Matchstick Men

Matchstick Men

Year: 2003

Runtime: 116 min

Language: English

Director: Ridley Scott

DramaThrillerComedyCrime

A troubled con artist with obsessive-compulsive disorder, Roy, has his carefully constructed life disrupted by the unexpected arrival of his teenage daughter, Angela. Her presence brings a mix of joy and unexpected chaos, challenging his routines and forcing him to confront his parenting abilities. As he navigates his high-stakes scams with his partner, Frank, Roy must also grapple with the complexities of fatherhood and the impact Angela has on his world.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Matchstick Men (2003)

Trace every key event in Matchstick Men (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

Roy Waller's Life

Roy Waller is introduced as a seasoned con artist living in Los Angeles. He struggles with Tourette syndrome and obsessive-compulsive disorder, which complicate his life and his cons.

Los Angeles, California
2

Phony Lottery Scheme

Roy and his partner Frank Mercer run a fraudulent lottery scheme. They trick customers into buying overpriced water filtration systems by enticing them with extravagant prizes.

3

Masquerading as Federal Agents

The duo pretends to be Federal agents, meeting their victims under the pretense of investigating fraud. This tactic allows them to gain access to victims' bank accounts and siphon off their funds.

4

Accidental Medication Mishap

Roy accidentally discards his medication down the sink, leading to a chaotic cleaning spree. As his mental health deteriorates, he struggles to find stability in his life.

5

Seeking Help

After suffering a panic attack, Roy seeks help from psychiatrist Dr. Harris Klein. While not eager for therapy, he finds himself reflecting on his troubling past and personal relationships.

6

Reconnecting with Family

Roy learns he has a 14-year-old daughter named Angela. Though hesitant, he eventually meets her, leading to a mix of emotions and revelations about his past.

7

Planning a Long-Term Con

Encouraged by his daughter's presence, Roy collaborates with Frank to target a businessman named Chuck Frechette. They develop an intricate scheme involving dubious currency exchange.

8

Angela's Arrival

Angela unexpectedly seeks refuge at Roy's home after a dispute with her mother. This confrontation makes Roy reassess his life choices and the path he has taken.

Roy's home
9

Tension Rising

As the con against Chuck unfolds, tensions mount when Frank alerts Roy about changes in Chuck's plans. Angela's involvement complicates the situation as unexpected dynamics begin to emerge.

10

Revelations and Conflicts

Roy finds himself explaining his con artist lifestyle to Angela, leading to explosive revelations. Their relationship is tested as things spiral out of control during the operation.

11

Aftermath of the Con

After a showdown, Roy wakes up in a hospital, faced with the shocking realization that both Frank and Angela are gone. He grapples with feelings of betrayal and confusion.

Hospital
12

A Shocking Truth

Roy confronts Heather and learns the devastating truth that Angela was never his daughter. She reveals that their real child had suffered a miscarriage years ago, leading Roy to reevaluate his life.

13

Turning Over a New Leaf

A year later, Roy has transformed into a humble salesman, trying to live a better life. This new path leads him to face unresolved feelings when he encounters Angela at his workplace.

Roy's workplace
14

Forgiveness

As Roy and Angela reconnect, he confronts her about past deceptions but ultimately chooses to forgive her. This moment symbolizes a significant change in his life perspective.

15

Closure

Angela reveals she was never aware of the con and desires no further tie to Roy. As they part ways, Roy heads home to Kathy, his pregnant wife, representing a new beginning.

Roy's home

Last Updated: November 04, 2024 at 01:10

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Matchstick Men Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Matchstick Men, 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.

Matchstick Men Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Matchstick Men

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Matchstick Men

More About Matchstick Men

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More About Matchstick Men

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