There aren’t many adult movies that you have to really concentrate on in order to get the point. But Midnight Heat is one of them.  The first time you see it you might not understand the relationship between star Jamie Gillis and the other characters in the film. Gillis, one of the better porn actors working today, is in almost every scene.  The story revolves around him. And it really does REVOLVE.  He plays a professional killer – an assassin who lives a drab existence hiding out in a sleazy New York flea-bag hotel.  When he’s not killing a business executive, he’s sitting at this window, looking out at the street people – the bums and weirdos who make his environment so… interesting.  Director Richard Mahler uses such visual techniques as stop-action slow motion and some very heavy dramatic music, … the kind of stuff you might hear in an Ingmar Bergman movie.

On first viewing, you may be confused by some of the many flashbacks which occupy Gillis’ deranged mind.  One flashback involves his ex-wife (Sharon Mitchell) as he recalls the dramatic scene where she tells him she’s splitting.  Back at the hotel room, he thumbs the Gideon’s bible and finds a leaflet advertising “Mr. C’s Escort Service.” Naturally, Jamie places his order.

Shortly thereafter, two hookers arrive at the door. He tells them he likes to ‘watch.’  The lesbian action which follows is just about the best sex in the movie.

Heavy philosophy is on display here, having to do with danger, violence, depression, and today’s society.  The second time I screened Midnight Heat I began to catch the drift.  Guess it was when Gillis said, “danger motivates us.” A surprise ending, nonetheless, helps Midnight Heat achieve a certain amount of believability.

Frequent sex scenes keep this film moving.  Almost all involve Jamie Gillis and that gets a bit tedious. Newcomer Champagne turns in a fine performance, plus she has nice nails.

Moderately interesting, Midnight Heat gets better with multiple viewings.  If you like heavy films, such as Café Flesh or Night Dreams this is a videocassette purchase for you.  But I question whether a heavy-duty drama can also serve as a good porn flick. My advice: lighten up guys!