With Joe Eszterhas (who wrote Basic Instinct and Showgirls) as writer, we know what to expect: a grungy adult thriller with its mind on sex rather than the plot.

And this might have been a good one, were it better-paced and if it actually led somewhere.

The ending is, although partially explanatory, also inconclusive and leaves the viewer less than satisfied.

David Caruso, Linda Fiorentino, Chazz Palminteri and a good cast give it their best shot, but these are not rewarding roles from a writer unconcerned with characterisation, interrelationships or progression of plot.

The film opens with a spectacular (unseen) murder: a philandering millionaire is hatcheted and skinned.

The trail leads Asst DA Caruso to a high-class call-girl, the mysterious Jade, as well as to the state governor.

Witnesses get bumped off, although by whom and why is never clear.

Great music by James Horner and terrific dark colour photography by Andrzej Bartkowiak sets the right mood for a film noir, but the fascination with the characters that the genre demands is singularly missing.