It is true that this film wasn't what most people wanted to see from Costner.But Costner's alleged lack of range works for this role as his character is very tightly wrapped indeed.
Earl Brooks (Costner) is the middle aged CEO of a packaging/boxing company. Earl is a good man, or so it seems. Earl is a philanthropist. He's solicitous of his workforce; Earl has so far resisted selling out to East Asians or outsourcing work overseas. Although Earl is a multimillionaire he's evidently still married to his first wife Emma (Marg Helgenberger), a woman in his own age range, instead of a much younger secretary or supermodel. Earl is faithful to Emma.
That itch is that Earl is also a serial killer, called the Thumbprint Killer by the cops and press. For the past two years Earl hasn't murdered anyone. He's been a good boy. Pretending to be an alcoholic, Earl attends AA meetings to battle his cravings. But we all must be true to ourselves. Earl's id/alter ego Marshall (William Hurt) is increasingly insistent that the time has come to kill and kill now dammit! Earl agrees. Earl, a man of off the charts intelligence, meticulously prepares for every possibility. He leaves home one evening and murders a man and a woman who were doing the do.
But even smart people make mistakes. And mistakes cost. After the murders a man named Smith (Dane Cook) turns up at Earl's office. Smith has photographs of Earl in the house with the murder victims. But strangely enough Smith doesn't want money or a job. The degenerate Smith wants to accompany and watch Earl the next time Earl commits murder.
Atwood thinks she can solve all of her problems by finding the resurfaced Thumbprint Killer.
Earl routinely recites the 12 step Serenity Prayer to deal with his internal demons. Earl is physically dangerous though he rarely gives that impression. His real weapon is his incredible intelligence and ability to read people. Mr. Brooks has a few too many subplots, but it is a clever film.
Hurt's Marshall was the film's most effective tool. When Marshall and Earl carry on long conversations you forget that this is all in Earl's mind. Usually dressed in black and speaking from the shadows Marshall gives voice to Earl's suspicious, hunches and deductions. The film has something to say about addictions and whether or not these are personal failings or genetic curses.
There is violence, cleavage, nudity, and Demi Moore running around in a tight top. This is a psychological thriller that doesn't explain everything and ramps up the tension to the very end. TRAILER
