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Jennifer 8 is written and directed by Bruce Robinson. It stars Andy Garcia, Uma Thurman, John Malkovich, Lance Henriksen, Kathy Baker and Graham Beckel. Music is by Christopher Young and cinematography by Conrad Hall.

The small town of Eureka and John Berlin (Garcia) is the new cop in the precinct. When a severed hand is found at the local dump it leads Berlin to believe a serial killer is at work. One who has a penchant for blind girls.

The problems quickly mounted up for Jennifer 8, it flopped big in America and went straight to home format release in the UK. Problems back stage got so bad that Bruce Robinson quit Hollywood and never made another film for 19 years! In spite of these facts, it's not the monstrosity it was originally painted as back on its "limited" release.

It's a frustrating film in many ways because it promises so much. There's bags of moody atmospherics wrung out by Conrad Hall's superb photography, where he filters most things via minimal lighting. Much of the play unfolds in ominous surroundings, where dialogue exchanges are either hushed or laced with harried fervour, and the writing is actually quite smart as it blends psycho thriller staples with strong characterisations that are in turn boosted by committed acting performances. Yet these things can't compensate for the too long run time, a rushed ending and some awkward tonal shifts that often take you out of the required mood. The rushed ending is particularly galling, after asking the audience to stay with the pic for two hours, it's not unreasonable to expect a good long and dramatic finale, sadly that's not the case.

Fans of neo-noir type visuals have some interest here, as does anyone who likes the type of serial killer movies that dominated the late 80s and early 90s before Fincher's Seven raised the bar. 6/10

Jennifer 8 is one of those serial killer thrillers quite common in the 1980s and 1990s. "Dead Aim" (1987), "Whispers in the Dark" (1992), "Blink" (1994), and Copycat (1995) are several that come to mind. The movie may be broken down into three parts: (1) the mystery build-up, (2) the romance, and (3) the recovery (back to the thriller). Andy Garcia stars as LAPD cop John Berlin who relocates to an old farmhouse in Eureka, CA to flee his cheating ex-wife and to lick his wounds. Fred Ross (Lance Henriksen) is Berlin's partner and brother-in-law. On his police radio, Berlin learns that the local cops are at a dump examining the body of a derelict. He arrives and soon the police discover a severed human hand and a bra with dried blood; later they deduce that the fingers were severely scratched because the person was a young blind woman who had used Braille. Learning of seven unsolved cases involving murdered blind women dating back to 1985 that drained police resources to no conclusion, Berlin becomes convinced that the deaths are all related. He wants to reopen the old cases. Of course, no one in the PD believes him. Berlin and Ross drive to the blind people's institute to interview the roommate of Amber, one of the missing women. The roommate is cello teacher Helena Robertson (Uma Thurman), who earlier had been in the dormitory room briefly with the bad guy (called "John") while he moved out with Amber. Helene remembers just a few details, like the sound of the car engine. Berlin comes to believe that Helena is Jennifer 8, the eighth (intended) victim nicknamed Jennifer. Helena resembles Berlin's former spouse. In this second phase, angry dark-eyed Berlin and soft blue-eyed Helena eventually fall in love.

Berlin wants to go back to the dump, but Ross says to him, "No way. I'm not going back. You might find someone's p---- in a hot dog roll." But go they do, and find a clue. But police chief Citrine (Kevin Conway) and others are adamant to close out the case because the evidence is so scanty. Of course you know that Berlin, like a pit bull, will not let go. There will be other trips to the institute, and the situation will be even spookier for Helena, as most folks would have departed the grounds to spend the Christmas holidays at the residences of their families. Even when she stays at the farmhouse, the atmosphere is eerie. Then, on a snowy and fateful Christmas Eve at the institute, a main character is bumped off, and suspicion falls entirely on Berlin. Enter FBI agent St. Anne (John Malkovitch) – smug, unyielding, insufferable, but effective. What a scene-stealer! Chomp! Chomp! Then again, you know that Berlin will clear his name in the end.

There are lapses in credibility, like Berlin's release while charged with a capital offense (murder one!), his odd motive to rummage through an Oakland house, and even his atypical second arrest. Minor plot holes or some crude editing do not really detract from the movie, because we can visualize that such and such happened although it was not shown. The climax, appropriately creepy, is somewhat turgid. Although some have questioned Uma Thurman's interpretation of a blind woman, the acting is commendable. Michael O'Neill as cop Angelo Serato, seems miscast. Does he really look like an Angelo? Then again, that is just a tertiary role. A big plus for Jennifer 8 is the on-location wintry shooting, for Eureka is cold, dreary, and darkly atmospheric. The ominous background music adds to the eeriness. But, with some better editing and a better ending, the movie could have been even greater. So is it worth seeing? Of course!

At times, this movie is mesmerizing and mysterious, a really good story about a serial killer who targets blind women. But at other times it is unbearably stupid and overdone.

Andy Garcia is OK part of the time and terrible when he portrays any strong emotion, like anger. He and Uma Thurman are good together at times, like when she is freaked out over the party and Andy comforts her.

This is a "B" movie but it aspires to be an "A" flick. John Malkovich is wonderful, at times, as he often is, when given almost nothing to work with.

Lots of the time the story just feel empty. Gets worse as it goes on.

I cannot and will not for the life of me comprehend why people do not like provoking and complex movies, (ya know, WHERE YOU HAVE TO BE ABLE TO THINK).

Jennifer 8, is a great movie, it is daring, smart, witty, scary and....

a bit on the real side. There are a lot of movies which people that due to reading their reviews should not watch movies that are beyond their simple mind and well, IQ. This movie is well on the top of the list for under rated serial killer flicks. Rent, Buy, Borrow but must see this excellent movie.

With Andy Garcia, Uma Thurman and John Malkovich all playing intriguing characters, this should have been better than it was. It was okay, but nothing special. Had the main character, "Sgt. John Berlin," (Garcia) been more likable to me, perhaps I would have rated it higher. He was just too excitable and profane in parts, yet remarkably composed when grilled by Malkovich's character near the end. Malkovich played "Agent St. Anne," an annoying, nasty investigative cop who you hate. His acting is usually so good that you have no trouble believing his roles.

Overall, this thriller is fine for one look, meaning more of a rental than a purchase. Note: That is not Thurman nude in the bathtub, but a stand-in. That kind of sums up the film, too - okay, but not the real thing.

Enjoyed the great acting of Uma Thurman,(Helena Robertson),"Prime",'05, who plays a blind gal who has some connection to another young girl who disappeared and is being investigated by a detective. This detective is played by Andy Garcia,(Sgt. John Berlin),"The Lost City",'05, who has just transferred from Los Angeles to a small town in Northern California and his first assignment leads him to a garbage dump and all its smells in the pouring rain. There is a scary scene where Helena Robertson is taking a bath and there is a guy unknowing to her, taking pictures of poor Helena in the nude and she does not even realize it. John Malkovich,(Agent St. Anne), plays a short role, but you will really get to hate him in everything he does and says. Kathy Baker,(Margie Ross),"Nip/Tuck TV" plays a great supporting role. Great Mystery and thriller which will keep you glued to the TV screen.

Bruce Robinson's "Jennifer 8" isn't a great movie but worth seeing. While it does follow the detective-suspects-pattern-in-murders-and-has-to-protect-someone formula, Andy Garcia's and Uma Thurman's performances give the movie its strength. Obviously it's towards the end that the movie really gets going, but even up to that point there's some clever stuff. For the life of me I cannot figure out why any person would define as masterpieces the creepy "Home Alone", the obnoxious "Everyone Says I Love You", the vacuous "Eyes Wide Shut" and the pointless "Man on the Moon" when "Jennifer 8" actually has an interesting plot. Not the best movie ever made, but still one that I recommend. Good performances also come from Lance Henriksen, Kathy Baker and John Malkovich.

This is one of those movies that I still pull out every once in a while and just pop in. It's absolutely entertaining, with great performances from pretty much everybody, but especially Andy Garcia and Lance Henrikson.

It plays out like a good mystery/thriller should: Frustrating twists and turns, brooding atmosphere and music, and layer after layer of clues that you know are building to a big time climax. I really can't find anything to criticize about this film and I'm surprised it's IMDB rating isn't higher.

If you haven't seen it, you'll be doing yourself a favor by bypassing the new releases for just one night at blockbuster, and picking this one up.

"Jennifer 8" is a passable thriller with an exceptional cast and a relatively cohesive story, but much like the "gialli" of Dario Argento, it's a film that doesn't have the good sense to quit while it's ahead, and expects to tie things up with a reveal that is just so much hastily-assembled pop-psychology cliché. Set in a pervasively dreary New England state, Andy Garcia plays a LA cop who's transferred in order to be under the command of mentor Lance Henriksen, and discovers a bloodied brassiere and a severed hand at the scene of an apparent suicide; thus is unearthed a casefile on a string of murders targeting blind women as a masked assailant goes back into action, stalking attractive music teacher Uma Thurman (who gives a performance better than the material deserves). While some of writer-director Bruce Robinson's plot points feel tangled (or lost completely) as the film progresses, and much of the staging is without flair (even a cat-and-mouse chase through a deserted dorm midway through doesn't play as suspensefully as it could have), the stellar cast really recoups the shortcomings, just barely earning my recommendation. While Andy Garcia's sometimes-frantic line readings and bug-eyed expressions make him a dubious choice for the lead, he plays well off his more seasoned costars, particularly Henriksen (whose profane, hard-boiled zingers remind us why he is one of cinema's best-kept character-actor secrets); additionally, John Malkovich shows up late in the game for a brilliantly-performed interrogation scene that, while seemingly extraneous to the ongoing plot, is nevertheless worth watching for the man's undeniable chops (like Charles Bronson, he basically plays the same character in each film--but does it quite well). And, as stated earlier, Thurman exudes the likability, intelligence, and beauty that would rightly launch her into stardom. As a thriller, "Jennifer 8" might be lower-drawer, but as an actor's showcase it holds up pretty well.

"Jennifer 8" is a solid suspense thriller that is smart, inventive, and a success overall. Cops Andy Garcia and Lance Henriksen are trying to stop a serial killer who seems to always be one step ahead of them. They are positive that the next victim will be a blind woman (Uma Thurman). She is basically the bait, but it still appears that the killer is just a little smarter than the cops. In the end, an unconventional conclusion will bring everything together. "Jennifer 8" has a smart screenplay, strong direction, and a great cast. John Malkovich and Kathy Baker, in particular, are strong in short supporting roles. 4 stars out of 5.

No, this film is not as good as it should have been -- but it isn't nearly as bad as some of the so-called thrillers that have excellent reputations.

Personally, I would rather watch this film, which includes good music and a solid cast, than watch such wildly overpraised films as Se7en or Resurrection (1999).

why did this movie get only a 6.2 rating on IMDb? are people dumb? this movie has great stars( Thurman, Garcia, henriksen & a great cameo by malkovich( he is so good that i wanted to put my hand thru my flatscreen & just choke him). this movies also got great winter scenes and what a great musical score. this movie definitely is gonna get multiple viewings from me. i consider myself a huge fan of movies & will just about watch anything, but.....people...this is a nice little " diamond in the rough ". this is in my top 10-15 serial killer, suspense, thriller movies. i think most people will like this movie if they try it. oh btw....is Andy Garcia a Al Pacino clone or what..LOL. seriously if u like a well-made movie, give this one a try

Andy Garcia plays John Berlin, a homicide detective who relocates from L. A. to the small town of Eureka. In no time at all, he's stubbornly determined - obsessed might be a better term for it - to crack a cold case involving the killing of a young blind girl. Soon he is convinced that he could be dealing with a serial killer here - who may be out to eliminate potential witness Helena Robertson (Uma Thurman), who is blind herself but pretty perceptive.

Written and directed by Bruce Robinson ("Withnail & I"), the slick thriller "Jennifer Eight" is ultimately not that satisfying because it's not always that believable or convincing. The lack of credibility is unfortunate, with the script basically letting down the cast & filmmakers. It's a waste of excellent atmosphere (the film *is* genuinely spooky at times, and many scenes take place in either the rain or the snow) and typically superb cinematography by D. P. / second unit director Conrad L. Hall. (Not to mention an eerie score by Christopher Young.)

Although Garcia is given to some real over-acting at times, the rest of the cast is strong, and filled with familiar faces. The lovely and appealing Thurman gives a wonderful, creditable performance. Lance Henriksen and Kathy Baker are their usual reliable selves, playing Johns' good friend Freddy Ross and his wife Margie. John Malkovich gives the proceedings a major shot in the arm in the second half, playing a wary, hard-hitting interrogator.

A big box office dud in its time, "Jennifer Eight" proved to be such a problematic experience for Robinson that he wouldn't make another film for 19 years; his comeback film was the Hunter S. Thompson adaptation "The Rum Diary".

All in all, this is certainly watchable for thriller lovers, although nothing special.

Six out of 10.

'Jennifer 8' is a bit of a curiosity. Overall it's okay, yet all the many elements of the picture don't entirely gel together into a cohesive whole.

It feels like it's been a while since I've seen Andy Garcia in anything, so it's a joy to go back and watch a feature where he has the spotlight. His performance is maybe a little over the top, but his is a commanding presence all the same. Uma Thurman, in her major supporting role, also demonstrates the potential that would be further unleashed with her future films. And just look at the rest of the cast - there are some wonderful, familiar names and faces here, including Lance Henriksen (surly and tired), Kevin Conway (brusque but lovable), Bob Gunton (pointedly unlikable); Kathy Baker, Graham Beckel - John Malkovich! Even among such great co-stars, Malkovich turns in the best performance of the movie. It's unfortunate that his characterization, and the dialogue he's given, is not written well.

That's the key here. Most of the dialogue feels subpar to me. Parts are a bit thin; the strength of the cast is what makes them work in my mind. The overarching puzzle of the case comes together very slowly, and there's correspondingly only a sparing, infrequent sense of suspense, that increases just as gradually as the film goes on. For much of the length these are subsumed by a burgeoning romance between the leads that feels a bit questionable and unconvincing in how it's written; Garcia and Thurman sell it as best they can.

Story beats feel like a fantasy version of how an investigation would play out; it's not that everything ties together neatly and cleanly, but rather that the disparate pieces seem held together by magical glue. That goes for the breakthroughs of protagonist John Berlin, the steps that he takes to progress his search for a killer, and the way everything else seems to work against him. There is some cleverness dotted throughout the screenplay - especially the climax - and I'm grateful for that, because broadly this feels like a collection of scraps more than a single, solid thread. The most believable part of the movie is the apparent incompetence of the cops.

I enjoy Christopher Young's score. I think writer-director Bruce Robinson captures some fine shots, and arranges some pretty nice scenes, though these are scarcely greater in number than the instances of suspense and creepiness in this thriller. Use of lighting - with emphasis on flashlights - and some close-up shots, such as of Thurman's hands, are altogether lovely.

Yet the good is countered by the bad; the admirable is tainted by the unbelievable. I entered 'Jennifer 8' with no particular expectations, and find that I wanted to like it more than I did. The cast does the most work here to keep the picture afloat where the writing fails, and they are to be commended. This is a reasonably enjoyable picture, but not necessarily one I'd recommend unless you're either an especial fan of the performers herein, or not exceedingly particular as to what you watch. I don't begrudge anyone who likes this more; I'm glad they're able to get more mileage out of it. 'Jennifer 8,' it turns out, just isn't quite for me.

One thumb up. One thumb down.

"Jennifer 8" is a decade old noirish whodunit which tells of a burned out L.A. detective (Garcia) who moves to a small town force where he finds himself obsessed with a serial killer case and in love with a potential victim. A good old fashioned suspense-mystery, "J8" is a solid C+ watch which features good cast performances, above average cinematography, and enough plot twists, clue discovery, action, and somber romance to keep most viewers interested all the way through a 2+ hour run to a surprise conclusion. Recommended for those into the mystery genre who missed it first time around and are looking for something on the small screen.

Very Classic, well played 90's thriller.

Everything works.

Jennifer Eight seems to often get described as a 'sleeper' - and I agree with that description, although not for the same reason. This film is not a hidden gem; the reason it hasn't matured with a good reputation is simple; for a thriller, there's just not enough excitement. Bruce Robinson's film is very well made; it has a good cast and they all perform well, but that really counts for nothing when the story is not interesting enough to keep the audience interested for the overlong two hour running time. Our central character is John Berlin; a police detective on the trail of a serial killer. The severed hand of a young girl has turned up in a parking lot and the detective soon starts to believe that the murder may be connected to an unsolved case that happened in the town some years previously. His investigation leads him to a blind institute where he meets and is attracted to a young blind girl named Helena. His suspicions about the new murder being connected to the old are not well received by his fellow cops; although he soon fears that Helena may be in danger.

Director Bruce Robinson is best known as the writer and director of the seminal classic Withnail & I, but apparently his writing skills don't lend themselves to the crime genre very well. Jennifer Eight suffers from far too many drawn out and boring scenes where nothing really much happens, and even the film's most exciting moments aren't exactly exciting. The major problem is the fact that the film tries to blend two big story lines and doesn't have the capacity to do so. The romance between the police officer and the blind girl takes up far too much time and is both boring and plotted out in an unlikely manner. This leaves the murder plot almost a spare wheel in it's own film, and the way that the plot takes another turn midway through only helps to distract more, meaning that by the end we don't really care who the murderer is. The film's saving grace is the acting. I've never been a fan of Andy Garcia but he's solid in the lead role and gets good back-up from the always reliable Lance Henriksen. Uma Thurman doesn't really get to do much other than play the token 'victim' blind girl, and John Malkovich steals the show once he gets on screen. Overall, this film really is a big disappointment and doesn't really deserve digging up any time soon.

This is easily one of the most underrated Hollywood films of the nineties - it's got a compelling script, beautiful performances (particularly from Andy Garcia, Uma Thurman, and John Malkovitch in a short but unforgettable cameo.), some of the best cinematography ever set on film (director of photography Conrad Hall later went on to shoot 'American Beauty'.), and one of the greatest scores ever written by underrated composer Christopher Young. As it is, this film is heaven from a filmmaker's perspective and a pretty damn good drama to boot. Highly recommended.

Police detective John Berlin (Andy Garcia) moves from L.A. to the small town of Eureka. There's a dead body before even he starts his job. A suicide is found in the garbage dump. Freddy Ross (Lance Henriksen) is his partner. Then they find a hand. There was a girl nicknamed Jennifer found a couple of years ago without a head or hands. Mike Blattis is the local reporter. John Taylor is a cop who thinks that Berlin stole his promotion. His boss Citrine is gun-shy after the last debacle. Berlin is staying with Ross and his wife Margie. The excessive scars on the hand leads them to the victim being blind named Amber studying at a local institute. They interview her blind friend Helena (Uma Thurman). Only Berlin believes that there is a serial killer.

This is a rather slow murder mystery thriller. I like the mood. Uma Thurman is gorgeous as the blind girl. However 2 hours is simply too long for a simple murder mystery. There aren't enough twists and turns to justify spending so much time. Written and directed by Bruce Robinson, I think another filmmaker would have cut the movie shorter. He's probably more used to movies with much more stuff to squeeze in. There are too many sections where not much happens in the investigation.

This is a thriller with a good concept, good acting, good photography and good intentions all around, but which is confused and disjointed in execution.

Garcia stars as John Berlin, an L.A. forensic detective who has moved to a small California town at the behest of a friend of his on the force there. He soon becomes involved in the investigation of an unsolved murder which leads to his theorizing about the existence of a serial killer whom no one else believes in. The known victim is theorized to be blind, which leads to a romance with a blind girl - believed to be a witness - at a nearby school for the blind.

Despite a basically intriguing story there were too many quantum leaps and plot holes in this movie where I found myself wondering, 'how the hell did we wind up here?' or 'how did we find this out?' I found it confusing and disjointed, despite the good acting, etc. John Malkovich has a small part toward the end as an F.B.I. investigator out to get Berlin.

Not recommended.