Black Widow (1987 film)

Black Widow is a 1987 American neo-noirpsychological thriller film directed by Bob Rafelson, written by Ronald Bass, and starring Debra Winger, Theresa Russell, Sami Frey, and Nicol Williamson. The plot focuses on two women: one, a serial killer who murders wealthy men whom she has married for their money (and keeps moving west), and the other a data analyst with the Department of Justice who grows obsessed with bringing her to justice. The film features Dennis Hopper, Terry O'Quinn, Lois Smith, D. W. Moffett, Diane Ladd, James Hong, and David Mamet in supporting roles.

Production of Black Widow took place in 1986, with filming occurring in Seattle, Dallas, New York City, Washington, D.C., and Hawaii. 20th Century Fox released the film on February 6, 1987. It was a box office hit, grossing over $25 million, though it received mixed reviews from film critics. Some contemporary assessment of the film has noted its stylistic similarities and references to the film noir and crime thrillers of the 1940s.