A fugitive killer posing as a policeman arrests two campers in the Arizona mountains.

The story follows a skilled negotiator, an expert at closing difficult deals, who becomes entangled in a complex web of deception, manipulation, and power while trying to maintain his position in an environment where ambition and betrayal are commonplace. A film about themes such as morality in business, the pressure of success, and how far someone is willing to compromise their principles for money and control.

As a writer named Mike struggles to shepherd his semi-autobiographical sitcom into development, his vision is slowly eroded by a domineering network executive named Lenny who favors trashy reality programming. The irony, of course, is that every crass suggestion Lenny makes improves the show's response from test audiences and brings the show a step closer to getting on the air.

When medical student Marty places an ad for a roommate, her ad is answered by handsome, clean-cut Alec. At first Alec seems to be a wonderful roommate; supportive, considerate and a real friend. However, Alec's affection turns to obsession as he plots to manipulate and control all aspects of Marty's life, imprison her in her own apartment and make her his

Walter Paisley, a busboy at a cappuccino bar called the Jabberjaw, is praised as a genius after he kills his landlady's cat and covers it in plaster. Pressured to produce more work, he goes after bigger subjects.