The movie "The Hot Spot" was pretty true to the book. All of
the plot details and key scenes were found in the book, to
the best of my memory.
I don't recall the movie coming out in the theater, but
I'd have to say it's a pretty good neo-noir thriller and
unfairly maligned. Virginia Madsen is terrific as the
manipulating femme fatale, and it's unfortunate that she
wallowed in B-movie-dom for years and only now is beginning
to get some recognition for her talents. Don Johnson was
still trying hard to be a good actor at that point in his
career (1990) and is perfectly cast as the classic noir
anti-hero who thinks he's much smarter than he really is, and
is too stupid and egotistical to see the walls closing in.
Also the movie was directed by Dennis Hopper, yes THAT Dennis
Hopper, who understands his Texas milieu and is really good
at wallowing in the sleazy world but also handles the humor
and irony of the book well. I heartily recommend "Hot Spot"
to any noir movie fans.
I'm sure it's been discussed here before but "Dead
Calm" is also an amazing Charles Williams adaptation. The
movie is essentially a three character drama and Director
Philip Noyce ratchets up the tension. A genuinely creepy
thriller with excellent performances by a young Nicole Kidman
and Billy Zane... yes Billy Zane can act... who knew?
Chan
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