There is a subjective quality to this story, and it's not without reason, that it is so. That said, it's also quite funny. It's very European, so it doesn't particularly reflect an American sense of humor.

There's a gritty quality to the nature of this movie that I really like. A lot of scenes take place in dark areas, or during dark hours. This evokes the sense of heavyheartedness and the forlorn feelings of the main character.

The psychological core of the story has to do with the horrifying accidental wounding and disabling of a young child by Inspector Glass during an attempt to arrest a major drug dealer.

His deteriorated condition at the opening of the story is wretched. He is sleepless, rumpled, unshaven, irritable, and lacking in any kind of hope. All his life is sour, and he is being beaten down by that one terrible event of his existence, which has caused him to nearly lose himself.

Music is one of his few outlets. And then, there's beer, and the job. He has a new assistant, Shirley May, played very well by Julia Kent, who although rejected at first, becomes a friend. He also has a very close friend in the District Attorney, played by Michael York. Other than that, he's quite alone, with the exception of a difficult ex-wife, and absent young daughter, neither of whom we ever see.

He eventually finds himself involved with a 'bimbo' named Lisa (Morgan Fairchild) who manages to become another drop of glue in his life that keeps him from disintegrating.

Morgan Fairchild did not impress me the first time I watched the movie. I thought she was an absurd choice. That is, until I mulled it over for a while. I had been watching her with a prejudiced attitude, assuming she had no talent. My blindness to her ability shames me at this point.

On watching it again, it dawned on me that she was actually perfect for the role. In one scene she throws her head back and laughs very spontaneously at Mueller-Stahl. It was then that fell in love with the character, and with the actress. She's funny sexy and pretty as this woman Lisa, and she's brave. Morgan Fairchild does a great job with this role.

Some pot shots have been taken regarding the age difference between Lisa and Alex, who become lovers.

Alex is a lot older than she is. So what? We should all be so magnetic and well preserved, as we grow older. They're a handsome, if rather odd couple. That does nothing but lend a spicy, amusing and rather sweet atmosphere to a very gruesome and sometimes terribly sad tale.

Ultra talented underrated Frank Stallone is a great villain. He doesn't have the biggest part in this, but he certainly makes the most of it.

I recommend this as a movie that should be viewed with intelligence, and a sense of humor, because it is funny, and it isn't for dummies.

It's a spoof on American cop pictures, where the hero never misses, and sex as audience bait, takes the place of acting.

Yes, there's sex in this movie, and it's hilarious. Actually, there are implied sex scenes that are downright hysterically funny due to Mueller-Stahl's actions concerning them, and the reaction his actions elicit. However, there's never a glimpse of very explicit sexual activity on-screen. That's a nice change from all the sweating and heaving that goes on here in the U.S. for the purpose of keeping our limited attention span on a movie.

There is nudity, but unless you're a necrophile, it's not going to tweak you.

This story deals with a serial killer doing his thing, yet it isn't full of gore and splattered brains. In fact it's an excellent flick, due in good part, to what you don't see. Subtle is a good choice of a word to use here.

Enjoy!