Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Moderate
- lurid
- provocative
- oppressive
- late night viewing
- cult film marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly recognized the cast’s commitment and Ken Russell’s visual exuberance, while finding the sexually charged thriller uneven and uncertain in narrative substance.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Joanna Crane works as China Blue while Bobby investigates her professional life and becomes entangled with her alter ego.
Reverend Peter Shayne stalks Joanna while claiming to rescue her soul, making faith a source of menace.
Ken Russell frames the red-light district, fetishistic encounters, and preacher’s pursuit with flamboyant, confrontational imagery.
Bobby’s strained marriage to Amy and his need to provide for his family motivate his entry into Joanna’s hidden world.
Films like Crimes of Passion, and why
Body Heat
sexually charged neo-noir atmosphere, divided identity, and obsession
9½ Weeks
erotic thriller dynamics, dangerous desire, and morally unstable characters
The Last Seduction
stylized eroticism, prostitution themes, and confrontational psychological intensity
The Devils
provocative sexuality, religious extremity, and flamboyant transgression
Movie Details
- Director
- Ken Russell
- Release Date
- 1984-10-19
- Runtime
- 107 min
- Rating
- 6.3 / 10 (204)
Cast
- Kathleen Turner
- Anthony Perkins
- John Laughlin
- Annie Potts
- Bruce Davison
- Norman Burton
- Stephen Lee
- Gordon Hunt
- Dan Gerrity
- Terri Hoyos
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- fuboTV
- Rent
- Google Play Movies, YouTube
- Buy
- Google Play Movies, YouTube
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Crimes of Passion about?
- A sexually charged descent into obsession follows a married investigator through his co-worker’s hidden life as a dominatrix-like prostitute, while a deranged preacher pursues her soul.
- What is Crimes of Passion like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Crimes of Passion as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Crimes of Passion violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Crimes of Passion as moderate.
- What did critics think of Crimes of Passion?
- Critics broadly recognized the cast’s commitment and Ken Russell’s visual exuberance, while finding the sexually charged thriller uneven and uncertain in narrative substance.
- Which films are like Crimes of Passion?
- Films with a similar feel include Body Heat, 9½ Weeks, The Last Seduction, and The Devils.
- How long is Crimes of Passion?
- Crimes of Passion runs 107 minutes.
- Where can I watch Crimes of Passion?
- In United States, Crimes of Passion streams on fuboTV.
