Syriana

Syriana

Year: 2005

Runtime: 126 min

Language: English

Director: Stephen Gaghan

DramaThriller

This gripping political thriller explores the complexities and corruption within the international oil industry. Set in Washington and the Persian Gulf, the film follows various characters embroiled in high-stakes negotiations and backroom deals. As they pursue wealth and power, the story reveals the devastating consequences for those caught in the crossfire, highlighting the human cost of global politics and the relentless pursuit of profit.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Syriana (2005)

Trace every key event in Syriana (2005) 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

Connex Loses Control

The United States energy giant Connex faces a significant decrease in control over vital oil fields in a kingdom ruled by the al-Subaai family. This loss of control indicates the rising geopolitical tensions in the region and sets the stage for the ensuing conflict.

2

Chinese Drilling Rights Granted

Tensions escalate as Prince Nasir, the emirate's foreign minister, grants drilling rights to a Chinese company. The decision ignites outrage within the U.S. oil sector and government, threatening existing relationships and interests.

3

Connex-Killen Merger Attempt

To address dwindling production capacity, Connex pursues a controversial merger with Killen, a smaller firm with newly acquired drilling rights in Kazakhstan. The merger raises alarms with U.S. antitrust regulators, highlighting the precarious nature of corporate maneuvering.

4

Merger Facilitation

A prestigious Washington law firm, led by Dean Whiting, is engaged to facilitate the Connex-Killen merger. Meanwhile, Bennett Holiday is assigned to create an illusion of thorough due diligence to appease the DOJ’s concerns about potential malpractice.

5

Tragic Accident at the Emir's Estate

Bryan Woodman, an energy analyst from Geneva, visits the emir's lavish estate in Marbella. His plans are derailed when the emir falls ill, and tragedy ensues as Woodman’s son accidentally plunges into an electrified pool, leading to his untimely death.

Marbella, Spain
6

Sympathy from Prince Nasir

In an act of sympathy, Prince Nasir grants Woodman’s company oil rights valued at $100 million. This pivotal moment begins Woodman's transformation into Nasir’s trusted economic advisor and marks a significant shift in his professional life.

7

Progressive Reforms and Tensions Surface

As Woodman assumes his new role, he becomes embroiled in Nasir's ambitions to reform the emirate's economy and political systems. However, strains grow in Woodman's marriage as his wife questions whether he is taking advantage of the family tragedy.

8

Price of Ambition

Nasir, despite facing opposition from his family and particularly from his younger brother, plots a coup to take control away from their oppressive father. His ambitions put him in direct conflict with U.S. intelligence agencies that perceive him as a threat.

9

Bob Barnes' New Mission

CIA Operations Officer Bob Barnes, initially focused on thwarting illegal arms trafficking in the Middle East, is reassigned with a new directive to eliminate Prince Nasir. This marked a dangerous shift in Barnes’ focus, influenced by intelligence about Nasir's growing power.

Tehran
10

Alignment with a Mercenary

Barnes teams up with mercenary Mussawi to organize the kidnapping and assassination of Nasir. However, as the plan unfolds, Barnes realizes Mussawi's loyalties have shifted, leading him into a perilous situation.

11

Barnes in Captivity

After being betrayed, Barnes finds himself captured and tortured by those he once sought to control. In this moment of desperation, he realizes the depth of the agency's manipulation and the dire consequences of his mission.

12

Last-Ditch Effort to Save Nasir

In a race against time, Barnes makes a frantic attempt to warn Nasir of the impending assassination plot. Tragically, just as he reaches Nasir’s convoy, a Predator missile strikes, resulting in devastating loss and chaos.

13

Saleem and Wasim's Despair

Pakistani migrant workers Saleem and his son Wasim grapple with sudden unemployment after Connex loses rights to a Chinese competitor. They seek better opportunities in a foreign land, only to battle challenges compounded by language barriers.

14

Descent into Radicalism

In their struggle for survival, Wasim and his friend enroll in an Islamic school to learn Arabic. Unfortunately, they fall under the influence of a radical cleric, which leads them down a path of desperation and dire consequences.

15

Complex Corporate Deception

With mounting scrutiny surrounding the merger, Bennett Holiday confronts U.S. Attorney Donald Farish III regarding corrupt practices tied to Killen’s operations. Holiday must navigate corporate deception while making sacrifices to protect Connex-Killen’s interests.

Last Updated: November 08, 2024 at 00:01

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Syriana Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Syriana

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Syriana

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