troubled divorce detective wes block ( a bold and impressive performance by clint eastwood ) investigate a brutal series of hooker murder in new orleans . say killing uncomfortably correspond with block own unsavory penchant for have kinky sex with prostitute . pretty soon block be force to confront head on the more base and unappealing aspect of his own tormented psyche . writer or director richard tuggle relate the compellingly sordid plot at a gradual and yet steady pace and develop a good deal of tension and deliver a vivid and intriguing evocation of the seamy big easy red light district and and and most of all and offer a strong and provocative exploration of the extremely warped and disturbing aspect of severely aberrant male sexuality and perversity ( for example and block like to handcuff woman while make love to them in order to have a sense of control ) . eastwood wes block make for a fascinatingly flaw and complex character represent while he a love father to his two daughter ( well play by jennifer beck and clint real life daughter alison ) and he nonetheless suffer from some seriously mess up carnal hang ups . genevieve bujold lends winningly sparky support a gutsy and hard nosed rape crisis therapist beryl thibodeaux while her witty exchange with the macho block be quite lively and amuse . dan hedaya also do well a block partner detective molinari . ravish redhead jamie rise and buxom blonde randi brook and and equally busty blonde rebecca perle be very sexy and gorgeous a three of the killer victim . the scene between block and his daughter be both funny and touch . moreover and the nice sprinkling of tasty female nudity and deviant sex give this feature an extra seedy and twisted edge . the climactic confrontation between block and the psycho be highly exciting and suspenseful . bruce surtees sharpn hadowy cinematography give the picture a suitably garish look . lennie niehaus supremely bluesy and jazzy score likewise hit the spot . moody and atmospheric and this seedy thriller rate a one of clint eastwood most audacious and praiseworthy 80 film .