Antitrust Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A young programmer gets a job at Evil Microsoft, finds out his boss is literally killing the competition, and then heroically uploads all the evidence on a CD using super-fast burning tech.

🍿 Antitrust: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Milo’s Opportunity at NURV

Milo Hoffman, a talented young programmer, is approached by Gary Winston, the charismatic CEO of NURV, a powerful tech company on the verge of launching Synapse, a revolutionary global media distribution network. Lured by the promise of creative freedom and a significant career boost, Milo accepts a position at NURV, much to the excitement of his girlfriend, Alice. He leaves behind his startup, Skullbocks, and his best friend Teddy.

Suspicions Arise

As Milo dives into his work at NURV, he begins to notice inconsistencies and questionable practices. Gary Winston frequently provides him with vital code, claiming it was acquired through mysterious means. When Milo’s friend Teddy, who was independently developing similar technology, is murdered, Milo’s suspicions deepen. He starts to believe that NURV is stealing code from other programmers and eliminating them to protect their secrets.

Unraveling the Conspiracy

Milo uncovers a sophisticated system of surveillance and theft employed by NURV. He discovers that his girlfriend, Alice, is an ex-con planted by Winston to manipulate him. Teaming up with Lisa Calighan, another NURV employee who has been blackmailed by Winston, Milo seeks to expose NURV’s criminal activities. He plans to hijack Synapse and broadcast the truth to the world.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Milo Hoffman (Ryan Phillippe): A brilliant and idealistic young computer programmer who uncovers a sinister conspiracy at his dream job.
• Gary Winston (Tim Robbins): The charismatic yet ruthless CEO of NURV, who employs unethical and illegal methods to achieve technological dominance.
• Alice Poulson (Claire Forlani): Milo’s girlfriend, who is initially supportive but has a hidden agenda and a complicated past tied to NURV.
• Lisa Calighan (Rachael Leigh Cook): A NURV programmer who initially appears to be a helpful colleague but has shifting allegiances and her own secrets.
• Teddy Chin (Yee Jee Tso): Milo’s close friend and fellow programmer, whose tragic fate sparks Milo’s investigation into NURV.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Gary Winston: “Surprise me.” – Gary Winston says this frequently to Milo, challenging him to exceed expectations and constantly innovate.
• Milo: “This isn’t a game! In the real world, when you kill people they die – for real! And in the real world you’re fucked!” – Milo says this line when confronting Gary about the consequences of his actions and the real-world impact of his crimes.
• Gary Winston: “Show some creativity!” – Spoken by Gary Winston to his lawyers, highlighting his demand for innovative solutions, even if they’re unethical.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $30,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $11,328,094
• Worldwide Gross: $18,195,610

💥 Antitrust Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching ‘Antitrust’ back in the day and being completely paranoid about big corporations! I really enjoyed the feeling of rooting for the underdog. Tim Robbins does a great job of being a charming and subtly menacing tech giant. It’s a fun, slightly cheesy thriller that definitely captures the anxieties of the early 2000s about technology and privacy. I remember being so worried about how much information companies have about us. This movie made me think about the balance between innovation and control. The fast pacing made it a memorable watch.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of tech thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in corporate conspiracy stories”
  • “People who enjoy films with a David vs. Goliath theme”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Murder”
  • “Brief strong language”
  • “Suggestive scenes”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb: “Antitrust is a slightly above-average thriller that doesn’t break any new ground, but manages to entertain. Ryan Phillippe is convincing as the naive programmer, and Tim Robbins is delightfully sinister as the Bill Gates-esque villain. While the plot is predictable at times, the film’s pacing and suspenseful atmosphere keep you engaged. Definitely worth a watch if you’re a fan of tech thrillers.
• Rotten Tomatoes: “Although ‘Antitrust’ dives head-first into the world of technology and corporate corruption, it struggles to deliver a unique or engaging narrative. The actors do their best, but the script lacks depth, making it difficult to fully invest in the characters or the high-stakes situation they face. If you are looking for deep philosophical insights or thrilling plot twists, you may be disappointed.
• Metacritic: “Antitrust excels with its high-tension suspense and plot, although the characters have mediocre depth. The plot progression keeps the movie fresh as it dives into the competitive world of computer software and the importance of maintaining strong values. Overall, the film is an engaging watch, but do not expect an unforgettable performance.

Audience Reactions

Viewers were thrilled by the cat-and-mouse game between Milo and Winston and said that it kept them on the edge of their seats.: Most people appreciated the blend of thriller elements with a tech-centric storyline and enjoyed the performances of the lead actors.

While some viewers praised the film for its attempt at technical accuracy, others found the tech jargon overwhelming.: The film resonated especially well with those who had some familiarity with computer programming and the tech industry.

Overall Consensus: ‘Antitrust’ is a decent tech thriller with a predictable plot and engaging performances. It’s a worthwhile watch for fans of the genre, but don’t expect a groundbreaking cinematic experience.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Linus Torvalds, the creator of Linux, served as a technical advisor to ensure the film’s depiction of computer programming and technology was as accurate as possible.”
• “The character of Gary Winston, played by Tim Robbins, is loosely based on Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft, which adds a layer of real-world relevance to the film’s themes.”
• “Many of the actors, including Ryan Phillippe, spent time with programmers and tech professionals to better understand their roles and portray them more authentically.”
• “The film touches upon open-source software movement, providing commentary on the conflict between proprietary software and the collaborative open-source approach.”

🖥️ How to Watch Antitrust?

Antitrust is currently available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray are also available through online retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

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

• The Net (1995): Shares themes of corporate conspiracy and the dangers of technology in the wrong hands.
• Sneakers (1992): Features a group of security specialists uncovering a dangerous secret, emphasizing tech skills and intrigue.
• The Firm (1993): Highlights a young professional discovering corruption within a powerful organization and fighting back.
• Who Am I (1998): Has Jackie Chan in it

🛒 Antitrust Related Products

• Mr. Robot: The Complete Series [Blu-ray]: An award-winning series about a cybersecurity engineer and hacker who gets recruited by an underground group to destroy corporate America.
• Hacking: The Art of Exploitation, 2nd Edition: A practical guide to hacking that teaches you the techniques and mind-set of a skilled hacker. You will learn how to exploit security vulnerabilities.
• Computer Hacker Mask: A hacker mask reminiscent of those used in the movie. The Computer Hacker mask is based on the 5th of November mask that is used in V for Vendetta.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Pigeon Farm” – performed by Marcy Playground
• “Antitrust Soundtrack” – performed by Don Davis

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Antitrust – exciting code

Remember that scene where they’re throwing around tech terms like it’s going out of style? This clip perfectly captures the sometimes absurd portrayal of coding in ‘Antitrust’. It’s good for a chuckle if you found that part funny, like I did.

Video Essay: How New Hollywood Created the American Indie

Ever wondered about the real-world inspiration behind the plot of ‘Antitrust’? This video essay dives into the historical antitrust case that shook Hollywood and paved the way for indie filmmakers. It’s insightful stuff and honestly, makes the movie even more interesting!

✨ Rate