This World, Then the Fireworks

REVIEW
A sparkling adaptation of Jim Thompson's story, this very stylish film noir oozes sex and violence in heavy doses. Marty (Zane) and Carol (Gershon) are incestuous twins bent on bad behavior. He has a vicious temper; she is a heartless hooker who leaves a trail of poisoned bodies in her wake. Their fragile bond, which stems from an ugly childhood incident, holds the clues, yet somehow the parts are much greater than the whole. Director Oblowitz has a keen ear for dialogue, a great eye for detail, and he effectively uses Chet Baker on the soundtrack, but moody atmosphere can only camouflage the lack of plot for so long -- the film goes nowhere slowly.