Mystery Train

Mystery Train

Year: 1989

Runtime: 110 min

Language: English

Director: Jim Jarmusch

DramaComedyCrime

In Memphis, Tennessee, a seedy hotel becomes a hub for intrigue and adventure, where a Japanese couple's quirky romance collides with a trio of bumbling thieves. As they navigate their respective escapades, the enigmatic night clerk and the ghostly presence of Elvis weave a tapestry of unexpected connections and surprises.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Mystery Train 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 – Mystery Train (1989)
Trace every key event in Mystery Train (1989) 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

Mitsuko's Arrival

Mitsuko, a Japanese woman, and her friend Jun arrive in downtown Memphis, excited to explore the city and its musical legacy. They are particularly drawn to the allure of Elvis Presley, whom Mitsuko idolizes and has extensively researched.

Evening Memphis, Tennessee
2

Scrapbook of Elvis

With a meticulously crafted scrapbook showcasing Elvis's connections to various cultural icons, Mitsuko searches for places that reflect his impact. Their adventure leads them to iconic sites, including the famed Sun Records.

Evening Sun Records, Memphis
3

Stay at the Arcade Hotel

Mitsuko and Jun check into the Arcade Hotel, a modest establishment that serves as their base during their visit. Here, they are enveloped by the hotel's charm and the enduring presence of Elvis's spirit.

Night Arcade Hotel, Memphis
4

Luisa's Grief

Luisa, an Italian widow, finds herself stranded in Memphis, transporting her deceased husband's coffin back to Italy. She shares her room with Dee Dee, whose incessant chatter adds to Luisa's struggles with grief.

Night Arcade Hotel, Memphis
5

Mystical Visit

As Dee Dee falls asleep, Luisa experiences a profound mystical visitation from the spirit of Elvis Presley. This encounter brings a mix of comfort and confusion, leading Luisa to process her loss in an unexpected way.

Night Arcade Hotel, Memphis
6

Johnny's Despair

Johnny’s night begins in despair, having lost both his job and girlfriend. He seeks solace in alcohol alongside his friends Will and Charlie, whose camaraderie offers a temporary escape from their troubles.

Night Memphis Bars
7

Liquor Store Heist

In a moment of reckless abandon, Johnny and his friends attempt a liquor store heist. Chaos ensues with shattering glass and a terrified clerk, showcasing the depths of their despair and poor decision-making.

Night Liquor Store, Memphis
8

Retreat to a Hotel

Fleeing the consequences of their actions, the group seeks refuge in a hotel. Tension escalates as Charlie shares nostalgic tales from his childhood TV show, *Lost in Space*, heightening their feelings of hopelessness.

Night Arcade Hotel, Memphis
9

Charlie's Realization

The next morning, Charlie faces a harsh truth about Johnny’s character and their relationship. The realization hits hard, stirring feelings of anger and betrayal, complicating their already fraught situation.

Morning Arcade Hotel, Memphis
10

Descent into Chaos

In a fit of despair, Johnny reaches for a weapon amid mounting tensions. Charlie attempts to intervene, but an accidental gunshot wounds him, dramatically escalating the dire situation into a tragic crisis.

Morning Arcade Hotel, Memphis
11

Police Pursuit

Amidst the chaos of the shooting, the group hastily plans their escape from the hotel. As police sirens grow nearer, they are forced to confront the depth of their actions and the consequences at hand.

Morning Arcade Hotel, Memphis
12

Final Farewells

After the tumultuous events, the narrative concludes with scenes of trains departing and heartfelt goodbyes. The stories of Mitsuko and Luisa elegantly intertwine, reflecting on the transient nature of hope and loss.

Late Morning Memphis Station

Last Updated: November 22, 2024 at 19:05

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