Adapted and directed by Shane Black, based on the novel by Brett Halliday.
This film is a blast, a great mix between your 80's action, modern adventure, and classic detective film.
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Black is a genius writer, aware of film's strengths, weaknesses, etc. He's been in the game for years, the grandfather of Lethal Weapon, you might say.
In Kiss Kiss his use of plant and payoff is great: at times in your face for comedic effect, at times so smooth and subtle.
In the most simple example, take a look at Harmony's friend Flicka. She is a flight attendant. This is planted when we first meet her. Later when we see her on our way out of town, at the airport, the audience doesn't think twice about the coincidental run in which leads to the Ames realization.
In a more extreme or "story important" note, take a look at how they prep the audience for the two separate detective cases being ultimately connected. They tell us early on that the Jonny Gossamer novels always have connected mysteries (with intense endings that always have a shootout showdown). This sets the stage, opens our minds to the possibility of it happening later in our characters' world also.
Again, regarding key clue placement, notice the subtle insert shot of Harry covering the dead body's private parts at the lake, setting up the underwear note early, one of the most important realizations in the film, which leads us to the clinic.
Solid. Or course, for someone so well versed and dedicated to the detective story.
Be well. http://www.LionSuit.com