Layer Cake

Layer Cake

Year: 2005

Runtime: 105 min

Language: English

Director: Matthew Vaughn

DramaThrillerCrime

A skilled and meticulous London cocaine dealer plans to leave the criminal underworld, but his carefully laid plans are thrown into chaos by a series of escalating problems. He finds himself entangled in a dangerous situation involving a kidnapping, complex double-crosses, and a tense confrontation with ruthless rival gangsters, all while trying to secure his escape.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Layer Cake (2005)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Layer Cake (2005). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie takes place in the contemporary setting of early 2000s London, during a time when drug distribution and organized crime were rampant. The narrative captures the nuances of urban life, where characters navigate complicated relationships amid the pervasive influence of crime on everyday life.

Location

London, Stoke Park Country Club

The primary setting is London, a vibrant metropolis known for its rich history and as a hub for crime and commerce. The Stoke Park Country Club serves as a luxurious backdrop for the dramatic culmination of criminal dealings, representing both opulence and the underbelly of London's elite.

🏙️ City ⛳ Golf Course

Last Updated: May 14, 2025 at 06:37

Main Characters – Layer Cake (2005)

Meet the key characters of Layer Cake (2005), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

XXXX (Daniel Craig)

The unnamed protagonist is a shrewd and calculating cocaine distributor who prefers a non-violent approach to the drug trade. His ambition to retire pulls him deeper into the treacherous criminal world, forcing him to confront betrayal and moral ambiguity.

🧑‍💼 Protagonist 💔 Conflict

Jimmy Price (Kenneth Cranham)

Jimmy is a manipulative mob boss who embodies betrayal in the criminal hierarchy. His deceitful nature and willingness to sacrifice others for personal gain paint him as a formidable antagonist in the protagonist's journey.

🔫 Antagonist 🐍 Deceit

Eddie Temple (Michael Gambon)

Eddie is a wealthy crime lord with a paternal relationship to his daughter, Charlie. He represents the complex dynamics of familial ties within the criminal world while showcasing a different layer of authority and manipulation.

👨‍👧 Family 💼 Crime Lord

Tammy (Sienna Miller)

Tammy is a captivating figure who symbolizes both allure and danger in the protagonist's life. Her relationship with XXXX adds an emotional depth to his character, highlighting the personal sacrifices made amidst the chaos of crime.

💃 Love Interest 🌹 Seduction

Last Updated: May 14, 2025 at 06:37

Major Themes – Layer Cake (2005)

Explore the central themes of Layer Cake (2005), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💊 Drug Trade

The film delves into the drug trade, illustrating the intricate relationships and ethical dilemmas that arise within the criminal underworld. The protagonist’s struggle with morality challenges the viewer to consider the impact of the drug business on individuals and society.

🌪️ Betrayal

Betrayal is a central theme, as characters frequently manipulate one another for personal gain. The protagonist's trust is undermined when allies turn enemies, leading to tragic consequences that question loyalty and integrity in a ruthless environment.

💼 Business vs. Crime

Layer Cake blurs the lines between legitimate business and criminal enterprise, showcasing how organized crime can operate with the same level of professionalism as any corporate body. This theme reflects the duality of the protagonist’s character as he attempts to navigate both worlds.

Last Updated: May 14, 2025 at 06:37

Unlock the Full Story of Layer Cake

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

Layer Cake Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Layer Cake, 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.

Layer Cake Summary

Layer Cake Timeline

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

Layer Cake Timeline

Layer Cake Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Layer Cake 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.

Layer Cake Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Layer Cake

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

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