A Perfect Murder

A Perfect Murder

Year: 1998

Runtime: 108 min

Language: English

Director: Andrew Davis

ThrillerCrime

A ruthless Wall Street mogul, Steven Taylor, discovers his wife’s infidelity and concocts a scheme to manipulate her death for financial gain. He enlists the help of her lover, David, to stage a seemingly random murder. As their elaborate plan unfolds, unforeseen complications arise, and the carefully constructed web of deceit begins to unravel, putting their freedom and reputations at risk as the truth threatens to surface.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – A Perfect Murder (1998)

Explore the full timeline and setting of A Perfect Murder (1998). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie explores themes relevant to contemporary urban life, including the high-stakes world of finance and the psychological complexities of modern relationships. The apparent materialism and moral ambiguity of the characters reflect societal issues that resonate in today's world.

Location

Manhattan

Manhattan is known as the heart of New York City, renowned for its iconic skyline and vibrant cultural scene. It boasts high-end apartments and luxury living, as exemplified by the lavish co-op where the main characters reside. Often associated with wealth and ambition, Manhattan serves as a fitting backdrop for the film's intense drama and treacherous schemes.

🏙️ City 🏢 Apartment

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:54

Main Characters – A Perfect Murder (1998)

Meet the key characters of A Perfect Murder (1998), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Steven Taylor (Michael Douglas)

Steven is a shrewd Wall Street financier whose ambition blinds him to the moral implications of his actions. Motivated by greed and desperation, he devises a deadly plan against his wife, revealing a twisted depth to his character. His charm masks a darker side that ultimately brings about his downfall.

🤑 Greed 🎩 Manipulation

Emily Taylor (Gwyneth Paltrow)

Emily is caught in the tumultuous waves of her marriage and a forbidden affair. Her transformation from a seemingly innocent spouse to a woman fighting for her life showcases her resilience. As she grapples with betrayal, she evolves into a strong character who confronts the harsh realities of her situation.

❤️ Passion 🛡️ Resilience

David Shaw (Viggo Mortensen)

David is an enigmatic artist harboring a dark past who becomes the object of Emily's affections. His complex relationship with both Emily and Steven introduces layers of conflict and danger. As the story unfolds, David's motivations blur the lines between victim and aggressor.

🎨 Artistry 🔒 Secrets

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:54

Major Themes – A Perfect Murder (1998)

Explore the central themes of A Perfect Murder (1998), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Betrayal

Betrayal runs deep within the central relationships of the film, particularly between Steven and Emily. As Steven's plotting against Emily unfolds, the trust that once defined their marriage crumbles, leading to devastating consequences. The theme emphasizes the fragility of love when entangled with deceit and ulterior motives.

🎭 Deception

The art of deception is intricately woven throughout the narrative, culminating in a dangerous game where each character hides their true intentions. Steven's manipulative tactics to control the situation and David's role as a blackmailer illustrate the lengths individuals will go to protect their interests. This theme forces the audience to question appearances and the truth behind each character's motivations.

🔫 Survival

Survival becomes a visceral struggle as Emily faces threats from both her husband and David. In the end, the fight for her life compels her to take action, reflecting the innate human instinct to defend oneself against danger. This theme illustrates the transformation of Emily from a passive participant to an empowered survivor.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:54

Unlock the Full Story of A Perfect Murder

Don't stop at just watching — explore A Perfect Murder 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 Perfect Murder is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

A Perfect Murder Summary

Read a complete plot summary of A Perfect Murder, 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 Perfect Murder Summary

A Perfect Murder Timeline

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

A Perfect Murder Timeline

More About A Perfect Murder

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about A Perfect Murder: 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 Perfect Murder

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