A Perfect Murder

A Perfect Murder

Year: 1998

Runtime: 108 min

Language: English

Director: Andrew Davis

ThrillerCrime

A cunning web of deceit unfolds as Wall Street mogul Steven Taylor discovers his wife Emily's infidelity, sparking a ruthless quest for financial gain by manipulating her demise. He orchestrates a deadly scheme with her lover David, but their elaborate plan to stage a random murder unravels, threatening to expose the truth and destroy everything they've worked for.

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

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