Watch Crimes of Passion

Crimes of Passion is a gripping thriller directed by Ken Russell that was released in 1984. The film stars Kathleen Turner as Joanna Crane, a bored and sexually frustrated fashion designer who leads a secret life as a prostitute named China Blue. She eventually finds herself caught in the middle of a deadly game of cat and mouse with a psychotic street preacher named Reverend Peter Shayne played by Anthony Perkins, who becomes obsessed with her.

The film is set in Los Angeles and primarily takes place at night, giving it a dark and eerie atmosphere that perfectly complements its twisted plotline. Joanna is struggling with her own identity as she contends with the expectations and pressures of both her day job and her secret life. As China Blue, she has become jaded and emotionally detached, engaging in a string of sexual encounters as a way to escape her mundane existence. However, she also has a softer side, as evidenced by her relationship with a sensitive street artist named Bobby Grady played by John Laughlin.

Meanwhile, Reverend Shayne is a fire-and-brimstone preacher who spends his days preaching to the homeless and downtrodden on the streets of LA. However, he harbors a dark and disturbing secret, as he is a sadomasochist who indulges his darker desires by visiting seedy sex shops and engaging in disturbing acts of violence. When he discovers China Blue, he becomes obsessed with her, seeing her as the embodiment of all that is sinful and corrupt in the world.

As the film progresses, the tension between Joanna and Shayne builds, culminating in a thrilling and unpredictable finale. Along the way, we are introduced to a range of other colorful characters, including Joanna's husband (played by Bruce Davison), who is oblivious to her secret life, and a sleazy private investigator named Grady (played by Stephen Lack), who has been hired to track down China Blue.

Overall, Crimes of Passion is a disturbing and thought-provoking film that tackles themes of sexuality, gender roles, and the nature of identity. While it may not be for everyone, it is a powerful and memorable piece of cinema that has rightfully earned a cult following over the years. The performances are excellent across the board, with Turner and Perkins in particular delivering standout turns. The film is stylishly shot and features an evocative soundtrack that adds to its moody atmosphere. Whether you're a fan of thrillers or simply looking for something different and daring, Crimes of Passion is well worth checking out.

Crimes of Passion is a 1984 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 52.