Pacific Heights

Pacific Heights

Year: 1990

Runtime: 102 min

Language: English

Director: John Schlesinger

Thriller

In San Francisco’s affluent Pacific Heights, Patty and Drake, an unmarried couple, find their dream life threatened when they fall victim to a deceptive con artist named Carter Hayes. Hayes manipulates his way into their new home, and as his elaborate schemes unfold, the couple finds themselves increasingly desperate to expose him and reclaim their property. A tense battle of wits ensues as they try to outsmart Hayes before he ruins everything they’ve worked for.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Pacific Heights 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 & Setting – Pacific Heights (1990)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Pacific Heights (1990). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie takes place in contemporary times, reflecting the late 20th century atmosphere of the American real estate market. During this period, the themes of investment, trust, and deception are particularly relevant, as many people sought to buy homes as financial security.

Location

Pacific Heights, Palm Springs, San Francisco

Pacific Heights is an upscale neighborhood in San Francisco known for its stunning Victorian homes and breathtaking views of the Bay. Meanwhile, the film also features a luxurious resort in Palm Springs, representing an escape and a contrast to the tension that unfolds later. The juxtaposition of these locations emphasizes the characters' desires for a better life and the harsh realities they face.

🏙️ Neighborhood 🌴 Resort

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:03

Main Characters – Pacific Heights (1990)

Meet the key characters of Pacific Heights (1990), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Carter Hayes (Michael Keaton)

Carter Hayes is a charming yet deceptive conman who enters Drake and Patty's lives with sinister motives. Initially presenting himself as a confident and affluent tenant, his true nature reveals a manipulative and dangerous individual willing to exploit others' vulnerabilities. His character embodies the theme of betrayal and the dark side of human trust.

😈 Villain 💰 Deception

Drake Goodman (Matthew Modine)

Drake is an earnest and optimistic character, eager to invest in a home with his girlfriend, Patty. As the chaos unfolds, he transforms from a hopeful homeowner to a frustrated victim of Carter's schemes. His character arc reflects the struggles of blindly trusting others and the toll it takes on personal relationships.

🏠 Ambitious 😟 Frustrated

Patty Palmer (Melanie Griffith)

Patty is a nurturing and hopeful partner whose dreams of home and family are shattered by betrayal and loss. Her character navigates immense emotional turmoil following a miscarriage, driving her to seek justice against Carter. Patty's relentless pursuit of the truth showcases her strength and determination in the face of adversity.

💪 Strong 😢 Vulnerable

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:03

Major Themes – Pacific Heights (1990)

Explore the central themes of Pacific Heights (1990), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Betrayal

Betrayal is a central theme in the film, evident in both Carter's deception towards Drake and Patty and the emotional betrayal that Patty experiences through her miscarriage. As trust is exploited, the characters grapple with the painful consequences of placing faith in the wrong person. The horrific betrayal culminates in a desperate struggle for survival.

🏡 Home Ownership

The pursuit of home ownership serves as a driving force for Drake and Patty, reflecting the challenges of acquiring and maintaining property. Their initial excitement contrasts sharply with the chaos introduced by Carter, transforming their dream into a nightmare. This theme raises questions about the lengths to which people go for financial security.

⚖️ Justice

Justice is a prominent theme highlighted by the legal challenges Drake and Patty face against Carter’s manipulations. The film explores the complexities of tenant laws and the difficulties of reclaiming one's peace of mind. Ultimately, it questions whether true justice is ever achieved in situations rife with deception.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:03

Unlock the Full Story of Pacific Heights

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

Pacific Heights Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Pacific Heights, 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.

Pacific Heights Summary

Pacific Heights Timeline

Track the full timeline of Pacific Heights with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Pacific Heights Timeline

More About Pacific Heights

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

More About Pacific Heights

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