[1][2] Adrian Wilde (Michael Callan) outwardly presents himself as a respected photographer specializing in animal pictures.

Privately, he is a serial killer who preys on aspiring models, creating scenarios where they will die and taking pictures of them through the entire process, especially their final death expressions.

He has a very hostile relationship with his mother (Barbara Nichols), who stood by as a previous lover attempted to choke him as a child, and now spends her time drinking and carousing with men, including his ostensible best friend Clinton (Spencer Milligan), who fences stolen jewelry.

Writer/Director Hillman had previously made the children's fantasy The Man from Clover Grove before conceiving this project.

In interviews, Hillman has suggested the film was a prequel, describing the events that led to the character becoming a killer.