The Killers

The Killers

Year: 1964

Runtime: 93 min

Language: English

DramaMysteryThrillerCrime

In this gritty crime drama, a ruthless hitman and his trusted accomplice are left scratching their heads when a seemingly ordinary target refuses to flee from certain death. As they dig deeper into the mystery of why he didn't put up a fight, they unravel a tangled web of secrets and lies that threaten to expose their own deadly profession.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Killers (1964)
Explore the full timeline and setting of The Killers (1964). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The timeframe is contemporary, reflecting a world where crime intertwines with personal vendettas. The assassination plot and the characters involved illustrate a society grappling with moral ambiguity and the consequences of past decisions. This modern backdrop enhances the film's exploration of betrayal and redemption.

Location

school for the blind, Miami, New Orleans

The movie unfolds in various locations, starting at a school for the blind, where the assassins make their first strike. Miami is highlighted as the location of a key character, Johnny North's former mechanic, providing insight into his dark past. The action also moves to New Orleans, a city known for its vibrant culture and underworld connections, setting the stage for the unfolding drama.

🏫 Location 🌆 City 🚉 Transport

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:37

Main Characters – The Killers (1964)
Meet the key characters of The Killers (1964), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Charlie (Lee Marvin)

Charlie is a cold and calculating assassin who undertakes morally ambiguous tasks without hesitation. His reflections on their latest assignment reveal a deeper sense of turmoil within him, particularly as he contemplates the consequences of their violence. Throughout the film, he struggles with his identity and the ethics of his profession.

🔫 Assassin 🤔 Reflective 💵 Professional

Lee (Clu Gulager)

Lee is Charlie's partner in crime, characterized by his adaptability and resourcefulness. He serves not only as a facilitator of their grim tasks but also as a sounding board for Charlie's thoughts. His dedication to their murderous mission comes at the cost of moral clarity, ultimately complicating their relationship.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Partner 💡 Resourceful ⚔️ Motivated

Johnny North

Johnny North is a former race car driver whose life spiraled downward due to manipulations by those he trusted. His resignation in the face of death speaks volumes about his character's arc, reflecting weariness from betrayal and loss. Johnny's troubled past serves as a catalyst for the story's violence and tragedy.

🏎️ Racer 🥀 Tragic 🌪️ Past

Sheila Farr (Angie Dickinson)

Sheila is a complex character whose choices drive much of the plot's tension. Her initial evasiveness leads to greater revelations about her role in Johnny's downfall. Ultimately, her desperate attempts to distance herself from the chaos reveal a profound selfishness that complicates the story's moral landscape.

👩‍❤️‍💔 Manipulative 🎭 Complex 😰 Desperate

Earl Sylvester (Claude Akins)

Earl serves as a poignant reminder of Johnny's former life as a celebrated race car driver. He provides essential background on Johnny's character and his romantic past with Sheila. Earl's sorrowful recounting paints a vivid picture of what was lost due to deceit and misfortune.

🔧 Mechanic 🥺 Mourning 📚 Informative

Jack Browning (Ronald Reagan)

Browning embodies the criminal element within the story, exuding an air of denial and manipulation. His refusal to acknowledge his involvement in Johnny's life illustrates the depths of corruption in the narrative. His character ultimately represents the consequences of a violent and self-serving world.

👔 Boss 📉 Corrupt ⚔️ Antagonist

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:37

Major Themes – The Killers (1964)
Explore the central themes of The Killers (1964), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Betrayal

Betrayal runs deep within the film's narrative, manifested through the characters' actions and relationships. Sheila Farr's duplicity plays a pivotal role in Johnny North's tragic fate, demonstrating how trust can be weaponized. The theme underscores the emotional ramifications of deceit, echoing through the lives of all central characters.

🚨 Violence

The film portrays a brutal world where violence is an everyday reality for the assassins. Charlie and Lee's cold efficiency in their work reveals a lack of empathy and a willingness to embrace their dark roles. This theme explores the consequences of a life dictated by power struggles and bloodshed.

🏁 Despair

Despair is woven into the character arcs, particularly for Johnny North and Charlie. Johnny's fall from grace as a race car driver illustrates how shattered dreams can lead to a loss of identity. As Charlie grapples with the implications of his actions and the violent world he inhabits, the theme of despair becomes pronounced.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:37

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