Matchstick Men

Matchstick Men

Year: 2003

Runtime: 116 min

Language: English

Director: Ridley Scott

DramaThrillerComedyCrime

In this dark comedy-thriller, Roy, a troubled con artist with OCD, finds his world turned upside down by the arrival of his spirited teenage daughter, Angela. As she brings joy and chaos into his life, Roy's defenses begin to crumble, forcing him to re-examine his parenting skills and the morality of his high-stakes scams.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Matchstick Men (2003)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Matchstick Men (2003). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie does not specify a distinct time period but is set in contemporary times, reflecting modern societal issues and values. The plot's elements suggest a recent timeframe, where technology and social dynamics shape the characters' lives and choices.

Location

Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles is a sprawling city known for its entertainment industry, diverse culture, and sunny beaches. It's a hub of innovation and artistry, often depicting the highs and lows of human experience through film and television. The city serves as a backdrop for many stories involving ambition, deceit, and redemption.

🏙️ City 🌞 California

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:35

Main Characters – Matchstick Men (2003)
Meet the key characters of Matchstick Men (2003), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Roy Waller (Nicolas Cage)

Roy Waller is a seasoned con artist struggling with severe mental health issues, including Tourette syndrome and obsessive-compulsive disorder. His meticulous nature and panic attacks reveal his vulnerabilities as he grapples with guilt over his actions. Despite his flaws, he demonstrates a longing for connection and redemption, particularly through his relationship with his daughter.

🎭 Drama 💼 Crime 🤔 Reflection

Frank Mercer (Sam Rockwell)

Frank Mercer is Roy's con partner, skilled in deceit and manipulation. His motivations often blur the lines between friendship and self-interest, leading to tension in their partnership. Despite his charm, Frank's actions contribute to significant betrayals, forcing Roy to confront painful truths about trust and loyalty.

💼 Crime 🤝 Betrayal 🎭 Drama

Angela (Alison Lohman)

Angela is introduced as Roy's daughter, challenging his understanding of family and self-worth. Her curiosity and youthful spirit provide a stark contrast to Roy's dark world of deception. As she becomes embroiled in the con, Angela plays a pivotal role in Roy's journey toward redemption and personal growth.

👧 Daughter 🌟 Journey 🆕 Growth

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:35

Major Themes – Matchstick Men (2003)
Explore the central themes of Matchstick Men (2003), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Deception

Deception is central to the story, exploring how characters manipulate truth for personal gain. The protagonist, Roy, uses trickery to survive in a world of scams and lies, but his journey reveals the consequences of deceit on relationships and self-identity. As events unfold, the theme emphasizes the importance of honesty and facing one's past.

🤝 Redemption

Redemption is a prominent theme as Roy navigates his troubled past and mental health struggles. His unexpected bond with Angela motivates him to rethink his life choices and strive for better. By the end, he chooses to embrace honesty and forgiveness, symbolizing a personal transformation and hope for a brighter future.

👨‍👧 Family

The theme of family is explored through Roy's unexpected encounter with his daughter Angela. Their relationship and his longing for connection drive much of the narrative, ultimately showcasing the complexities of familial ties. The surprises surrounding Angela's identity serve to deepen Roy's understanding of love, loss, and the impact of his decisions on those he cares about.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:35

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