I don't know that I saw Eric has having a heart..........what I saw was pure evil done in a way to entice others to it. You have to make evil look good or no one would ever be tempted! I saw a coldness to him, yet he had to reach out to get the child to do what he wanted. The way he gives his wife the drugs is cold and unfeeling (at least that's how I saw it) but he is gentle with her. Again, I didn't see this as him having a heart........just the opposite, he didn't have one at all........but there was something about him that made you think twice. I still think that has more to do with trying to show that evil can be enticing and alluring. But that's just how I saw it.

mcr5137 

This movie is one of my least favorite Rufus movies, but having said that I do think it had a good story line. I haven't watched it in a long time but I remember a scene where Rufus as Eric Stark shows some compassion and fondness for the child -- I won't spoil it by describing the scene -- which I found to lighten the villainy in him somewhat. Is it my imagination or did anyone else get that feeling? Every time I see Rufus as a villain I look for some redeeming characteristic in his portrayal of the bad guy and usually find it. His portrayal of each character has so many dimensions. 

When you get a chance to see it, see if you feel that his character has just that little bit of heart that redeems him ever so slightly. I've seen it in every one of his villains so far.  

I'll have to watch the movie again. As I said, it's been a long time. But I remember being struck by the way he folded the child in his arms and the look on his face as he did so. It almost seemed a look of relief that he saved her at the last moment. It was only that one scene and it was very brief, but that was the feeling I got. I agree, the remainder of the film he was cold-hearted. And if he was trying to portray evil as enticing and alluring, he succeeded with me! The hallmark of a fine actor, to be so convincing.

sevensisters

I really liked this movie and thought Rufus did a wonderful job of playing of evil personified. When I saw this the first time I couldn't help but think how can anyone that gorgeous be soooo very evil? Ruf's performance outshined everyone else as usual.  I've always liked Jimmy Smits but he didn't do much with this character and Kim Basinger was very
white bread, as usual. I loved the little girl, Cody. The storyline was great and I never found even a minute of it boring.

pattirose