🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Richard Donner
- Genre: Action, Drama, Mystery, Thriller, Romance
- Release year: 1997
- Runtime (length): 2h 15min
- IMDb rating: 6.7/10 (110K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 55%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A taxi driver who thinks the government is putting fluoride in our water supply to control us accidentally stumbles upon a REAL government conspiracy and now has to prove he’s not just crazy… or is he?
🍿 Conspiracy Theory: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Introduction to Jerry Fletcher
Jerry Fletcher, a New York City taxi driver played by Mel Gibson, is known for his eccentric behavior and obsession with conspiracy theories. He publishes a newsletter detailing these theories, which he shares with a limited audience. Jerry’s life takes a dramatic turn when one of his theories proves to be true, making him a target.

Jerry’s Abduction and Torture
Jerry is abducted and subjected to torture by Dr. Jonas, portrayed by Patrick Stewart. During the interrogation, Jerry experiences fragmented memories, suggesting a hidden past. He manages to escape from the facility and seeks help from Alice Sutton, a Justice Department attorney played by Julia Roberts.

Alice’s Involvement and Pursuit
Alice initially dismisses Jerry’s claims but begins to investigate after witnessing the danger he’s in. She discovers that Jerry was part of a secret government program. As they delve deeper into the truth, Alice and Jerry become targets, forcing them to evade capture while uncovering the conspiracy.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Jerry Fletcher (Mel Gibson): A paranoid taxi driver who spouts conspiracy theories, but finds himself targeted when one of them turns out to be true.
- Alice Sutton (Julia Roberts): A Justice Department attorney who initially dismisses Jerry’s theories, but becomes involved as the danger escalates and trusts Jerry.
- Dr. Jonas (Patrick Stewart): A sinister psychiatrist who is connected to Jerry’s past and is responsible for the mind control experiments that haunt him.
- Agent Lowry (Cylk Cozart): An agent from a clandestine organization monitoring the CIA, who intervenes to help Alice and Jerry.
- Flip (Terry Alexander): A man working with Lowry that helps Alice and Jerry.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Jerry Fletcher: “A good conspiracy is unprovable. I mean, if you can prove it, it means they screwed up somewhere along the line.” – Jerry explains his philosophy on conspiracy theories, highlighting the elusiveness of true conspiracies.
- Jerry Fletcher: “They’re coming. They’re always coming.” – Illustrates Jerry’s constant state of paranoia and fear of unseen forces.
- Jerry Fletcher: “You know what they do, Alice? They take you and put you in a room. A gray room. And they make you gray.” – Jerry describes the dehumanizing effect of government control, foreshadowing his torture and brainwashing.
- Dr. Jonas: “Denial is a powerful thing.” – Dr. Jonas delivers this line, underscoring the power of chosen ignorance and the control it grants him.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $75,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $75,982,834
- Worldwide Gross: $136,982,834
💥 Conspiracy Theory Reviews
Personal Review
I remember seeing this movie when I was younger and being totally captivated by the idea that someone could be so paranoid and right at the same time. Mel Gibson is fantastic as Jerry, and his chemistry with Julia Roberts is surprisingly great. I loved the scene where he sets his apartment on fire – it was so over-the-top but totally believable in the context of the movie. It really made me question, ‘What if all those crazy theories are real?’
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of Mel Gibson and Julia Roberts”
- “Viewers interested in conspiracy thrillers”
- “Audiences who enjoy movies with action and romance”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Violence”
- “Torture”
- “Strong language”
- “Suggestive themes”
Professional Reviews
- Variety: “Conspiracy Theory blends thriller elements with a quirky romance, making for an unusual but somewhat uneven film. Gibson delivers a manic performance, while Roberts provides a grounded counterpoint, but the plot convolutions ultimately undermine the emotional impact.
- RogerEbert.com: “While the performances of Gibson and Roberts are engaging, the film suffers from a muddled screenplay, which fails to smoothly integrate the thriller and romantic elements. The conspiracy angle feels underdeveloped, leaving the audience more confused than thrilled.
- The New York Times: “Conspiracy Theory delivers some entertaining moments but its credibility wanes as the plot becomes increasingly far-fetched. Richard Donner directs with his usual competency, but the story’s inherent silliness limits its potential to be a truly gripping thriller.
Audience Reactions
Mel Gibson’s performance as the paranoid Jerry Fletcher is a standout, balancing humor and vulnerability.: Viewers praise the chemistry between Mel Gibson and Julia Roberts, making the thriller aspect more engaging.
The initial setup, introducing various conspiracy theories, is intriguing and hooks viewers from the start.: The film provides a fun, suspenseful ride that keeps audiences guessing until the end.
Overall Consensus: Conspiracy Theory is a moderately successful blend of thriller and romance, elevated by the performances of its lead actors, but ultimately hampered by a convoluted and somewhat implausible plot.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Richard Donner allowed Mel Gibson to improvise many of his conspiracy theories during the opening taxi scenes, capturing a sense of spontaneity and genuine paranoia.”
- “The character of Jerry Fletcher was partly inspired by real-life individuals who passionately believe in conspiracy theories, aiming to portray their fervor and conviction authentically.”
- “The film touches on the MK-ULTRA program, a real CIA mind control program, adding a layer of historical intrigue to the narrative.”
🖥️ How to Watch Conspiracy Theory?
Conspiracy Theory is readily available to rent or purchase on various platforms. You can find it on Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for broadcast schedules. DVD and Blu-ray copies are also widely available.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Conspiracy Theory, you might like these similar films:
- The Parallax View (1974): Explores themes of political assassination and corporate control, with a protagonist uncovering a vast conspiracy.
- Three Days of the Condor (1975): A CIA researcher finds his colleagues murdered and uncovers a conspiracy within the agency, similar to Alice’s investigation.
- The Truman Show (1998): Examines the idea of manufactured reality and government control, where one’s entire existence is a setup
- Enemy of the State (1998): Explores government surveillance and the invasion of privacy, mirroring the sense of being watched in Conspiracy Theory.
🛒 Conspiracy Theory Related Products
- Conspiracy Theory [Blu-ray]: Experience the suspense in high definition! This Blu-ray edition brings the thrilling story to life with enhanced picture and sound quality.
- Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger: Understand Jerry Fletcher’s obsession! This novel is a recurring motif in the movie. Delve into the themes of innocence and alienation.
- CIA Declassified: MKULTRA – Mind Control Experiments: Explore the real-world history behind the movie’s plot! This book offers an in-depth look at actual CIA mind control programs.
- Conspiracy Theory Movie Poster: Decorate your space with this iconic movie poster! A high-quality print that captures the essence of the film.
🎧 Soundtrack
Conspiracy Theory features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” – performed by Frankie Valli
- “Three Little Birds” – performed by Bob Marley
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Conspiracy Theory is a thriller about a taxi driver who is a conspiracy theorist that is being hunted. He soon realizes that what he has been saying is correct. He then joins forces with a Justice Department attorney to uncover the truth.
No, Conspiracy Theory is a work of fiction. However, it incorporates elements of real-world conspiracy theories to create its narrative.
Conspiracy Theory was primarily filmed in New York City and parts of California. Key locations included various spots in Manhattan and Los Angeles.
🔥 Bonus Content
The Film Where Mel Gibson Gets Taken Out By the Deep State
If you’re a fan of conspiracy theories and Mel Gibson, this video is a must-watch. It dives deep into the plot of ‘Conspiracy Theory’ and explores the real-life implications of its themes, leaving you questioning the nature of truth and the power of those in control.
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