Chicago

Chicago

Year: 2002

Runtime: 113 min

Language: English

Director: Rob Marshall

Budget: $45M

DramaComedyCrimeMusical

A spirited performer's pursuit of fame takes a surprising turn when she finds herself on trial for murder. As she navigates the sensationalized media coverage and a manipulative lawyer, she competes with another accused woman for the public's attention. This dazzling musical explores the pursuit of celebrity and the lengths people will go to achieve stardom, all with sharp wit and memorable song-and-dance routines.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Chicago yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Chicago (2002)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Chicago (2002). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1924

The year 1924 encapsulates a period of social change and the rise of jazz culture in America. This era also saw an increase in media sensationalism, where crime and celebrity intertwined, leading to high-profile trials that captivated the public. The decade was marked by a quest for fame and a disregard for conventional morals, reflected in the lives of the film's characters.

Location

Chicago, Cook County Jail

Chicago in the 1920s is a vibrant metropolis known for its bustling nightlife and jazz music scene. The city was a hub of fame, crime, and corruption, setting the stage for the dramatic events of Roxie's story. Cook County Jail serves as a notorious facility where women are housed for their crimes, highlighting the struggles and stories of those trapped within its walls.

🏙️ City 🚔 Prison

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:53

Main Characters – Chicago (2002)

Meet the key characters of Chicago (2002), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Roxie Hart

Roxie Hart is an ambitious and cunning woman whose desire for fame drives her to commit murder. Initially appearing innocent, she manipulates those around her, showcasing a blend of charm and ruthlessness. Her character arc reveals the desperation and moral ambiguity faced by those seeking the spotlight.

🎭 Ambition 🔫 Deception

Velma Kelly

Velma Kelly is a seasoned performer with a glamorous yet tragic past. Once a star, she feels threatened by Roxie's rising fame and seeks to reclaim her position in the spotlight. Her character embodies the struggles of competition in the entertainment industry, layered with charm and cunning.

🌟 Stardom 💔 Rivalry

Billy Flynn

Billy Flynn is a slick and charismatic lawyer who knows how to manipulate the media to his advantage. He plays a pivotal role in shaping Roxie's public persona, highlighting the intersection of law, fame, and morality. His shrewd tactics reveal the complexities of the legal system in the face of public opinion.

📈 Manipulation ⚖️ Law

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:53

Major Themes – Chicago (2002)

Explore the central themes of Chicago (2002), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌟 Fame

Fame is a central theme as Roxie's and Velma's lives intertwine through their quest for stardom. The pursuit of public attention leads them to manipulate their circumstances and create narratives that keep them in the spotlight. The film explores the fleeting nature of fame and the lengths individuals will go to maintain their allure.

⚖️ Justice

Justice serves as a critical theme, examining the legal strategies and media influence surrounding high-profile cases. Roxie's trial reflects societal attitudes towards crime, gender, and morality, questioning whether true justice is served or if it is overshadowed by public opinion and sensationalism.

🤝 Rivalry

Rivalry arises between Roxie and Velma as they vie for attention and success in the competitive world of show business. Their initial animosity transforms into a partnership, showcasing how shared ambitions can lead to collaboration. It highlights the dual nature of competition as both destructive and inspirational.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:53

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Satirical Celebrity Stories like Chicago

Stories that use wit and spectacle to skewer the pursuit of fame.Find movies like Chicago that explore the darkly comic side of fame, media manipulation, and public scandal. If you enjoyed the satirical edge and glamorous cynicism, you'll appreciate these similar stories where ambition meets entertainment.

satiricalcynicalglamorousflashyplayfulsardonicenergetic

Narrative Summary

These narratives typically follow ambitious characters who achieve fame, often through scandal or notoriety. The plot revolves around media manipulation, public perception, and the often-blurred line between achievement and infamy, all presented with a knowing, satirical wink.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on satirizing fame, their blend of serious themes with a light, playful tone, and their use of style—be it musical numbers or flashy cinematography—to enhance their critical message.

Stylized Crime Musicals like Chicago

Glamorous crime tales where justice is a theatrical performance.Discover movies similar to Chicago that blend crime narratives with theatrical flair and musical numbers. If you liked the jazzy energy and the idea of the justice system as a vaudeville act, this collection is for you.

jazzytheatricalcynicalglamorousenergeticflashycrime

Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread involve characters on the wrong side of the law who use performance and charisma to manipulate their fate. The journey is less about grim reality and more about the spectacle of the trial, the rivalry between performers, and a redemption defined by public adoration.

Why These Movies?

These movies share a unique combination of crime drama, musical structure, and a cynical view of justice. They are united by their high energy, glamorous aesthetic, and the central theme of performance as a tool for survival and success.

Unlock the Full Story of Chicago

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

Chicago Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Chicago, 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.

Chicago Summary

Chicago Timeline

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

Chicago Timeline

Chicago Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Chicago that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Chicago Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Chicago

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Chicago: 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 Chicago

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