In the Line of Fire Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Old Clint Eastwood is haunted by JFK so he chases John Malkovich with a plastic gun who wants to shoot a different president but ends up falling from a glass elevator, then Clint gets the girl…finally.

🍿 In the Line of Fire: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Frank Horrigan

Frank Horrigan, a Secret Service agent played by Clint Eastwood, is haunted by his past failure to protect President John F. Kennedy in 1963. He’s now older and facing doubts about his abilities. Despite his age, he is still an active agent, working undercover on counterfeiting cases. His experience leaves him with a cynical but determined attitude.

The Threat Emerges: Mitch Leary

Horrigan investigates a potential threat to the current President, uncovering an apartment filled with assassination memorabilia. He soon receives taunting phone calls from Mitch Leary, a former CIA assassin using the alias ‘Booth,’ who openly declares his intention to kill the President. Leary’s motive stems from feeling betrayed by the government after his removal from the CIA.

Returning to Presidential Detail

Determined to prevent another tragedy, Horrigan requests to be reassigned to the Presidential Protective Detail. He partners with fellow agent Lilly Raines, developing a complex relationship as they work to stop Leary. Horrigan faces resistance from superiors who doubt his capabilities due to his age and past failure.

Escalating Tension and Loss

Leary continues to torment Horrigan, escalating the threat. The Secret Service struggles to track Leary as he skillfully evades them. A tragic turning point occurs when Leary kills Horrigan’s colleague, Al D’Andrea, during a rooftop chase, deepening Horrigan’s resolve.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Frank Horrigan (Clint Eastwood): A guilt-ridden Secret Service agent haunted by his failure to protect JFK, who is determined to stop a new presidential assassination threat.
• Mitch Leary (John Malkovich): A former CIA assassin, known as ‘Booth,’ who meticulously plans to assassinate the President and taunts Horrigan about his past failures.
• Lilly Raines (Rene Russo): A fellow Secret Service agent who works alongside Horrigan and develops a romantic relationship with him.
• Al D’Andrea (Dylan McDermott): Horrigan’s partner, a Secret Service agent who is killed by Leary while trying to protect Horrigan.
• Harry Sargent (Fred Thompson): The White House Chief of Staff who initially dismisses Horrigan’s concerns about the threat to the President.
• Sam Campagna (John Mahoney): The Secret Service Director and Horrigan’s boss, who supports Horrigan’s efforts to protect the President.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Mitch Leary: “You’re not gonna die, Frank. But you’re gonna watch him die. You’re gonna watch him die, just like you watched Kennedy die.” – Leary taunts Horrigan about his past failure, foreshadowing his plan to make him witness another presidential assassination.
• Frank Horrigan: “I could have taken that shot. And that would have been all right with me.” – Horrigan reflects on the Kennedy assassination, expressing his willingness to sacrifice himself this time.
• Frank Horrigan: “You have a rendezvous with my ass, motherfucker!” – Horrigan responds with anger and defiance when Leary threatens him and the President.
• Mitch Leary: “Age. The human body. What a flimsy package, isn’t it?” – Leary points out Frank’s age and physical condition.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $40,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $102,314,823
• Worldwide Gross: $176,997,168

💥 In the Line of Fire Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this as a kid and being on the edge of my seat! Eastwood’s haunted agent and Malkovich’s creepy assassin created such an intense dynamic. That rooftop chase scene was insane, and the ending in the elevator was just wow! Plus, that Ennio Morricone score just adds so much to the tension. I really felt for Clint’s character as he was trying to overcome his past.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Clint Eastwood”
  • “Those who enjoy suspenseful thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in political intrigue”
  • “Those seeking films with strong character development”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Mature themes including assassination and PTSD”

Professional Reviews

• Roger Ebert: “A taut, suspenseful thriller with Eastwood at his grizzled best. Malkovich is genuinely menacing, creating a formidable and unsettling villain. Petersen masterfully ratchets up the tension, making for a gripping cinematic experience.
• The New York Times: “A sharp, well-crafted thriller with a compelling cat-and-mouse dynamic. Eastwood delivers a solid performance, but Malkovich steals the show with his chilling portrayal of a disillusioned assassin. The film keeps you on the edge of your seat.
• Variety: “A slick, entertaining thriller that showcases Eastwood’s enduring appeal. Malkovich provides a compelling counterpoint, making their interactions captivating. The film offers a blend of suspense, action, and psychological intrigue.

Audience Reactions

John Malkovich’s performance is unforgettable; he makes the perfect villain.: The suspenseful plot keeps you guessing until the very end, with great acting by Eastwood and Malkovich.

The chemistry between Eastwood and Russo adds a mature and charming touch to the film.: Well directed with a suspenseful tone. A classic thriller that still holds up.

Overall Consensus: A highly regarded thriller with strong performances and a suspenseful plot.

Awards

1. Academy Awards (Best Original Screenplay)- 1994

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Clint Eastwood, at 62, performed the stunt of hanging from the ledge himself, with a safety belt. Stuntmen were used for the jump and fall.”
• “The film incorporates a digitally altered photo placing Clint Eastwood’s character at the side of JFK in Dallas, adding depth to his character’s history.”
• “The script had been circulating in Hollywood for a decade before being picked up by Castle Rock Entertainment, with Dustin Hoffman initially considered for the lead role.”

🖥️ How to Watch In the Line of Fire?

In the Line of Fire is available to rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable availability. Physical copies (Blu-ray, DVD) can be purchased from major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed In the Line of Fire, you might like these similar films:

• The Day of the Jackal (1973): Features a professional assassin meticulously planning to kill a political figure, focusing on the suspense of the plot.
• The Bodyguard (1992): Involves a protector, haunted by a past failure, risking everything to save their charge and falling in love in the process.
• Air Force One (1997): Directed by Wolfgang Petersen, it features a president fighting back against terrorists, offering similar suspense and action.
• Shooter (2007): A skilled marksman is framed for an assassination attempt and must use his skills to clear his name and expose a conspiracy.
• Vantage Point (2008): Presents an assassination attempt from multiple perspectives, creating a complex and suspenseful thriller.

🛒 In the Line of Fire Related Products

• In the Line of Fire [Blu-ray]: Experience the film in stunning high-definition. A must-have for any movie collector, it features bonus content such as behind-the-scenes footage and director commentary.
• Clint Eastwood: A Filmmaker’s Journey: Explore the career of Clint Eastwood with this biography, including insights into his roles and directing style. Learn about his work, impact on cinema, and get more from his films.
• Presidential Protection Detail Patch: Show your support for the real heroes with this high-quality patch. Ideal for decorating jackets, backpacks, or hats, this patch adds a touch of authenticity and respect.
• John Malkovich Movie Collection [DVD]: Own more John Malkovich’s movies from the 90s and 2000s to experience his range of acting in different genre’s

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “In the Line of Fire” – performed by Ennio Morricone
• “Willow Weep For Me” – performed by Ann Ronell

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Secret Service Agent Rates 11 POTUS Protection Scenes In Movies And TV | How Real Is It? | Insider

Ever wondered how realistic the movie’s portrayal of Secret Service protection is? This video has it covered, with an actual former agent breaking down scenes from ‘In the Line of Fire’ and others. It’s fascinating stuff!

✨ Rate