Inherent Vice Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A perpetually stoned private detective stumbles through a haze of conspiracy, surf rock, and cryptic clues, eventually solving… something? Maybe? Who knows, man?

🍿 Inherent Vice: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Setup: Shasta’s Return

In 1970, Larry ‘Doc’ Sportello, a perpetually stoned private investigator in Los Angeles, is visited by his ex-girlfriend, Shasta Fay Hepworth. She tells him about a plot involving her current lover, real estate mogul Mickey Wolfmann, and his potential kidnapping orchestrated by his wife and her boyfriend. Doc is skeptical but agrees to look into it, launching him into a bizarre and intricate web of mysteries.

The Investigation Begins

Doc’s investigation quickly spirals into a series of encounters with eccentric characters. He’s hired to find a missing bodyguard, Glen Charlock, by Tariq Khalil, a member of a Black Guerilla Family. He navigates the criminal underworld, encountering brothels, corrupt cops, and a mysterious organization known as the Golden Fang. Each lead seems to connect to the larger conspiracy, blurring the lines between reality and drug-induced paranoia.

The Golden Fang and Shifting Allegiances

As Doc digs deeper, he uncovers connections between the missing persons and the Golden Fang, a heroin smuggling operation. His path crosses with Lt. Det. Christian ‘Bigfoot’ Bjornsen, a conflicted LAPD detective with a disdain for hippies, but also an odd respect for Doc. The investigation becomes increasingly convoluted, with double-crosses and shifting allegiances, making it difficult for Doc (and the audience) to discern the truth.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Larry “Doc” Sportello (Joaquin Phoenix): A perpetually stoned, hippie private investigator navigating a complex web of conspiracies and disappearances in 1970s Los Angeles.
• Lt. Det. Christian F. “Bigfoot” Bjornsen (Josh Brolin): A straight-laced LAPD detective with a volatile temper and a complicated relationship with Doc, often found eating frozen bananas.
• Shasta Fay Hepworth (Katherine Waterston): Doc’s former girlfriend whose reappearance sparks the film’s central mystery involving her billionaire boyfriend’s potential kidnapping.
• Coy Harlingen (Owen Wilson): A supposedly deceased saxophone player and police informant whose fate becomes intertwined with Doc’s investigation.
• Sortilège (Joanna Newsom): The ethereal narrator of the story, offering poetic insights into Doc’s world and the changing times.
• Sauncho Smilax, Esq (Benicio Del Toro): Doc’s lawyer, who provides legal counsel and a sense of grounded absurdity amidst the film’s chaos.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Sortilège: “Inherent vice in a maritime insurance policy is anything that you can’t avoid. Eggs break, chocolate melts, glass shatters, and Doc wondered what that meant when it applied to ex-old ladies.” – This opening line from the novel and movie sets the thematic tone, suggesting inescapable flaws or problems.
• Doc: “Under the paving-stones, the beach!” – This line from the end credits hints at a deeper truth or escape hidden beneath the surface of everyday life and societal structures.
• Jade: “$14.95 special on eating pussy.” – Jade states this while demonstrating on her colleague, Bambi. The scene emphasizes the casual absurdity and open sexuality of the time.
• Bigfoot: “Even ordering pancakes with this guy is funny.” – This line emphasizes the comedic brilliance of Bigfoot.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $20,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $8,110,975
• Worldwide Gross: $14,810,975

💥 Inherent Vice Reviews

Personal Review

I walked out of ‘Inherent Vice’ feeling like I’d just woken up from a bizarre, sun-soaked dream. The humor is so dry, and the plot twists and turns kept me guessing, though honestly, I’m not sure I fully grasped everything. Joaquin Phoenix is fantastic, and the whole vibe is just so immersive. The scene where Doc is talking to Shasta Fay is particularly memorable. Definitely a movie that stays with you.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Paul Thomas Anderson’s other films”
  • “Viewers who enjoy neo-noir and stoner comedies”
  • “Those familiar with Thomas Pynchon’s writing style”
  • “Moviegoers looking for a complex and thought-provoking film”
  • “Fans of Joaquin Phoenix and ensemble casts”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Drug use”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Violence”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “Paul Thomas Anderson’s ‘Inherent Vice’ is a sprawling, psychedelic trip that might not always make perfect sense, but is consistently captivating due to its stellar performances and hypnotic atmosphere. A challenging but rewarding experience.
• Variety: “Joaquin Phoenix delivers a brilliant, if bewildering, performance in this adaptation of Thomas Pynchon’s novel. The film is dense, layered, and ultimately a unique and unforgettable cinematic ride. Be prepared to embrace the chaos.

Audience Reactions

The unique atmosphere and quirky characters really stood out to me.: Viewers generally appreciated the film’s distinctive style, humor, and Joaquin Phoenix’s performance.

Overall Consensus: A polarizing but ultimately admired film known for its unique style, complex plot, and strong performances, especially Joaquin Phoenix.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Paul Thomas Anderson is the first director to adapt a Thomas Pynchon novel to the screen. Pynchon is known for his complex narratives and unique prose.”
• “According to Paul Thomas Anderson, Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon had such a natural rapport that they often chatted excessively, requiring Anderson to remind them to focus on filming.”
• “The film is heavily inspired by classic film noir movies of the 1940s, such as ‘The Big Sleep’ and ‘Ministry of Fear,’ but with a comedic and psychedelic twist.”

🖥️ How to Watch Inherent Vice?

Inherent Vice is available for streaming on various platforms. You can rent or purchase it on Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable options. It is also often available through your local library’s streaming service, such as Hoopla.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Inherent Vice, you might like these similar films:

• The Big Lebowski (1998): Features a similarly laid-back protagonist caught up in a convoluted crime plot, with a comedic and surreal tone.
• The Long Goodbye (1973): A neo-noir detective story set in Los Angeles with a somewhat aimless, morally ambiguous protagonist, similar themes of corruption and disillusionment.
• Chinatown (1974): Explores similar themes of corruption and conspiracy in a historical Los Angeles setting, though with a more serious and straightforward tone.
• Under the Silver Lake (2018): A modern neo-noir that follows a man down a rabbit hole of conspiracies and surreal encounters in Los Angeles.

🛒 Inherent Vice Related Products

• Inherent Vice (Blu-ray): Experience the film in stunning high definition with bonus content, including behind-the-scenes footage and interviews.
• Inherent Vice: A Novel: Read the original Thomas Pynchon novel that inspired the film and dive even deeper into Doc Sportello’s world.
• Inherent Vice Movie Poster: High-quality print of the original movie poster featuring Doc Sportello, perfect for decorating any fan’s space.
• Inherent Vice T-Shirt: Show your love for the movie with a custom t-shirt featuring iconic imagery or quotes from the film.

🎧 Soundtrack

Inherent Vice features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Journey Through the Past” – performed by Neil Young
• “Any Old Time” – performed by Art Tatum
• “Spooks” – performed by Jonny Greenwood

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Inherent Vice – Panekeku

Get ready for some hilarious moments! This clip captures the comedic brilliance of ‘Inherent Vice’ with a scene that will leave you in stitches. Don’t miss out on the laughs!

Mark Kermode reviews Inherent Vice

Curious about what the critics thought of ‘Inherent Vice’? Check out Mark Kermode’s review, where he dissects the film’s intricacies and shares his expert opinion. Dive into a deeper appreciation of the movie’s nuances!

The Meaning of Inherent Vice

Uncover the hidden depths of ‘Inherent Vice’! This video breaks down the film’s symbolism and philosophical underpinnings, offering a fresh perspective on its intricate themes. Prepare to delve into a deeper understanding of this thought-provoking movie!

You Know It’s Paul Thomas Anderson IF…

Attention, PTA enthusiasts! This video decodes the unique storytelling techniques and visual aesthetics that define Paul Thomas Anderson’s films. Get an insider’s look into the genius behind ‘Inherent Vice’ and other cinematic masterpieces!

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