Intolerable Cruelty

Intolerable Cruelty

Year: 2003

Runtime: 100 min

Language: English

Directors: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen

ComedyRomanceCrime

A sharp and humorous film follows Miles Massey, a successful divorce lawyer known for his manipulative tactics. His methods are challenged when he meets Marion Horgan, a woman seeking revenge against a man who cheated her out of her inheritance. As they engage in a battle of wits and legal maneuvering, Miles finds his professional strategies and personal beliefs put to the test, forcing him to re-evaluate his approach to love and justice.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Intolerable Cruelty (2003)

Trace every key event in Intolerable Cruelty (2003) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Donovan's Shocking Discovery

Donovan Donaly unexpectedly returns home early to find his wife Bonnie engaging in an intimate moment with her ex-boyfriend Ollie, the pool cleaner. This discovery is particularly shocking since the Donalys do not even own a pool, highlighting the betrayal and prompting Donovan to confront the situation.

Donovan's House
2

Miles Massey Enters the Scene

Miles Massey, an esteemed divorce attorney known for the 'Massey Prenup,' becomes involved in the case after Bonnie hires him. The legal acumen and strategic prowess of Miles quickly become apparent as he prepares to fight for Bonnie's interests, leaving Donovan at a significant disadvantage.

3

Rex Rexroth's Compromise

Rex Rexroth finds himself in a scandalous situation during a role-playing scenario with a blonde. This encounter is recorded by a private investigator, Gus Petch, which leads to complications in his marriage with Marylin, as she gains leverage over him.

Motel Room
4

Marylin Hires Miles

Marylin Rexroth, looking for financial independence, hires Miles Massey after gaining insight about his reputation as a fierce divorce attorney. Her commitment to gain from the divorce intensifies as she learns more about the legal strategies he employs.

5

Dinner Invitation and Rivalry

After failed negotiations with Miles initiated by her lawyer Freddy Bender, Marylin accepts an invitation to dinner from him. Their conversation reveals a fiery rivalry, setting the stage for intense legal battles ahead.

6

Courtroom Revelation

In a dramatic courtroom scene, a concierge named Heinz testifies about Marylin’s history of seeking wealthy husbands. This pivotal moment leads to a downfall in her settlement, revealing more about her character and ambitions.

Courtroom
7

Donovan's Desperation

Now homeless and holding onto his Emmy statuette, Donovan becomes entangled with Marylin, who is fueled by revenge following her failed marriage settlement. Their partnership signals a new twist in the unfolding drama.

8

Marylin's Intention to Marry Howard

Marylin announces her decision to marry oil tycoon Howard D. Doyle, intending to secure her financial future. During the wedding ceremony, Howard's flamboyant act of destroying the Massey Prenup casts doubt on their future together.

Wedding Venue
9

Marylin's Successful Divorce

After marrying Howard, Marylin manages to secure a lucrative divorce, gaining his fortune. This success further cements her status as a shrewd businessman and divorcee.

10

Reunion in Las Vegas

Miles and Marylin cross paths again in Las Vegas, where Miles is a keynote speaker. Their bond deepens due to mutual loneliness, leading to an impulsive decision to marry once again.

Las Vegas
11

Miles's Shift in Career

At the conference, Miles announces his transition from divorce law to pro bono work in East Los Angeles, indicating a desire to change his life direction. However, this plan is interrupted by shocking revelations about Marylin's past.

Conference
12

Threat from Wheezy Joe

Miles’s boss employs a hit-man named Wheezy Joe to handle the fallout from the divorce cases. However, chaos ensues when Miles learns that Rex has passed, prompting him to rush and protect Marylin from purported threats.

13

Wheezy Joe's Misfortune

Upon arriving to assist Marylin, Miles finds Wheezy Joe cornered by her rottweilers. In a comedic twist, Wheezy accidentally harms himself while attempting to use his inhaler as a weapon, showcasing the absurdity of the situation.

14

Negotiation and Passion

In the aftermath, Miles attempts to negotiate divorce terms with Marylin as he hopes for a second chance. However, the encounter culminates in passion, resulting in another tear of the Massey Prenup and a rekindled connection.

15

Marylin's TV Show Idea

Marylin shares her ambition to pitch a television show idea to Donovan, transforming the divisive events into entertainment. This unique twist leads to the concept of 'America's Funniest Divorce Videos,' turning personal struggles into public spectacle.

Last Updated: November 08, 2024 at 01:03

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Intolerable Cruelty Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Intolerable Cruelty

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