A story of how this got made it charming: Amy Holden Jones wanted to direct, she got her chance via Roger Corman and Slumber Party Massacre then she cashed in her chits to make this. Corman put his name on it as a producer - I think he was taken by the fact it feels influenced by Ingmar Bergman, with its simple shots, educated and cultured characters (Jamie Lee Curtis works for public radio, James Keach is a photographer) people trying to deal with emotional issues on a rational level.
It's the sort of story I could imagine Woody Allen trying to tell although he'd probably make the woman more crazy and there would be more analysis. A more typical thriller (dare I say it male director/writer) and Curtis would've gone full Fatal Attraction.
The female writer-director gives it a fresh angle - you can imagine the pervy version about the story of the Other Woman. This is one with a lot more emphathy - it's clear Keach is a good root (even though he gives of a stalky vibe), her mum is dead, her dad is a useless boozer. The matter of fact way he seduces her is quite quick - he makes eyes at her, asks her out for a drink, says he's married and then pow. A bit more of seduction maybe couldn't have gone astray but maybe that's how it's done!
There's a bit of nudity which Corman required to sell the piece - and you know it does liven things up. As does the settings - Curtis lives by a canal (in Venice).
The cast is really good. Amy Madigan is Curtis' BFF, Bud Cort her co worker. Curtis is very good - she made this before Trading Places but I think it was released after. Keach is a little creepy.
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