Mercury Rising

Mercury Rising

Year: 1998

Runtime: 111 min

Language: English

Director: Harold Becker

ActionDramaThrillerCrime

When a brilliant 9-year-old boy cracks the government's top-secret MERCURY code, ruthless forces converge to exploit his extraordinary talent. FBI renegade Art Jeffries must outmaneuver deadly agents to protect Simon, an autistic prodigy, from those who would stop at nothing to capture him and turn his unique gift into a national security nightmare.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Mercury Rising (1998)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Mercury Rising (1998). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film's events unfold over several years, highlighting the progression of time through Simon's childhood and the ongoing consequences of the traumatic bank robbery. This timeline allows for character development and the rising tension of the villain's malevolent actions.

Location

South Dakota, Wrigley Building

South Dakota is known for its rugged terrain and rich history, often associated with Native American culture and the Black Hills. The Wrigley Building, located in Chicago, is a notable landmark recognized for its distinctive architecture and historical significance.

🏙️ Cityscape 🏢 Skyscraper

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:38

Main Characters – Mercury Rising (1998)
Meet the key characters of Mercury Rising (1998), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Art Jeffries (Bruce Willis)

Art Jeffries is a determined and gritty FBI agent defined by his strong sense of justice and protectiveness. His journey revolves around grappling with guilt from past mistakes while striving to safeguard Simon from imminent peril. Art’s character evolves from a man frustrated by bureaucracy to a devoted protector.

👮‍♂️ FBI Agent 💔 Tragic Past

Simon Lynch

Simon Lynch is a brilliant and vulnerable nine-year-old autistic savant whose extraordinary puzzle-solving abilities unwittingly put him in grave danger. Despite his youth and challenges with social interactions, Simon exhibits remarkable intelligence and resilience, focusing on forming a genuine connection with those who care for him.

🧩 Autistic Savant 👶 Child Prodigy

Hartley (Alec Baldwin)

Hartley serves as a high-ranking FBI official whose rigid adherence to protocols leads to conflict with Art Jeffries. His insistence on upholding governmental standards often conflicts with the urgency of the situation, marking him as an antagonist in Art's quest to protect Simon.

👔 FBI Superior ⚖️ Authority Figure

Dean Crandell (Peter Stormare)

Dean Crandell is a cryptographer at the NSA, deeply entangled in the conspiracy that surrounds Simon's life. He represents the intellectual side of the struggle against the corrupt elements within the government, ultimately facing a tragic fate in his pursuit of the truth.

🔍 Cryptographer 🤔 Intellectual

Leo Pedranski (Chi McBride)

Leo Pedranski is another NSA cryptographer who works alongside Crandell. His commitment to exposing illegal operations showcases his loyalty and the high stakes involved in safeguarding national security. Leo's determination highlights the theme of camaraderie in the face of danger.

🔍 Cryptographer 🕵️‍♂️ Loyal Friend

Tommy Jordan (Kim Dickens)

Tommy Jordan is an FBI agent who becomes suspicious of the unfolding cover-up surrounding Simon's case. Through her sharp instincts and dedication to justice, she aids Art in his quest to protect Simon, embodying the values of integrity and courage.

👮‍♀️ FBI Agent 🕵️‍♀️ Investigator

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:38

Major Themes – Mercury Rising (1998)
Explore the central themes of Mercury Rising (1998), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🛡️ Protection

A central theme in the movie is the notion of protection, as Art Jeffries goes to great lengths to safeguard Simon from dangerous threats. This theme is echoed by the concept of familial bonds, portraying the lengths a guardian will go for their charge. The collaboration between characters supports this overarching message of loyalty.

🔒 Secrecy

Secrecy plays a pivotal role in the movie, depicted through the illicit operations of the Mercury Encryption Project and the conspiracies surrounding Simon's safety. Characters engage in undercover actions, revealing the costs associated with keeping critical information hidden. The tension created by this theme escalates the story's stakes.

🤝 Friendship

The developing friendship between Art and Simon serves as a powerful emotional narrative. Their bond strengthens in the face of adversity, illustrating trust and companionship in dire circumstances. This theme of friendship anchors the storyline and provides hope amid a backdrop of danger.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:38

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