by CinemaScore gave the film a grade "B−" on scale of A to F. Film critic Roger Ebert gave the film three stars out of four, calling it a "witty and literate thriller". Caryn James of The New York Times called it "one of the season's biggest disappointments". References External links 1988 films 1980s mystery thriller films 1980s psychological thriller films American mystery thriller films Remakes of American films American neo-noir films Films about writers Films shot in New Orleans Films shot in Austin, Texas Films set in Texas Touchstone Pictures films 1988 directorial debut films Films with screenplays by Charles Edward Pogue Films directed by Annabel Jankel Films directed by Rocky Morton 1980s English-language films 1980s American films