The Pelican Brief

The Pelican Brief

Year: 1993

Runtime: 141 min

Language: English

Director: Alan J. Pakula

DramaMysteryThrillerRomanceCrime

While researching Supreme Court assassinations, law student Darby Freeman unknowingly uncovers a dangerous secret. When her mentor is murdered, she realizes she’s become a target and flees for her life. In New Orleans, she finds an unexpected ally in a journalist, and together they work to expose a vast conspiracy and corruption that implicates powerful figures within the government, all while trying to stay one step ahead of the relentless killers pursuing them.

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Timeline – The Pelican Brief (1993)

Trace every key event in The Pelican Brief (1993) 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

Assassinations of Justices

Khamel carries out lethal attacks on Supreme Court Justices Jensen and Rosenberg, creating shockwaves across the nation. This act of violence sets in motion a chain of events that draws in law student Darby Shaw, who feels compelled to investigate the motives behind these killings.

2

Darby Creates Legal Brief

Darby Shaw, a dedicated law student, begins crafting a detailed legal brief to explore the reasons behind the justices' murders. Her professor and lover, Thomas Callahan, reviews her findings, believing in the integrity of her work.

Tulane University
3

Callahan's Death

Tragedy strikes when Callahan is tragically killed in a car explosion, which deeply impacts Darby. Although she escapes unharmed, the event leaves her shaken and more determined to uncover the truth of the assassinations.

4

Contacting the FBI

In her pursuit of justice, Darby reaches out to FBI special counsel Gavin Verheek, seeking protection and assistance. Her knowledge of the case compels her to go into hiding as the danger escalates.

5

The Mysterious Informant

Gray Grantham, a reporter, learns about the assassinations from an informant named Garcia, who vanishes before providing crucial information. This disappearance raises alarms and prompts Darby to reach out to Grantham for help.

Washington Herald
6

Darby's Hideout Escape

While staying at a hotel to evade her pursuers, Darby is targeted. Despite the high tension, she manages to narrowly escape an assassination attempt, reinforcing her conviction that her theory holds truth.

Hotel
7

Confrontation in Public

In a tense moment, Darby is approached by someone posing as Verheek, but this is actually Khamel trying to finish what he started. Fortunately, a mysterious shooter intervenes, eliminating Khamel and saving Darby's life.

Public square
8

Uncovering Mattiece's Motives

Darby and Grantham meet in New York City, where she reveals her astonishing discovery about oil magnate Victor Mattiece. She believes he orchestrated the justices' murders to influence a crucial Supreme Court decision regarding oil drilling.

New York City
9

The Fate of Garcia

Darby and Grantham investigate further, leading to the tragic revelation that the informant Garcia, whose real identity is revealed as Curtis Morgan, has been murdered. This loss intensifies their search for justice.

10

Near Escape from Car Bomb

While retrieving important documents from Morgan's safe deposit box, Darby and Grantham find themselves in a harrowing situation as a car bomb is triggered. They make a narrow escape, realizing just how dire their circumstances have become.

Safe deposit box location
11

Confirming the Conspiracy

With the newfound evidence, Grantham starts writing an exposé about Mattiece's involvement in the murders. The documents substantiate Darby's theory, providing a solid foundation for exposing the truth.

Washington Herald
12

FBI's Protective Measures

The FBI takes Darby's claims seriously, placing her under their protection within the Federal Witness Protection Program. This move signifies the increasing importance of her findings in the larger investigation.

13

Televised Exposé

As Grantham's exposé begins to air, Darby experiences a mix of excitement and relief at the unfolding justice. The nation watches as indictments are made against Mattiece and his associates, signaling a major breakthrough.

14

Resignations and Indictments

The fallout from the exposé leads to significant political ramifications, including the resignation of the president's chief of staff, Fletcher Coal. The scandal reveals powerful connections and corruption within the highest levels of government.

15

Hope and Recovery

As Darby watches Grantham’s interview, she feels hope rise as justice seems to be served. Despite the struggles, she is commended for her bravery and resilience, coming to terms with the journey she has undergone.

Last Updated: November 19, 2024 at 17:29

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Pelican Brief

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