Director Alan Rudolph tries to be stylistic when he would have benefited from toning down some of his inherent eccentricities, and screenwriters William Reilly ("Men of Respect") and first-timer Claude Kerven might have done better with a more linear approach. Characters come and go, and sometimes it's not clear who they are. Then, about halfway through, it becomes apparent Rudolph is trying for black comedy, and some darkly amusing moments result. But the tone never quite gels. Add to that the confused ending and what you have is an overwrought disappointment.

Willis (who is married to Moore in real life) is quite remarkable in his supporting role as the film's most unredeemable character, a real slime who is prone to so much anti-social behavior that the audience is not sorry to see him die. Other male characters aren't as psychotic, of course, but they are definitely jerks in this movie's viewpoint. As for Moore and Headly, though they offer convincing performances their characters aren't particularly likable either.

There are definitely some good elements here, but not enough to make the film recommendable.

"Mortal Thoughts" is rated R for violence, including a rape scene, considerable profanity (the dreaded Eddie Murphy Word is again a common expletive for every social situation), some vulgarity and drug use.