FBI agent Joe Devine (Alec Baldwin), well-versed in the art of deception, has been operating deep undercover within the murky depths of organized crime. His latest mission took a harrowing turn when he suffered a catastrophic injury, leaving him with a permanent reminder of his unwavering dedication to duty. Upon returning home, he was greeted with tragic news: his beloved canine companion had sadly succumbed to loneliness.
Now reassigned to Rhode Island, Devine crafted an elaborate scheme aimed at taking down the infamous mob boss John Gotti. To facilitate this, he assumed the guise of a Hollywood producer, weaving an intricate web of lies to rope in an unsuspecting stooge, a struggling screenwriter and director named Steven Schats (Matthew Broderick), who was desperate to direct his own feature film.
One day, as a distressed woman, on the brink of losing her sanity from the constant barking coming from a nearby kennel next to her apartment with boyfriend Steven Schats, nearly took matters into her own hands, Devine stepped in. He introduced himself as a Hollywood producer, pitching a movie idea that would never actually see the light of day. Despite Schats' initial skepticism, Devine's persuasive charm and promise of creative freedom ultimately convinced him to get on board.
Schats crafted a screenplay titled Arizona, a heartbreaking narrative featuring a protagonist who tragically ends her life in a Hopi cave. However, Devine's real objective was to use this production as a front to get closer to his actual target, Tommy Sanz, a corrupt figure linked to the Teamsters union. As they explored potential filming locations, Schats found himself increasingly unhappy, yet his concerns eased considerably when treated to the opulence of a luxurious hotel suite.
Devine's plan involved using the film's production as bait to catch Sanz accepting a bribe from the Teamsters. With a keen sense of urgency, Devine urged the FBI to extend their investigation for one more week to uncover additional instances of racketeering. Thus, the movie production continued, as Devine's love for filmmaking bloomed alongside his own romantic entanglements.
As casting began, a notable Hollywood actress sought redemption after a turbulent period in rehab left her shunned by the industry. Her story of struggle and resurgence deeply resonated with Devine, drawing him closer to her ambition to reclaim her former glory. Devine's girlfriend, Val (an unnamed character), found herself blown away by the news that a high-profile actor had landed the lead role, leading her to a boiling point. In a twist of fate, her determination resulted in Devine offering her a different part, triggering a cascade of events that would significantly reshape their project.
The media attention surrounding the film sparked the curiosity of A-list actors, such as Pat Morita, who began taking note of its unfolding potential. Simultaneously, both FBI agents and Sanz became intrigued by the nuanced layers of the plot, suspecting something greater was afoot beneath the surface.
Devine's fervent enthusiasm for his operation eventually won over his FBI superiors, securing a three-picture deal. Entranced by the idea of ensnaring even more mobsters through similar tactics while genuinely producing films, Devine couldn’t help but dive headfirst into the production with fervor.
Just when they were poised to commence filming, the FBI executed a stunning maneuver, arresting Gotti and dismantling the operation. It was unveiled that the entire film undertaking had merely served as a distraction, with Devine left unaware of their true motivations all along.
Fast forward two years, the premiere of Leaving Arizona, a film inspired by the sting operation, is underway. Schats, now back working at a movie theater, is taken by surprise when Devine pays him a visit, offering a heartfelt apology for his past missteps. As a gesture of reconciliation, Devine presents Schats with a reel of the film’s opening scene, divulging that he has secretly been crafting a screenplay.
Schats' excitement mounts as Devine shares his vision, signifying a fresh start in their collaborative journey. In a touching conclusion, Schats is seen with a new deaf girlfriend whose presence near his apartment is met with indifference – a testament to his newfound tranquility.
