The American Friend

The American Friend

Year: 1977

Runtime: 125 min

Language: German

DramaMysteryThrillerCrime

In Hamburg, American expatriate Tom Hopper is involved in art forgeries when he's drawn into a murder plot. He’s tasked with finding a suitable hitman, and his search leads him to Jonathan Ganz, a man with cancer who wants to secure his family’s future. As they plan the job, their partnership becomes increasingly complex, blurring the lines between right and wrong and testing their loyalties in this suspenseful thriller.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The American Friend (1977)

Trace every key event in The American Friend (1977) 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

Tom Ripley's Life in Hamburg

Tom Ripley is a wealthy American living in Hamburg, Germany. He becomes involved in a dubious forgery scheme, manipulating auction prices for artworks by a presumed deceased artist.

Hamburg, Germany
2

Meeting with Jonathan Zimmermann

During an auction, Tom Ripley encounters Jonathan Zimmermann, a picture framer battling leukemia. Their interaction becomes strained when Zimmermann coldly acknowledges Ripley's reputation, leading to an uncomfortable parting.

Art Auction House
3

Raoul Minot's Proposition

French criminal Raoul Minot approaches Ripley with a proposal to eliminate an American gangster. Although initially hesitant to accept the task, Ripley's desire for revenge against Zimmermann's earlier remark sways him.

4

Rumors and Manipulation

Ripley orchestrates whispers about Zimmermann's deteriorating health, enticing Minot to offer him a lucrative contract to take out the gangster. Zimmermann, facing the harsh reality of his illness, ultimately agrees to the plan.

5

Ripley’s Deceptive Visits

Before and after the murder, Ripley visits Zimmermann under the guise of needing framing services. Unbeknownst to Zimmermann, Ripley is the mastermind behind the assassination, yet a bond starts to form between them.

6

The First Murder Success

Minot informs Ripley of Zimmermann’s successful hit on the gangster, leading to a new request for Zimmermann to assassinate another target on an express train. This dangerous undertaking showcases the escalation of their violent partnership.

International Express Train
7

Train Ambush

On the train, Zimmermann is momentarily caught off guard by the gangster. Just then, Ripley intervenes, aiding Zimmermann in overpowering their targets and disposing of the bodies from the moving train.

International Express Train
8

Strain on Zimmermann's Family

Zimmermann's double life begins to take a toll on his marriage as Marianne grows suspicious of his frequent absences and vague excuses about medical treatments. Feeling betrayed, she decides to leave with their son, Daniel.

9

Minot's Suspicion

Following his wife's departure, Zimmermann is visited by Minot, who questions him regarding a bombing incident at their flat. Zimmermann’s mention of their shared crime raises doubts in Minot's mind about Ripley’s loyalty.

10

Preparing for a Gang War

Feeling cornered, Zimmermann reaches out to Ripley as they brace for an impending assault from rival gangsters. Together, they engage in a fierce shootout to defend themselves against the American mobsters.

11

Minot’s Escape

In the midst of the chaos, Minot is captured and brutally beaten but manages to escape during the turmoil. This escape adds a layer of uncertainty and threat to Ripley and Zimmermann's precarious situation.

12

Confrontation with Marianne

Just as Ripley and Zimmermann attempt to escape with the bodies in an ambulance, they are confronted by Marianne, who reveals that the medical reports were falsified. This revelation leaves both men scrambling for an exit strategy.

13

Ambulance Showdown

As tension escalates, Ripley proposes a drastic measure to handle the crisis. He sets the ambulance ablaze, leading to a high-stakes scenario where Zimmermann loses control of the vehicle, resulting in a tragic accident.

Coastal Road
14

Tragic Conclusion

In a dramatic climax, Zimmermann crashes the ambulance, resulting in his death while Marianne pulls the emergency brake, narrowly escaping the inferno. This moment epitomizes the tragic fallout of their violent entanglement.

Beach
15

Ripley's Reflection

After the chaos, Ripley stands by the beach, reflecting on their tumultuous journey. With a bittersweet acknowledgment, he whispers a farewell to Zimmermann, encapsulating the profound impact of their tragic friendship.

Beach

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 15:12

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The American Friend Summary

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The American Friend Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The American Friend

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