Edmond Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A regular guy has a really bad day, makes some questionable life choices, and ends up in a place where he probably should have started in the first place… or not?

🍿 Edmond: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Fortune Teller and a Life-Altering Number

Edmond Burke, a seemingly ordinary businessman, experiences a minor disruption when his meeting is rescheduled. This seemingly insignificant event leads him to a fortune teller who delivers a cryptic message: he is not where he belongs. This encounter, coupled with the recurring number ‘1:15,’ acts as a catalyst for Edmond’s sudden and drastic life change. Driven by this newfound realization, Edmond abruptly leaves his wife, embarking on a night of exploration and self-discovery in the underbelly of New York City. This sets the stage for a descent into a world of unexpected encounters and disturbing revelations.

Descent into the City’s Underbelly

Edmond’s quest takes him through a series of increasingly seedy and unsettling locations. He seeks connection and fulfillment in bars, strip clubs, and encounters with prostitutes, revealing his growing frustration with the transactional nature of these interactions. These attempts at finding meaning expose his naivete and inability to navigate the harsh realities of the city. As the night progresses, Edmond’s encounters become more volatile. He falls victim to a three-card Monte scam, experiences a violent mugging, and purchases a knife, signifying a shift from victim to potential perpetrator. Each encounter chips away at his former self, revealing a darker, more desperate side.

Violence and a Twisted Sense of Empowerment

The acquisition of the knife marks a turning point. Edmond’s suppressed anger and prejudices begin to surface, leading to violent confrontations. He engages in a racist altercation with a pimp and ultimately commits a shocking act of violence against a waitress named Glenna after a disturbing and confrontational encounter. This act propels Edmond further down a path of no return, leading to his arrest and imprisonment. The narrative explores themes of societal alienation, suppressed desires, and the potential for violence within seemingly ordinary individuals.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Edmond (William H. Macy): A disillusioned office worker who abruptly leaves his life in search of something more, descending into a nightmarish journey through the city’s underbelly.
• Glenna (Julia Stiles): A waitress who encounters Edmond and becomes a tragic figure in his descent.
• Man in Bar (Joe Mantegna): A bar patron who provides Edmond with a push towards his destructive path.
• Wife (Rebecca Pidgeon): Edmond’s spouse, who is suddenly abandoned as he seeks a new direction in his life.
• Fortune Teller (Frances Bay): The enigmatic woman whose tarot reading catalyses Edmond’s life-altering choices.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Fortune Teller: “You are not where you belong.” – The fortune teller’s words trigger Edmond’s existential crisis and set him on a path of self-destruction.
• Edmond: “Every fear hides a wish.” – Edmond utters this phrase, reflecting his descent into his deepest, darkest desires.
• Edmond: “People kill simply because there are too many people in the world.” – Edmond says this after buying a knife in a pawn shop.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $10,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $131,719
• Worldwide Gross: $243,524

💥 Edmond Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely drawn into Edmond’s world. It’s a raw and uncomfortable film, but Macy’s acting is incredible. The scene in the diner where he just starts rambling was haunting and real. It’s not a feel-good movie, but it’s definitely one that will make you think about the choices we make. The ending was unexpected, but ultimately fitting for the character’s journey. The movie definitely had a Taxi Driver vibe, but with more raw emotion.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of William H. Macy”
  • “Viewers interested in psychological dramas and dark character studies”
  • “Those who appreciate thought-provoking and controversial films”
  • “Admirers of David Mamet’s writing”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Racism”
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Disturbing themes”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Edmond is a disturbing and thought-provoking film that explores the darker aspects of human nature. Macy delivers a powerful performance as a man on the edge, and Gordon’s direction is both unsettling and effective. A film that stays with you long after viewing.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “While the film’s descent into darkness is compelling, it can be a tough watch due to the raw and unfiltered portrayal of its themes. Macy’s performance elevates the material, but the film’s challenging subject matter may not appeal to all viewers. A dark film for the strong-hearted.
• Chicago Tribune: “Stuart Gordon masterfully directs this David Mamet screenplay, creating a disturbing and thought-provoking exploration of a man’s journey into madness. William H. Macy delivers a powerful performance as Edmond, capturing the character’s descent with unsettling realism. A must-see for those who appreciate dark, character-driven dramas.

Audience Reactions

William H. Macy’s performance is captivating and unforgettable.: Viewers are consistently impressed by the powerful and nuanced performance of William H. Macy as Edmond.

The film’s unflinching portrayal of social issues is both disturbing and thought-provoking.: Many appreciate the film’s courage in addressing uncomfortable topics such as racism, sexism, and existential angst.

Overall Consensus: Edmond is a dark and challenging film with a powerful lead performance from William H. Macy, though its disturbing themes may not appeal to all viewers.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Edmond is based on a play by David Mamet. Stuart Gordon, known for horror films like ‘Re-Animator’, directed this adaptation, bringing a unique, unsettling atmosphere to the story.”
• “The film features many well-known actors in small, impactful roles, highlighting the strength of the script and the actors’ willingness to explore complex themes.”
• “David Mamet wrote the screenplay after breaking up with his wife in New York City, and so the actions are clearly the manifestations of emotions he felt.”
• “Despite its strong cast and Mamet’s writing, ‘Edmond’ received a limited theatrical release and generated controversy due to its explicit language and themes.”

🖥️ How to Watch Edmond?

As of October 2024, ‘Edmond’ is available for rent or purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming service for current availability and pricing.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Edmond, you might like these similar films:

• Falling Down (1993): Shares the theme of a man’s descent into madness and societal disillusionment, triggered by seemingly minor inconveniences.
• Taxi Driver (1976): Explores the dark underbelly of city life and the psychological breakdown of a man alienated from society.
• American Psycho (2000): Examines a man’s descent into madness and obsession through violence and nihilism.
• After Hours (1985): A man has a series of increasingly bizarre and nightmarish experiences while trying to get home one night in New York City.

🛒 Edmond Related Products

• David Mamet: Plays One (Oleanna, Glengarry Glen Ross, Speed-the-Plow): Collects three of David Mamet’s most acclaimed plays, including Glengarry Glen Ross, Speed-the-Plow, and Oleanna, providing insight into his signature style and themes.
• Taxi Driver [4K UHD]: A classic neo-noir film about a mentally unstable veteran working as a nighttime taxi driver in New York City, showcasing themes of urban decay and alienation.
• Funko Pop! Movies: Fargo – Marge Gunderson: A Funko Pop! vinyl figure of Marge Gunderson from Fargo, a recognizable character portrayed by Frances McDormand, capturing her iconic look and personality.
• Vintage New York City Travel Poster: A vintage travel poster of New York City, capturing the aesthetic and spirit of the city’s iconic landmarks and cultural attractions.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Main Title” – performed by Bobby Johnston
• “Bar Talk” – performed by Bobby Johnston
• “Edmond on the Streets” – performed by Bobby Johnston

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

🤨 FAQ

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