A Fish Called Wanda

A Fish Called Wanda

Year: 1988

Runtime: 108 min

Language: English

Director: Charles Crichton

ComedyCrime

A group of criminals find themselves at odds after a diamond heist gone wrong. A seductive con artist pursues a prim and proper lawyer, complicating the already chaotic situation. Meanwhile, another accomplice becomes fixated on eliminating a bothersome witness who threatens to expose their scheme. Tensions rise and hilarious mishaps ensue as the thieves struggle to keep their plans from unraveling.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – A Fish Called Wanda (1988)

Explore the full timeline and setting of A Fish Called Wanda (1988). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film is contemporary, reflecting the late 20th century, a time characterized by a growing interest in heist films and comedies that dive into themes of deception and romance. It captures the essence of the 1980s and 1990s, showcasing cultural attitudes and social dynamics of that era.

Location

London, Heathrow Airport, Rio

The primary setting of 'A Fish Called Wanda' is London, a vibrant city known for its rich history and diverse culture. Key scenes unfold at Heathrow Airport, a major international gateway, adding an element of urgency and excitement to the plot. The story concludes in Rio, a picturesque and lively city famous for its beaches and festivals, symbolizing a fresh start for Archie and Wanda.

🌆 City ✈️ Airport 🏖️ Beach

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:32

Main Characters – A Fish Called Wanda (1988)

Meet the key characters of A Fish Called Wanda (1988), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

George Thomason

George is a cunning gangster who orchestrates the jewel heist, exhibiting a mix of charm and ruthlessness. His reliance on his team reflects both his leadership qualities and the pitfalls of trust in a treacherous plan. As events unfold, his desperation to recover the lost diamonds paints a picture of a man driven by ambition but ultimately betrayed.

🕵️‍♂️ Gangster 🎭 Deceptive

Wanda Gershwitz (Jamie Lee Curtis)

Wanda is a charismatic con artist who expertly manipulates those around her to achieve her goals. Her intelligence and allure make her a standout character, as she plays the men against each other while maintaining her own interests. Her role illustrates the duality of desire and deception, making her both a protagonist and antagonist in the narrative.

💋 Manipulative 🎨 Charming

Otto West

Otto serves as an aggressive weapons expert with a short temper and an intense dislike for anything British. His brash personality and romantic involvement with Wanda add layers of comedic tension, particularly as he attempts to assert dominance. His flawed logic and impulsive decisions often lead to humorous consequences and highlight the chaos in their plot.

🔫 Aggressive 😠 Jealousy

Ken Pile

Ken is George's right-hand man, defined by his loyalty and unique personality traits, including his love for animals and a notable stutter. His character serves as a source of comic relief throughout the film, while his unexpected actions drive some pivotal plot points. His gentle nature contrasts sharply with the tumultuous personalities around him.

🐶 Animal Lover 😅 Comic Relief

Archie Leach

Archie is a barrister caught in the web of Wanda's seduction and George's schemes. His character embodies the struggle between professional ethics and personal desires, leading to moments of comedy and conflict. As he navigates his feelings for Wanda, he faces the repercussions of entangling himself in her duplicity.

⚖️ Barrister 💔 Torn

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:32

Major Themes – A Fish Called Wanda (1988)

Explore the central themes of A Fish Called Wanda (1988), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💎 Greed

The theme of greed is central to the plot, as characters are motivated by the allure of wealth represented by the stolen diamonds. Wanda and Otto exhibit cunning and betrayal, demonstrating how greed can corrupt relationships and lead to chaotic consequences. This theme ultimately drives the humor and conflict throughout the story.

💔 Betrayal

Betrayal plays a crucial role in character interactions, particularly in Wanda's shifting loyalties between George and Otto. The comedic irony of relationships built on deception highlights the complexities of trust and ambition. Each character's betrayal leads to a series of humorous mishaps, driving the narrative forward.

🐠 Loyalty

Despite the rampant deceit, loyalty is explored through Ken's dedication to George and his quirky affection for his fish. His character contrasts the others, emphasizing the comedic chaos with a more innocent perspective on loyalty. Ultimately, the theme illustrates what true loyalty looks like amid a web of manipulation and betrayal.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:32

Unlock the Full Story of A Fish Called Wanda

Don't stop at just watching — explore A Fish Called Wanda in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what A Fish Called Wanda is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

A Fish Called Wanda Summary

Read a complete plot summary of A Fish Called Wanda, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

A Fish Called Wanda Summary

A Fish Called Wanda Timeline

Track the full timeline of A Fish Called Wanda with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

A Fish Called Wanda Timeline

More About A Fish Called Wanda

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about A Fish Called Wanda: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About A Fish Called Wanda

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