Be Cool (2005) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Tommy Athens was murdered because he refused to cooperate with the Russian Mafia. Roman Bulkin, the Russian mob leader, ordered the hit after Tommy witnessed one of their operations and wouldn't stay quiet. The assassination took place during a lunch meeting with Chili Palmer, who unfortunately witnessed the killer, a man wearing a toupee.

• tommy athens murder
• russian mafia
• roman bulkin
• assassination

The Russian Mafia wants Chili dead because he witnessed Tommy Athens' murder. When Chili stepped out of the restroom at the restaurant, he saw the assassin leaving and got a clear look at him, a man with a toupee. Roman Bulkin views Chili as a loose end who could identify the killer and testify against the mob.

• russian mafia
• chili palmer
• roman bulkin
• witness protection
• threats

After witnessing Tommy's death, Chili decides to help Edie Athens (Tommy's widow) revive her late husband's struggling record company. His original intention was to discuss making a film about Tommy's life in the music industry, but after the murder, he takes on the role of producer to honor his friend's memory and keep the business afloat.

• chili palmer
• music producer
• edie athens
• athens records
• record label

Linda Moon was misled by Nick Carr and Raji when she arrived in Los Angeles. They tricked her into signing a detrimental contract that gives her nothing but despair, leaving her with five years remaining on the deal. She has both vocal talent and songwriting skills but cannot escape the unfair agreement without outside help.

• linda moon
• record contract
• nick carr
• raji
• unfair contract
• five years

Nick Carr and Raji hire hitman Joe "Loop" Lupino to eliminate Chili after he interferes with their plans and decides to help Linda escape her contract. They are unhappy with Chili's meddling in their business and see him as a threat to their control over Linda and the music industry.

• joe loop
• hired killer
• nick carr
• raji
• hitman
• assassination attempt

When Joe Loop is sent to kill Chili, the attempt goes wrong, bullets meant for Chili mistakenly hit their intended target instead. This dramatic mix-up brings the danger of the criminal underworld closer to Chili and Edie, but also disrupts the villains' plans.

• assassination attempt
• bullet miss
• joe loop
• wrong target
• chaos

Detective Marla is assigned to investigate Tommy Athens' murder and becomes suspicious that Chili Palmer may have orchestrated the killing. She finds it convenient that Chili was present during the murder and wonders if he used the Russian Mafia as cover for his own involvement.

• detective marla
• murder investigation
• suspicion
• chili palmer
• police

Chili decides to produce Linda's music by staging a spectacular live performance featuring Aerosmith and Steven Tyler. This ambitious event is designed to serve as Linda's launch pad while also significantly reducing costs for her debut album, helping to resurrect the Athens record label.

• aerosmith
• steven tyler
• live performance
• music career
• concert
• launch

When Nick sends his bodyguard Elliott to eliminate Chili, an unexpected friendship forms instead. Chili recognizes Elliott as a struggling actor who is often the butt of Raji and Carr's jokes. Rather than conflict, Chili offers to help Elliott break into acting, showing his caring nature and ability to turn enemies into allies.

• elliott
• bodyguard
• acting career
• friendship
• nick carr
• ally

The plot reaches its peak at the MTV Video Music Awards, where Linda Moon achieves victory and wins accolades. Meanwhile, the antagonistic characters including Raji and Nick face their consequences as their schemes unravel. The event represents the culmination of Chili's efforts to revive the record label and launch Linda's career.

• mtv vma
• awards ceremony
• linda moon victory
• climax
• consequences

Raji, along with Nick Carr, wants to maintain control over Linda because she represents valuable talent they can exploit through her unfair contract. They misled her to trap her in a deal that benefits them financially while giving her nothing. Their downfall comes when their attempt to keep Linda trapped fails and they face consequences for their actions.

• raji
• control
• linda moon
• exploitation
• contract manipulation

After the chaotic events at the MTV Video Music Awards, Chili and Edie share a moment of joy amidst the swirling chaos, marking a fitting end to their wild ride in the music industry. As Chili drives away, he notices a billboard showing Elliott as a co-star alongside Nicole Kidman, indicating new beginnings are on the horizon for everyone.

• chili edie relationship
• ending
• future
• elliott career
• billboard
• nicole kidman