Color of Night

Bruce Willis stars as Bill Capa, a high-stakes psychoanalyst to Manhattan's elite, where he navigates the precarious world of the ultrawealthy and their unraveling psyches. One fateful day, Michelle (Kathleen Wilhoite), a particularly troubled patient of his, arrives at her session in a state of heightened emotional fragility. Capa's flippant remark, "look in the mirror," and his decision to take an unexpected phone call during their meeting, sparks a devastating reaction from Michelle, who, in a heart-wrenching instant, plunges out the window of his office to her untimely demise.

The gruesome sight of Michelle's lifeless body, her vibrant green dress stained with dark crimson hues, leaves Capa reeling. The trauma is so profound that it triggers an inexplicable condition - he becomes afflicted with stress-induced color blindness, unable to perceive the color red. As a result, his world is forever shrouded in shades of gray.

His mentor and friend, Dr. Larry Ashland (Jeff Corey), urges Capa to confront the weight of his guilt and find solace in self-forgiveness. Instead, Bill decides to take a break from his practice and pay a visit to an old college acquaintance, Dr. Bob Moore (Scott Bakula), a successful therapist and bestselling author, who invites him to participate in his Monday evening group therapy sessions.

Upon arriving in Los Angeles, Capa finds himself immersed in a cast of characters with their own peculiar struggles. There's Clark (Brad Dourif), whose obsessive-compulsive disorder drives him to an unwavering dedication to cleanliness and counting; Sondra (Lesley Ann Warren), a nymphomaniac and kleptomaniac haunted by her habit of marrying wealthy, older men who ultimately meet untimely ends; Buck (Lance Henriksen), a grizzled ex-cop grappling with the trauma of surviving his family's brutal murder; Casey (Kevin J. O'Connor), a sado-masochist whose wealthy, abusive father underwrites his artistic pursuits in exchange for his continued therapy; and Richie Dexter, a 16-year-old boy struggling with a stutter and gender identity issues, who has had run-ins with the law due to his drug use.

As Bill navigates this complex web of individuals, he's struck by their easy camaraderie, despite the underlying tensions that threaten to boil over. Each character's unique struggles serve as a poignant reminder that even in the most seemingly mundane exteriors lies a profound depth of psychological turmoil.

As the session concludes, Bob navigates the winding roads of Malibu behind the wheel of his sleek Mercedes convertible, with Bill (actor name) ensconced beside him. The imposing estate they soon arrive at is a fortress of electronic surveillance, a testament to Bob's paranoia born from a series of ominous anonymous death threats that have been plaguing him. He is convinced that someone within the Monday group, which Bill had recently joined, is responsible for these sinister messages. As they enter the luxurious abode, Bob inquires about Bill's impressions of his new patients, hoping that the young psychologist might tap into his own unique "tuning fork" – a heightened intuition capable of diagnosing mental illness – to uncover any potential killers lurking among them. Bill's initial assessment is that Richie appears to be a genuine loose cannon, but he fails to detect any murderous undertones emanating from anyone else.

A short while later, Moore (actor name) meets his untimely demise at the hands of a masked figure clad in black, who plunges a knife into his unsuspecting flesh within the confines of his office. Lieutenant Hector Martinez, a seasoned detective with a no-nonsense approach (Rubén Blades), is quick to assume that one of Moore's patients from the Monday group must be the culprit. He tasks Capa with conveying the devastating news to the group, recognizing that his own rough-around-the-edges demeanor would only add to their distress. Capa, though initially reluctant to get involved, ultimately agrees to break the news, leveraging his empathetic nature to deliver the blow with greater sensitivity and tact.

The following day, Bill is jolted from his reverie when a sleek jeep, driven by a stunning young woman named Rose (Jane March), collides with Moore's car. As it becomes apparent that Rose has neglected to secure the necessary insurance coverage, Bill offers her his phone number and address, inviting her to settle the matter at a later date.

As the next Monday evening approaches, Bill gathers the group once more to share the shocking news of Bob's murder. The room is awash with emotion as they struggle to come to terms with the senseless act, and it isn't long before they turn their attention to Bill, imploring him to assume the reins of their sessions. They find solace in his empathetic nature, particularly in light of his own recent experience, which has left an indelible mark on his psyche.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Martinez is hot on the trail, debriefing Capa about the events that transpired at the previous Monday's session. With no one willing to confess to Bob's murder, Martinez orders Capa to disband the group forthwith. However, Capa remains resolute in his commitment to leading the group, despite Martinez's urgings. Undeterred by the detective's persistence, Capa ultimately decides to ignore his warnings and continue with the sessions.

As he returns to Bob's estate, Capa is met with a sense of unease as he discovers that an intruder has breached the security perimeter, leaving a hose running amok, which has flooded the grounds. The discovery serves as a stark reminder that the stakes are higher than ever, and that the group's very existence hangs precariously in the balance.

As the sun sets on Moore's quiet neighborhood, Rose arrives at his doorstep, her eyes sparkling with a newfound attraction towards Capa. With an air of anticipation, they embark on a romantic evening to a nearby eatery, where their mutual desire culminates in a passionate kiss. However, Rose suddenly departs in haste, leaving Capa with only the lingering promise of a stolen moment and no means to rekindle the flame.

Meanwhile, Dale Dexter (Andrew Lowery), Richie's older brother and legal guardian, presents Bill with a pressing request: permission to liberate Richie from his therapeutic confinement. Bill, ever the pragmatist, cautions Dale that they must navigate the labyrinthine corridors of red tape and consider the psychological implications before making any rash decisions.

The tranquility of Bill's morning jog is shattered when he stumbles upon an unexpected inhabitant in his mailbox - a live rattlesnake. Fortunately, his quick thinking and agility allow him to extricate himself from this precarious situation without harm. The sudden appearance of Martinez, accompanied by accusatory whispers that Bill has become the prime suspect, serves as a stark reminder that the eyes of suspicion are upon him.

As Bill's days unfold, he finds solace in exploring the mysteries surrounding Richie's past. His inquiry into the social welfare system yields a crucial revelation: when Richie was just twelve years old, he underwent treatment at the hands of Dr. Niedelmeyer.

In another part of town, Sondra returns home from a shopping spree with her girlfriend Bonnie, whose charming English accent and playful advances belie her true identity as Rose (Capa's lover) in disguise. As Bonnie/Rose exits in haste, Capa arrives on the scene, unaware of the duplicity that has just transpired. Sondra's subsequent confession to Capa that Richie was a victim of child molestation only adds fuel to his burning curiosity about the young man's potential for violence.

Bill's visit to Dale's workshop, an old iron factory turned creative hub, offers a glimpse into the artist's world. The imposing tower that dominates the landscape serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities that lie beneath the surface. Bill's cautionary words about Richie's therapy, however, fall on deaf ears with Dale, who is resolute in his desire to liberate his brother from the confines of treatment.

Finally, Bill pays a visit to Edith Niedelmeyer (Shirley Knight), Dr. Niedelmeyer's widow, hoping to uncover secrets about Richie's past. However, her door slams shut in his face, leaving him with more questions than answers and a sense of frustration that threatens to overwhelm him.

As the monotony of another Monday sets in, Bill turns his attention to the group's personal lives. Sondra candidly shares her fascination with Bonnie, someone she wishes possessed a more masculine quality. Meanwhile, Casey boasts about his new model acquaintance, while Buck waxes poetic about the sweet and innocent young woman he's recently met. Richie, however, is the only one who remains mum on the subject of intimate relationships, citing his sole focus on his brother as his emotional anchor. The conversation takes a dramatic turn when Clark, prodded by Sondra, reveals that he too has a new romantic interest in his life.

Bill checks in with Clark, eager to hear more about this perfect new girlfriend. As they converse, Bill can't help but sense that Clark might be hiding something. His suspicions are confirmed when Clark discloses that Sondra became jealous of his girlfriend and took matters into her own hands, attacking him with a butcher knife and then exacting revenge on his girlfriend's dress the following day. With this new information, Clark paints a dire picture of Sondra as someone capable of great malice.

As Bill navigates the streets of Los Angeles, he finds himself being stalked by a mysterious red Camaro with tinted windows. After evading the pursuing vehicle at a railroad crossing, Bill is left shaken but ultimately unscathed. Seeking solace in familiar company, Bill pays a visit to Martinez on his birthday. The gathering serves as an opportunity for Martinez to share some disturbing truths about the group's past misdeeds. It seems that Sondra has a history of violent outbursts, having stabbed her father with a knife and fork; Casey has a penchant for arson, having set fire to his father's house; Clark has a history of domestic violence, having left his wife in critical condition; and Richie has struggled with addiction.

Bill decides to look into Buck's background, only to discover that his wife's tragic death may have been the result of a long-standing betrayal. It appears that Buck had discovered his wife's infidelity just two days prior to her demise, and given the high stakes involved in their line of work, it's possible that anyone with a grudge against them could have orchestrated the hit. Bill is left grappling with the dark undercurrents that permeate this group's dynamics, all while navigating the treacherous landscape of his own relationships.

As Bill approaches Casey's loft for their scheduled meeting, he's met with an eerie silence. The doorbell rings out with no response, prompting Bill to break into the apartment, only to be confronted with a gruesome sight: Casey's lifeless body and charred paintings, one of which bears an unsettling resemblance to Bonnie. As Bill's gaze lingers on the half-burnt canvas, he fails to notice the crimson stain seeping onto his pants, a grim reminder that the paint is actually Casey's blood.

Meanwhile, Rose (alias Bonnie) embarks on a night out with Sondra, indulging in a carefree evening of music and mirth. However, their revelry takes a sensual turn as they spy Sondra's neighbors engaging in intimate activities. The two women's excitement reaches a fever pitch, culminating in a passionate makeout session before Rose/Bonnie abruptly halts the encounter, overcome with sobbing tears of "jinxed" despair. Sondra's soothing words and gentle removal of the red wig offer some solace to her distraught companion.

On another Monday afternoon, Rose makes an unannounced visit to Bob's residence, where she and Bill engage in a nostalgic perusal of his photo albums. However, their stroll down memory lane is abruptly cut short when Rose becomes overcome with emotion, fleeing the scene in haste. Bill, unaware of her sudden departure, remains behind, only to discover Rose's clandestine activity: hastily removing incriminating photographs from the album.

As the evening wears on, the group gathers for their weekly session, where Clark performs his usual counting ritual. However, his keen eye notices that a missing book has mysteriously reappeared on the shelf – a discovery that prompts Bill to suspect Sondra of pilfering the tome. Bill's inquiry leads them to uncover Moore's diary hidden within an art book cover, revealing a shocking photograph: Rose, captured in a state of nudity by Bob himself. The group is left reeling as each member recognizes the woman in the photo as their own girlfriend. Richie's distress prompts his hasty exit from the room, while Martinez arrives to berate the group for their collective incompetence.

As Detective Anderson (character) receives the license plate number from Bill, he takes the information directly to his superior, Lieutenant Martinez. Meanwhile, Bill's life is put on pause as a narrow escape from a precarious parking structure encounter leaves him shaken. The ominous red car with tinted windows makes its presence known by nearly colliding with Bill, serving as a stark reminder of the danger that lurks in the shadows.

In an attempt to clear his conscience and seek guidance, Bill reaches out once more to his trusted friend Larry, who expresses skepticism about pursuing a relationship with Rose, citing her troubled past and potential culpability in the deaths of Bob Moore and Casey. However, Bill remains resolute in his desire to be with Rose, choosing to ignore the warning signs.

Undeterred by Mrs. Niedelmeyer's initial refusal to cooperate, Bill returns to her doorstep, determined to extract the truth from her. This time, he takes a more forceful approach, bursting into her home and demanding answers. Reluctantly, Mrs. Niedelmeyer reveals that Richie Dexter took his own life four years prior, following a traumatic experience at the hands of his psychiatrist, who had molested him.

The revelation sets Bill on a mission to uncover the truth about Rose's past. He tracks down Dale, Richie's former roommate and caretaker, to his workshop, where he discovers Richie, or rather, Rose, sitting in a chair, her identity masked by a wig and glasses. As Bill removes these disguises, he is met with the shocking revelation that "Richie" has been none other than Rose herself, forced into this alternate persona by her brother Dale.

According to Rose's narrative, after Richie's death, her brother subjected her to physical and emotional abuse, forcing her to adopt his identity. This charade continued until Richie's subsequent drug-related arrest led to a stint in therapy, where Rose began to rediscover her true self. However, it wasn't until she fell deeply in love with Bill that she felt empowered to reclaim her identity as Rose, leaving Bonnie and the traumatic past behind.

As Bill futilely attempts to coax Rose away from the clutches of Dale, a sinister figure who has secured her hands to the armrests of her chair with cruel precision, he is met with a hail of nail-gun fire. The projectiles pinion Bill's arm to the wall, leaving him helpless as Dale revels in his diabolical victory. Just as all hope seems lost, Lt. Martinez bursts onto the scene, only to be outmaneuvered by the calculating Dale. With lightning-quick reflexes, Dale impales Martinez's hands to the wall, rendering the detective powerless.

Bill and Rose make a desperate bid for freedom, but their escape is short-lived as Dale commandeers a forklift, unloading a heavy cabinet onto Bill with deadly precision. Rose narrowly avoids injury, but Bill's valiant attempt to shield her only leads to his being entangled in a metal cage by the deranged killer.

In a stunning turn of events, Bill unwittingly strikes at the very heart of Dale's twisted psyche when he uses his "tuning fork" to uncover the dark secrets driving Dale's obsession with transforming Rose into Richie. The key to this revelation lies in Dale's own tragic history, one marred by the cruel abuse inflicted upon him by Niedelmeyer, a sexual predator who had previously molested Richie.

As Bill languishes captive in his metal prison, Dale reveals his true nature and motivations, confessing that he murdered Moore because the victim was beginning to grasp the truth about Richie's identity. Casey fell prey to Dale's wrath when the painter's keen eyes threatened to expose the illusion of "Bonnie" and "Richie" as a single entity.

With Bill at his mercy, Dale coldly details his plan to dismember his captive, but Rose seizes control of the nail gun, exacting a brutal revenge upon her tormentor. As she stands over Dale's lifeless form, grief and despair wash over her, prompting a suicidal impulse. However, fate intervenes as she finds herself out of nails, sparing her from the ultimate act of self-destruction.

In the aftermath of her brother's death, Rose is driven to the edge, seeking solace in the pouring rain atop the tower. Bill follows, his own color-blindness finally lifting as he gazes upon the red beacon's true hue, imbued with love and passion. As they share a kiss amidst the torrential downpour, Martinez's desperate cries for help pierce the stormy air, only to be drowned out by the couple's fervent embrace.