Law Abiding Citizen

Law Abiding Citizen

Year: 2009

Runtime: 108 min

Language: English

Director: F. Gary Gray

DramaThrillerCrime

After a shocking crime leaves his family devastated, Clyde Shelton seeks retribution against a justice system he believes failed them. From behind bars, he meticulously plans and executes a series of calculated attacks, targeting those he holds responsible. Rising prosecutor Nick Rice finds himself in a desperate race to stop Shelton's vengeful plot and expose the flaws within the legal system, before more lives are lost.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Law Abiding Citizen (2009)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Law Abiding Citizen (2009). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1999, Present Day (2009)

The film begins in 1999 during a tragic home invasion, setting the stage for the ensuing events. Fast forward to 2009, it explores the decade-long implications of the crime and its aftermath. This timeframe reflects on societal views on justice, vengeance, and moral dilemmas, capturing a period of both personal loss and systemic failure.

Location

City, Remote Location, Prison

The movie primarily takes place in a bustling city where the justice system is scrutinized. Within this urban setting, the contrast between the public's perception of justice and the reality of crime is starkly unveiled. A remote location plays a pivotal role in Clyde's plan for revenge, serving as the backdrop for a tense confrontation. Lastly, the prison symbolizes confinement and the complexities of legal repercussions, showcasing the failings of the system.

🏙️ City 📍 Remote Location 🚔 Prison

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:46

Main Characters – Law Abiding Citizen (2009)

Meet the key characters of Law Abiding Citizen (2009), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Clyde Alexander Shelton (Gerard Butler)

Clyde is a deeply complex character who evolves from a devastated father and husband to a calculated avenger. His profound grief and sense of betrayal drive his actions, leading to a chilling exploration of revenge. As a mastermind, he showcases incredible intellect and resilience, albeit leading to tragic consequences.

👨‍⚖️ Avenger 😔 Grief 💡 Intellectual

Nick Rice (Jamie Foxx)

Nick is a pragmatic prosecutor who grapples with the ethical dilemmas of the justice system. Initially motivated by career aspirations, his character develops as he faces the repercussions of his past choices. Nick embodies the struggle between duty and morality, making tough decisions under pressure.

⚖️ Prosecutor 🤔 Ethical Dilemma 💼 Career-driven

Sarah Lowell (Leslie Bibb)

Sarah is Nick's assistant, whose fate becomes a critical point in the film's exploration of consequences. Her tragic death emphasizes the collateral damage of Clyde's revenge scheme. Sarah's role brings to light the personal costs of the violent cycle that ensues.

👩‍💼 Assistant ⚠️ Casualty 😢 Tragic

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:46

Major Themes – Law Abiding Citizen (2009)

Explore the central themes of Law Abiding Citizen (2009), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Justice

Justice is a central theme of the film, highlighting the fractures within the legal system. Clyde's betrayal by the very entity designed to protect him fuels his quest for retribution. This theme raises questions about the morality of vengeance and the effectiveness of accountability within a flawed judicial framework.

💔 Loss

The profound sense of loss permeates the narrative, driving Clyde's transformation from a grieving husband to a vengeful figure. This theme captures the emotional turmoil stemming from the brutal murder of his family, illuminating the psychological impact of such tragedies on individuals. It intricately weaves personal grief with broader societal implications.

🧩 Revenge

Revenge propels the storyline, showcasing the lengths one might go to in pursuit of justice. Clyde's meticulous planning and execution of vengeance illustrate the dark depths of human emotion. Throughout the film, this theme challenges viewers to consider the consequences of retribution and the cyclical nature of violence.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:46

Unlock the Full Story of Law Abiding Citizen

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

Law Abiding Citizen Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Law Abiding Citizen, 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.

Law Abiding Citizen Summary

Law Abiding Citizen Timeline

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

Law Abiding Citizen Timeline

More About Law Abiding Citizen

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More About Law Abiding Citizen

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