The relationship between Bendix and Ladd is fascinating. Some have highlighted that toxic males use feminine language to belittle other weaker males (locker room banter) but what transpires between Bendix and Ladd is something else.

I will be checking Hammett's text to see how much of it was altered by Jonathan Latimer, but I suspect it is thr physicality of the scene which adds to the pscho-sexual implications.

Excellent noir.

This is like Dario Argento directing a Jodorowsky script. It celebrates diversity in a lurid yet somehow non-exploitative way but also works as a straight ahead monster genesis story a la Halloween.

Loved it.

'In another million years there'll be no men, no women, they'll just be people'.

'No more men or women?'.

'Just a whole world full of wankers!'.

The entire gender debate reduced to it's basest elements.