Sharky's Machine

Sharky's Machine

Year: 1981

Runtime: 122 min

Language: English

ActionDramaThrillerCrime

In this gritty crime thriller, a tough-as-nails Atlanta detective becomes entangled with a beautiful call girl embroiled in a web of corruption, politics, and organized crime. As he navigates the treacherous underbelly of the city, loyalties are tested and allegiances are forged in a deadly game of cat and mouse.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Sharky's Machine (1981)
Trace every key event in Sharky's Machine (1981) 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

Sharky's Negotiation

Tom Sharky, a narcotics sergeant, initiates a high-stakes negotiation with the infamous drug dealer Highball. As the conversation progresses, tensions rise, setting the tone for a tumultuous chain of events that will follow.

Atlanta Police Department
2

Crisis Triggered

During the negotiation, Sharky's colleague, Smiley, unintentionally triggers a crisis that quickly spirals out of control. This incident results in a chaotic confrontation that marks a turning point in Sharky's career.

MARTA bus
3

Demotion to Vice Squad

In the aftermath of the chaotic bus incident, Sharky faces severe consequences leading to his demotion to the vice squad. This assignment is regarded as the least favorable position within the department due to its internal conflicts and challenges.

4

Discovery of Prostitution Ring

As Sharky starts his new role in the vice squad under the elusive Friscoe, he uncovers a hidden prostitution ring. This discovery marks the beginning of a deep and complex investigation into the darker side of Atlanta.

5

Encounter with Dominoe

Sharky's investigation leads him to Dominoe, an alluring escort entangled with gubernatorial candidate Donald Hotchkins. Her high-profile connections pose complications and draw Sharky deeper into the murky world of crime and politics.

6

Intimate Surveillance Footage

During a surveillance operation, Sharky captures enticing footage of Dominoe and Hotchkins sharing a private moment. This footage reveals their relationship's depth and the implications it holds for the upcoming election.

7

Victor's Threat

Sharky's investigation takes a dark turn when he witnesses crime lord Victor coercing Dominoe into a dangerous encounter. This moment not only complicates Sharky's feelings but also escalates the stakes of his mission.

Dominoe's residence
8

Dominoe's Murder

The narrative shifts tragically when Dominoe is murdered by Billy Score, a desperate addict linked to Victor. Sharky witnesses this horrific event, igniting a deep sense of personal loss and determination for justice.

9

Unexpected Reunion

In a shocking twist, Sharky discovers that Dominoe is alive, challenging his understanding of the previous events. This moment complicates the investigation and underscores the risks they both face.

Sharky's childhood home
10

Surveillance Footage Disappears

An alarming call from Nosh reveals that critical surveillance footage has vanished from police custody. This loss raises questions about the integrity of the investigation and the safety of their findings.

11

Nosh's Murder

Billy Score brutally murders Nosh as the tension escalates, emphasizing the desperate realities of their situation. This act of violence propels Sharky's mission into a more urgent territory.

12

Revelation at the Childhood Home

At his childhood home, Sharky confronts Dominoe about Victor and their shared pasts. Their conversation reveals deep emotional scars, underpinning their motivations and desires for vengeance.

Sharky's childhood home
13

Confrontation with Victor

Sharky tracks down Victor in an intense confrontation at his lavish penthouse. This encounter tests Sharky's resolve as he seeks to bring justice for Dominoe while navigating Victor's manipulative words.

Westin Peachtree Plaza
14

Ambush and Betrayal

Sharky faces an unexpected ambush by Smiley, who reveals his disturbing loyalty to Victor. This betrayal opens up the dark underbelly of police departments, challenging Sharky's trust in his colleagues.

15

Climactic Showdown

The climax unfolds with law enforcement converging on Victor's penthouse, amidst chaos and violence stemming from Billy's frantic efforts to escape. The confrontation culminates in tragedy, leaving Sharky grasping for a fleeting moment of peace with a hopeful vision for the future.

Victor's penthouse

Last Updated: November 17, 2024 at 20:38

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