Tightrope: Underappreciated or Just Plain Creepy?

Okay, so I just re-watched "Tightrope" (1984) and I'm still kinda squicked out, but also...intrigued? The movie definitely has issues, but I think it's ultimately a pretty effective thriller. My theory is that a lot of what makes it uncomfortable is intentional. Eastwood's character, Wes Block, isn't just hunting a killer, he's also wrestling with his own dark side. That opening scene in the bar? Yeah, not subtle, but it establishes right away that this guy has some serious demons. He's drawn to the same kind of danger as the killer he's hunting. Think about the way he interacts with those women... it's all just a little...off. And that's the point, right? The film wants you to be complicit in the unease. It wants you to question Block's motivations. The pacing is really deliberate in this regard. Director Richard Tuggle (and Eastwood, who always had input) doesn't rush things. We get long, drawn-out scenes of Block patrolling the streets, lingering shots of the victims, and these weird, almost dreamlike sequences that blur the line between what's real and what's in Block's head. It makes you feel like you're trapped in Block's psychological maze. The problem is, this approach could be seen as exploitative. There are parts where the movie just feels… gratuitous. The scenes with Beryl are especially tough. It's where the line between exploring Block's darkness and just reveling in exploitation gets blurry. But, I think ultimately, the movie does a decent job of walking that tightrope (pun intended, sorry!). It forces you to confront uncomfortable truths about human nature and the very thin line between protector and predator. I genuinely think the film is better than most people give it credit for. It's not a perfect movie, but it's a thought-provoking and disturbing thriller that sticks with you long after the credits roll. What do you guys think? Is it a truly great thriller or just a creepy mess? Let me know, I'm keen to hear other perspectives.