Light Sleeper

Light Sleeper

Year: 1992

Runtime: 103 min

Language: English

Director: Paul Schrader

Budget: $5M

DramaCrime

Navigating Manhattan's dangerous drug trade, John LeTour finds his life upended when his supplier, Ann, decides to leave the business. Seeking a fresh start and the comfort of an old flame, Marianne, John’s plans are derailed by a series of murders. As the investigation intensifies, he finds himself entangled in a web of crime and pursued by those seeking justice.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Light Sleeper 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 – Light Sleeper (1992)

Trace every key event in Light Sleeper (1992) 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

Introduction to John LeTour

John LeTour, a 40-year-old delivery man working in New York, is portrayed as a man trapped in a cycle of dissatisfaction and insomnia. His job involves dealing drugs for Ann, serving a select group of clients engaged in finance and banking.

New York
2

Ann's Career Shift

As Ann contemplates a transition into the cosmetics industry, John grapples with his own life struggles. This period highlights John's struggles with insomnia and a bleak outlook, amplifying the tension between his professional life and personal demons.

3

Meeting with Marianne

One pivotal evening, John runs into his ex-wife Marianne, reigniting memories of their passionate yet destructive past. Although he hopes for reconciliation, Marianne firmly rejects his proposal for a fresh start, marking a turning point in his emotional journey.

4

A Tragic Goodbye

After spending a fleeting and intimate night with Marianne, she expresses her farewell under the guise of a reunion. The gravity of this moment is underscored by a tragedy occurring simultaneously, as Marianne's mother passes away in the hospital, unbeknownst to John.

Hospital
5

The Police Investigation

As the narrative progresses, police start scrutinizing John due to his connection with Tis, a client implicated in the drug-related death of a young woman. This investigation creates paranoia and unease within John, complicating his already tumultuous life.

6

Encounter with Marianne in Crisis

During one of his delivery runs, John stumbles upon a distressed Marianne inside Tis's apartment. This moment reveals the depth of her turmoil, culminating in a tragic turn when she falls from a height shortly after his departure, leading to her demise.

Tis's Apartment
7

At Marianne's Wake

The aftermath of Marianne's death weighs heavily on John, who attends her wake filled with guilt and sorrow. Randi, Marianne's sister, implores him to let go of the guilt, yet he struggles to come to terms with the events that transpired.

8

Tension with Tis

The tension escalates when Tis places another order, coercing John to make the delivery. Sensing imminent danger, John opts for caution, while Ann, concerned for his safety, decides to accompany him to Tis's hotel.

Tis's Hotel
9

Confrontation with Tis

Once at the hotel, John realizes he must confront Tis directly and asks Ann to wait downstairs. In a critical moment, Ann raises an alarm, creating a distraction that allows John to gain the upper hand in a life-or-death struggle.

Tis's Hotel
10

Tis's Downfall

The showdown culminates in violence as John kills Tis and his henchmen, emerging from the encounter relatively unscathed but mentally crushed. This act of desperation underscores the turmoil within John, as he lies on the bed, feeling a profound exhaustion rather than triumph.

Tis's Hotel
11

John's Reflection in Jail

After the confrontation, John finds himself in jail, where he shares his aspirations for a brighter future during a visit from Ann. Their conversation hints at a possibility of rekindling their relationship amid the chaos, as both navigate their intertwined fates marked by loss and redemption.

Jail

Last Updated: November 08, 2024 at 05:34

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Unlock the Full Story of Light Sleeper

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

Light Sleeper Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Light Sleeper, 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.

Light Sleeper Summary

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Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Light Sleeper. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

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Light Sleeper Spoiler-Free Summary

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Light Sleeper Spoiler-Free Summary

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Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Light Sleeper: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

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