Year: 1986
Runtime: 111 min
Language: English
Director: Alan Rudolph
In the crime-ridden metropolis of Rain City, a former lawman now living as a fugitive, Kris Kristofferson, finds himself caught in a web of danger. He must confront ruthless gangs and navigate the city's dark underbelly to clear his name and seek redemption for past actions. His journey is fraught with peril as he battles to uncover the truth and reclaim his honor.
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Read the complete plot breakdown of Trouble in Mind (1986), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
The story unfolds in a dystopian future set within the confines of Rain City, a place reminiscent of the 1940s characterized by its strict police state and vintage attitudes. In this environment of cynicism and desperation, we meet a struggling father named Coop and his affectionate wife, Georgia, who live in a humble trailer with their small baby. Driven by the hope of securing a better life, they decide to venture into the city after Coop struggles to find a stable job.
Upon their arrival, they find themselves at Wanda’s Diner, where Hawk, an ex-cop recently released from prison for murder, also makes an appearance. Wanda, Hawk’s former love who owns the diner, is eager to rekindle their connection. Meanwhile, the couple becomes entangled with Solo, a cunning thug who is notorious for his literary quotes, even as he sips coffee at the diner. With his opportunistic charm, Solo ingratiates himself with Coop, leading him into a dubious scheme involving stolen jewelry intended for a local gangster named Hilly Blue, played by Glen Milstead (aka Divine).
As Hawk observes the troubling dynamics between Coop, Solo, and the vulnerable Georgia, he recognizes the potential harm to the young family and is compelled to step in. Struggling with his own disillusionment, Hawk finds himself drawn to Georgia and her gentle nature. However, as the partnership between Coop and Solo deepens, they become further ensnared in a web of criminal activity that threatens to destroy any semblance of a normal life.
The narrative escalates as Hilly Blue employs manipulation and control over various individuals to maintain his gangster empire in Rain City. The climax surfaces in a tense confrontation among Hawk, Coop, and Hilly Blue, which ultimately leads to a philosophical reflection about the true value of their lives and the paths they have chosen. The film delves into themes of redemption, the search for meaning, and the sometimes painful choices one must make to survive in a morally ambiguous world.
Last Updated: May 26, 2025 at 22:02
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Characters seek redemption in a cynical, crime-ridden dystopian city.If you liked the desperate search for honor in the bleak Rain City of Trouble in Mind, explore more movies like it. These films feature morally ambiguous protagonists fighting for redemption within gritty, crime-filled dystopian settings, perfect for fans of heavy, dark dramas with a steady, tense pace.
These narratives follow a protagonist, often an outsider or fallen figure, through a labyrinthine urban underworld. The journey is less about clear victory and more about a personal, philosophical reckoning with past sins and the harsh realities of a broken society, leading to an emotionally heavy and often ambiguous conclusion.
Movies in this thread share a specific combination of a dystopian or hyper-cynical urban setting, a dark and melancholic tone, and a central character arc focused on redemption amidst moral ambiguity. The pacing is typically steady, building tension towards a climax that weighs the cost of survival against the possibility of personal salvation.
Stylized crime stories where mood and moral questions eclipse the plot.Fans of the oppressive atmosphere and philosophical undertones of Trouble in Mind will appreciate these similar movies. This selection highlights neo-noir films that blend crime drama with heavy emotional weight and ambiguous endings, focusing on tone and theme as much as the central mystery.
The plot often serves as a catalyst for existential inquiry rather than the main event. Characters are trapped in situations that force them to confront bleak truths about themselves and the world. The story unfolds with a deliberate pace, emphasizing atmosphere and culminating in an ending that is contemplative and open to interpretation rather than neatly resolved.
These films are grouped by their shared commitment to a specific neo-noir vibe: a dark, tense tone, a steady pacing that builds unease, and a narrative complexity that leans into thematic exploration. The experience is defined by a feeling of existential weight and a visually/stylistically cohesive, often gritty, world.
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