l Pacino had been out of mainstream movies for five years when he stepped back into the arena for this predictable thriller. Pedestrian plot aside — a detective falls for a serial killer suspect (Ellen Barkin) who uses lonely hearts ads — what matters here is the sheet-staining chemistry between the two leads. It simmers, then busts open. Barkin is a vamp in heat with a vulnerable streak. Pacino’s cop is excited, confused, and heavy on nervous ticks. Director Harold Becker also milks a fine performance from John Goodman as another homicide detective.
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About the Author: Claude Xavier-Garri
