Directed by
William Friedkin
Made by
Paramount Pictures
San Francisco’s Assistant District Attorney, David Corelli, finds himself embroiled in a complex murder investigation when prominent businessman Kyle Medford is discovered brutally killed in his home, an antique hatchet being the murder weapon. As detectives Bob Hargrove and Petey Vesko dive into the case, they uncover scandalous photographs of Governor Lew Edwards in compromising situations with a prostitute named Patrice Jacinto. Patrice reveals that Medford had orchestrated an arrangement where he paid her and other women to engage with wealthy clients at his lavish beach house in Pacifica. According to her, the most sought-after among them was a mysterious woman known only as “Jade.”
In a private discussion with Governor Edwards and aide Bill Barrett, Corelli receives a stern warning against publicizing the scandalous images. Shortly after, he narrowly escapes death when his car’s brake line is sabotaged, sending him careening down a perilous hill.
Investigations lead to Katrina ‘Trina’ Gavin, a clinical psychologist and former lover of Corelli, whose fingerprints are found on the murder weapon. Trina claims that Medford had merely given her a tour of his collection on the day of the crime, denying any foul play. However, the detectives, alongside Corelli, discover an appalling scene at Medford’s beach house—filled with drugs, alcohol, sex toys, and hidden cameras—suggesting Medford’s intention was to blackmail his high-profile clients through recordings of illicit encounters. Corelli is left stunned when he spots Trina on one of the tapes, igniting an intense investigation into her involvement.
The plot thickens when Patrice arranges to meet Corelli to shed light on Jade’s identity, only to be tragically killed in a hit-and-run by a shadowy figure driving a black 1993 Ford Thunderbird. Corelli, who witnesses the crime, gives chase but fails to catch the culprits. Suspicion quickly turns towards the Gavins when investigators discover they own a similar vehicle, leading them to contemplate Trina’s motive for Patrice’s death. However, when the car involved in the hit-and-run is found abandoned, it becomes clear that someone is attempting to frame Trina.
During a subsequent interrogation, Trina is shown the incriminating sex tape. Her husband, Matt Gavin, who also serves as her attorney, cuts off the questioning before she can reveal her connection. In a tense confrontation at home, Trina confesses to Matt about her encounter on tape, informed by his own many betrayals.
Seeking clarity, Trina approaches Corelli in his apartment, attempting to rekindle their past affair, and expresses feelings of liberation from her experiences at the beach house. Meanwhile, a key witness, Henderson, is murdered, but Corelli proves Trina’s innocence, as they were together at the time of the witness’s death.
Things escalate when Matt confronts Corelli at his apartment, brandishing a gun and accusing him of an affair with Trina. Corelli refutes the claims, convincing Matt that Trina’s life is at stake. The two rush to the Gavin residence, where chaos unfolds as Detective Hargrove, Pat Callendar, and Barrett attempt to kill Trina and retrieve the governor’s photos. A gunfight ensues, resulting in several casualties, including Hargrove, killed by Matt.
Desperate, Corelli seeks a meeting with Governor Edwards for a guarantee of Trina’s safety by threatening to expose the photographs. Edwards, however, feigns ignorance of Hargrove and Callendar’s actions, hinting that they acted with his approval.
In a chilling conclusion, as Trina prepares for bed at home, she discovers explicit photographs of herself from the beach house laid out in her bathroom. Matt reveals the shocking truth—he murdered Medford to prevent future blackmail, further chilling Trina with his chilling request to “introduce me to Jade” during their next intimate moment.
Murder Discovery
In a shocking turn of events, prominent businessman Kyle Medford is discovered murdered in his home. The murder weapon, an antique hatchet, sets off a complex investigation led by Assistant District Attorney David Corelli.
Police Investigation Begins
Detectives Bob Hargrove and Petey Vesko dive into the case, uncovering scandalous photographs of Governor Lew Edwards in compromising situations. These photographs were linked to Medford, suggesting a deeper web of corruption and illicit behavior.
Patrice's Revelations
Patrice Jacinto, a prostitute involved with Medford, reveals that he arranged for her and other women to engage with wealthy clients at his Pacifica beach house. Among them was a mysterious woman known only as 'Jade,' who raises further questions about the relationships involved.
Warning from the Governor
During a private meeting, Corelli receives a stern warning from Governor Edwards against publicizing the scandalous photographs. The tension escalates as Corelli realizes the depths of the conspiracy surrounding the case.
Attempt on Corelli's Life
Corelli narrowly escapes death when his car's brake line is sabotaged, sending him careening down a perilous hill. This attack signals that someone is aware of his investigation and willing to silence him.
Trina's Involvement
Investigators discover that Katrina 'Trina' Gavin’s fingerprints are on the murder weapon, leading them to question her involvement. Trina insists that she was merely touring Medford’s collection on the day of the murder, raising further suspicions.
The Beach House Discovery
At Medford’s beach house, Corelli and the detectives uncover an appalling scene filled with drugs, alcohol, sex toys, and hidden cameras. This discovery suggests Medford was blackmailing his high-profile clients with recordings of illicit encounters.
Patrice's Murder
Patrice arranges to meet with Corelli to provide information about Jade's identity but tragically falls victim to a hit-and-run. Corelli witnesses the crime and gives chase but is ultimately unable to catch the assailants.
Framing Trina
Suspicion quickly shifts towards the Gavins after investigators discover they own a similar vehicle to the one used in Patrice's hit-and-run. As evidence mounts, it begins to suggest that someone is framing Trina for the crime.
Confrontation with Matt
During an intense home confrontation, Trina confesses to her husband Matt about her past interactions with Medford. This revelation complicates their already strained relationship, as tensions rise riddled with secrets and betrayal.
Trina Approaches Corelli
Trina visits Corelli in his apartment, attempting to rekindle their past affair. She expresses a sense of liberation from her experiences, but the unresolved tension between them complicates their conversation.
Henderson's Murder
A key witness named Henderson is murdered, casting more doubt on the investigation. Corelli, however, proves Trina's innocence as they were together at the time of Henderson's death, revealing a complex web of deceit.
Matt Confronts Corelli
Matt confronts Corelli brandishing a gun, accusing him of having an affair with Trina. The situation escalates as Corelli pleads with Matt to realize the danger Trina is in, highlighting the emotional turmoil in their relationships.
Showdown at the Gavin Residence
Chaos ensues at the Gavin residence when a violent confrontation breaks out involving Corelli, Matt, and police detectives. The situation deteriorates into a gunfight, resulting in several casualties, including Detective Hargrove.
Matt's Dark Confession
In a chilling moment, as Trina prepares for bed, Matt reveals the shocking truth about his involvement in Medford's murder. His request to Trina to introduce him to Jade reveals the complete loss of trust and morality in their relationship.
David Corelli (David Caruso)
David Corelli is the determined and morally conflicted Assistant District Attorney at the center of the film's intrigue. He is committed to finding the truth, even when faced with personal danger and complex ethical dilemmas. Corelli's pursuit of justice intensifies as he grapples with his past relationships and the corrupt environment surrounding him.
Katrina 'Trina' Gavin (Linda Fiorentino)
Trina Gavin is a complex character whose past with Corelli complicates the investigation. A clinical psychologist, her involvement with the deceased businessman raises suspicions, but she also showcases resilience and vulnerability throughout her struggles. Her emotional depth is highlighted in her interactions with both Corelli and her husband, revealing layers of betrayal and trust.
Matt Gavin (Chazz Palminteri)
Matt Gavin serves as both Trina's husband and legal advisor, showcasing a blend of charm and menace. His jealousy and possessiveness reveal a dark side as his actions shift from protective to lethal. Matt's betrayal and twisted sense of loyalty to his wife create a chilling dynamic that escalates the tension throughout the film.
Governor Lew Edwards (Richard Crenna)
Governor Edwards is depicted as a powerful figure shrouded in scandal. His character illustrates the compromises and moral decay often found in political life. As someone who attempts to manipulate situations for personal gain, he embodies the theme of corruption and the lengths to which individuals will go to safeguard their status.
Time period
The film is set in a contemporary context, reflecting the cultural and societal dynamics of the late 20th century, where power, media, and personal scandals intertwine. This era is characterized by the prominence of corrupt political systems and the emergence of tabloid journalism.
Location
San Francisco, Pacifica
The movie unfolds primarily in San Francisco, a bustling city known for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge and vibrant cultural scene. The investigation also leads to Pacifica, a coastal city famous for its picturesque beaches and cliffside views, which serves as a backdrop for the scandalous events that transpire.
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Mystery
The overarching theme of mystery drives the narrative as the protagonist, David Corelli, dives into the intricacies of the murder case. The investigation reveals buried secrets, shady affairs, and a web of deceit, keeping viewers engaged as clues unfold and identities are questioned. The mystery is amplified by hidden motives and dangerous encounters.
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Betrayal
Betrayal is a critical theme, exemplified through personal relationships and professional alliances. Characters confront disloyalty in various forms—romantic entanglements and covert agendas unravel, leading to devastating consequences. Trina's relationships showcase intimate betrayals that resonate throughout the plot, culminating in shocking revelations.
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Corruption
The film touches on themes of corruption within the political sphere as high-profile figures are intertwined in illicit activities. The abuse of power and moral ambiguity is explored through the actions of the governor and his associates, who engage in manipulation and cover-ups to protect their interests, highlighting the darker side of ambition.
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