Color of Night, released in theaters on August 19, 1994, is a psychological thriller that became notorious for its erotic overtones and convoluted plot. The film stars Bruce Willis as Dr. Bill Capa, a successful New York psychologist who suffers a breakdown after one of his patients commits suicide by jumping out a window.
Haunted by the memory, Capa travels to Los Angeles to stay with his friend and colleague, Dr. Bob Moore (Scott Bakula). However, Moore is brutally murdered shortly after Capa’s arrival.
Capa takes over Moore’s therapy group, which is filled with a bizarre collection of patients, including the eccentric Casey (Kevin J. O’Connor), the aggressive Clark (Lance Henriksen), and a man with a multiple personality disorder (Andrew Lowery).
As Capa tries to unravel the mystery of Moore’s death, he finds himself drawn to the mysterious and alluring woman (Jane March), with whom he begins a passionate affair.
The investigation is further complicated by the police detective Lieutenant Martinez (Ruben Blades). As Capa gets closer to the truth, he realizes the killer is one of his patients, and the line between fantasy and reality begins to blur.
The film also features a solid supporting cast, including Lesley Ann Warren, Brad Dourif, Eriq LaSalle and Kathleen Wilhoite.
The film’s strength is its moody atmosphere and its over-the-top, noir-like style.
Willis commits fully to the role, giving a solid performance as a man struggling with his own demons.
March is a sultry presence, and the chemistry between her and Willis is a core part of the film’s appeal.
However, the film is often criticized for its confusing plot and the ridiculousness of its final twist.
There is also an Unrated Director’s Cut available featuring director Richard Rush’s final cut that was not released in theaters.
Bruce Willis and Jane March in Color of Night (Photo/Hollywood Pictures)
Reception for Color of Night
Color of Night grossed $6.6 million on its opening weekend, finishing fourth at the box office. The top film of the weekend was Forrest Gump, grossing $11.2 million on its seventh weekend.
The film would gross $46.7 million worldwide.
Roger Ebert gave the film one and a half stars in his review, saying “I was, frankly, stupefied. To call it absurd would be missing the point, since any shred of credibility was obviously the first thing thrown overboard…it could have been a comedy.”
Legacy
The legacy of Color of Night is a mixed one. While it was a minor commercial success, it was widely panned by critics upon release, earning a reputation as a campy, B-movie erotic thriller.
It’s now seen as a curious relic of the 1990s, an example of a studio-driven film with a high-profile cast that veered into absurd territory.
Despite its flaws, it has garnered a cult following over the years and is remembered for its iconic and daring erotic scenes.
