A suspenseful glimpse into the seemingly normal like of a serial killer, who wanders into a small town and upsets its' apparent balance, by poisoning randomly selected people. In the style of Alfred Hitchcock, first time director Hampton Fanscher creates a level of tension, which at times is almost unbearable, and a look in certain scenes that is reminiscent of Edward Hopper paintings. Well-written, eccentric characters are acted to perfection by a field of reliable old-timers (Mercedes Ruehl, Brian Cox, Meg Foster,) and some strong young actors(Owen Wilson, Jeanine Garafalo, Sheryl Crow, and Dwight Yoakum.) Although it's too long, I would hate to be the one who had to cut a minute of this film! An extra element was added to its' viewing knowing that both the director, and the author of the original book were present.