John Dahl’s western noir/thriller is real 90’s hidden gem with great performances, strong cinematography, and plenty of entertaining twists. Mixed reviews cursed its opening, sending it straight to video and HBO. But a cult following developed, especially overseas, as it was eventually shown in art-house theaters in 1994. Definitely worth a watch!
When unemployed ex-marine Michael Williams (Nicolas Cage) stumbles into a bar in Red Rock, Wyo., the owner, Wayne (J.T. Walsh), mistakes him for a hired killer and offers him $10,000 to kill his wife, Suzanne (Lara Flynn Boyle). Michael plays along, taking half the money up front, then tells Suzanne what her husband is planning. She seduces Michael and proposes that he kill her husband instead. While he weighs his options, the real killer (Dennis Hopper) turns up looking for his money.