TO his family and friends, Earl Brooks (Kevin Costner) is the perfect husband and father, recently anointed Portland Chamber of Commerce's man of the year.

However, Earl conceals a terrible secret: he is the notorious Thumbprint Killer, a serial murderer with a raging bloodlust, and a sardonic alter ego, Marshall (William Hurt), who stokes that desire for slaughter.

Earl's adoring wife Emma and daughter Jane are completely oblivious to the cold-blooded killer in their home. They see only the kind, generous, bespectacled philanthropist and provider, who tenderly kisses them good night.

When amateur photographer Mr Smith inadvertently snaps Earl committing his latest crime, the slaying of a couple in flagrante, the stranger blackmails the businessman.

"What I want is for you to take me with you when you kill someone."

Earl has no choice but to agree. Meanwhile, police detective Tracy Atwood and her partner Hawkins begin to close in on Earl as their prime suspect.

Costner brilliantly subverts his screen image as the all-American hero, verbally jousting with Hurt's manipulative dark side.

"Why do you fight it so hard Earl?" ponders Marshall with devilish glee. "We are going to have so much fun!"

  • See it at the Empire