I was reluctant to see this because John Carpenter, who wrote the original script, said his work was needlessly changed, and I'm prepared to believe that (Carpenter was on a hot streak as a writer around this time). But it has charm, of a sorts, especially in its depiction of hedonistic late 70s New York, with fashion photographer Faye Dunaway shooting violent art shots of models (including the lovely Darlanne Fluegel) and her assistant, puffy haired Rene Auberjonois.
There's also Tommy Lee Jones as the hunky cop, Barbra Streisand on the soundtrack (producer Jon Peters bought the script as a vehicle for her - she opted out but provided a song), stylish photography, Brad Dourif as a loony, Raul Julia as a gigolo type. Everyone looks as though they are on their way to Studio 54.
I'm not a big fan of giallo but there's not too much violence.
I would've preferred the original script was shot starring Roberta Collins, which was Jack Harris' original plan. Still, this is of interest.
(I gather this was Dunaway's big pay day movie after making Network. I understand she wanted big payday movies that focused on her but in hindsight she should've focused on just working on higher end projects. In fairness, this film didn't hurt her - Mommie Dearest is what turned her in to a joke.)
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