Vann Siegert (Owen Wilson) is roving aimlessly and calmly through life. Arriving in a small coastal town, he decides to start over from zero. He rents a room at the residence of Doug (Brian Cox) and his wife Jane (Mercedes Ruehl), a room that was once occupied by their daughter, supposedly missing. An intimate relation develops between the three.

Siegert may be accepted into the small community, but who he really is eludes all. He has all the long of his travels been in contact with two detectives (Dwight Yoakam, Dennis Haysbert) who seem to study his every move...

The character of Vann Siegert seems to re-define the notion of "mean" in films. Several decades ago, there was Norman Bates. Siegert seems incapable of being impolite, anger or contrary actions. Yet, wherever he goes, horrifying events seem to follow him. This nice guy seems to fascinate lonely people in need of affection and he seems to have the remedy for their distress.

The film is based on the novel by Lew McCreary, which portrays this modern day criminal in this story about a nice monster.

Owen Wilson
"There are many humorous moments in this story, but it is a humor that resemble Gus Van Sant's Drugstore Cowboy. It's not that the subject is comical, but rather the element of absurdity or surrealism that underlies the story qualifying The Minus Man as something more than a dark detective story."

Sheryl Crow, Casper
A newcomer to the film industry, Sheryl Crow, makes her screen debut in the role of Casper, a thick-headed woman who pays dear for striking a relation with Siegert. "I wanted to get a taste of filmmaking and I this was the perfect moment to do so. My character goes through a lot very quickly."

Hampton Fancher, Director & Screenplay

Growing up in Los Angeles allowed Hampton Fancher to spend a lot of time at the movies. He left school early on and moved to Spain, where he became Mario Montejo, a reputed flamenco dancer. It was upon his return to the States that he dedicated himself to the film industry. He started out as a television actor during the 60's and 70's and then began screenwriting. In 1982, he saw one of his screenplays become a major film: Blade Runner by Ridley Scott. He recently created a production company - Both Pictures, Inc. with the producer of The Minus Man, Fida Attieh. This is Fancher first attempt at directing.