Intolerable Cruelty Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A ridiculously handsome lawyer keeps divorcing people until he accidentally marries someone who is also trying to divorce people.

🍿 Intolerable Cruelty: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Miles Massey

Miles Massey (George Clooney) is a successful Los Angeles divorce attorney, known for his winning record and the impenetrable ‘Massey Prenup.’ Despite his achievements, Miles feels a sense of boredom and seeks new challenges in his life. He’s a man who has it all, or at least, two of everything.

Meeting Marylin Rexroth

Miles encounters Marylin Rexroth (Catherine Zeta-Jones), the soon-to-be ex-wife of his client Rex Rexroth (Edward Herrmann). Marylin is determined to secure financial independence through her divorce. However, Miles’ legal skills leave her with nothing. This sets the stage for Marylin’s elaborate scheme for revenge.

Marylin’s Revenge

Marylin quickly marries oil tycoon Howard Doyle (Billy Bob Thornton) as part of her plan. Miles and his associate Wrigley (Paul Adelstein) become increasingly entangled in Marylin’s web of deception. The undeniable attraction between Miles and Marylin escalates their battle of wits and wills.

Vegas Wedding and the Truth Unveiled

Miles and Marylin find themselves in Las Vegas, where they impulsively get married. Miles attempts to sign the Massey Prenup to prove his intentions, but Marylin tears it up. He announces plans to shift his focus to pro-bono work. However, he soon discovers that Howard D. Doyle was merely an actor, revealing Marylin’s deception.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Miles Massey (George Clooney): A prominent and successful, yet bored, divorce attorney who finds a challenging match in Marylin.
• Marylin Rexroth (Catherine Zeta-Jones): A cunning gold-digger who schemes to get revenge on Miles after he prevents her from getting a settlement from her ex-husband.
• Howard D. Doyle (Billy Bob Thornton): A supposed oil tycoon and Marylin’s second husband who becomes a pawn in her plan for revenge.
• Gus Petch (Cedric The Entertainer): A private investigator hired by Marylin who later finds success hosting a TV show.
• Rex Rexroth (Edward Herrmann): Marylin’s wealthy, philandering ex-husband who hires Miles as his divorce attorney.
• Donovan Donaly (Geoffrey Rush): A soap opera producer who helps Marylin in her scheme for revenge against Miles.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Miles: “I have an absence of need to be elsewhere.” – Miles says this to Marylin when she questions why such a successful man is spending time with her.
• Marylin: “I’m not after money, I’m after wealth, independence, and freedom.” – Marylin explains to Miles her motivations for marrying rich men.
• Wrigley: “What the fuck color would it be?” – Said by a waitress after Wrigley asks if she has a green salad.
• Miles: “Sometimes things that begin badly, end badly.” – Miles explains how quickly love is lost.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $60,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $35,327,628
• Worldwide Gross: $120,802,239

💥 Intolerable Cruelty Reviews

Personal Review

I enjoyed this movie as a lighthearted, though imperfect, watch. Clooney and Zeta-Jones have good chemistry. It’s not the Coens’ best work, and the plot is silly, but I found it entertaining. There’s something timeless and appealing to the screwball humor.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of romantic comedies with a dark edge”
  • “Viewers who appreciate the Coen Brothers’ quirky humor”
  • “Those interested in movies about legal battles and relationship dynamics”
  • “Fans of George Clooney and Catherine Zeta-Jones”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Some suggestive content”
  • “Mild language”
  • “Brief comedic violence”

Professional Reviews

• Roger Ebert: “Ebert praises Clooney and Zeta-Jones chemistry, notes that it’s a worthy entry in the Coen Brothers’ filmography with well-written dialogue, that is full of wit and sarcasm.
• A.O. Scott: “While acknowledging the sharp performances, Scott notes that the film lacks the depth and emotional resonance of the Coens’ best work.
• Peter Travers: “Travers mentions it as an okay comedy, but the movie fails to reach its potential due to a predictable plot and lack of genuine emotional connection. Nevertheless, the performances of Clooney and Zeta-Jones bring life to the screen

Audience Reactions

The quick-witted dialogue and back-and-forth banter are undeniably entertaining and well-written.: Viewers praise the Coen brothers’ signature style and the performances of the lead actors.

Many found the movie predictable and lacking the depth of the Coens’ other films, expressing disappointment with the storyline.: Some viewers found the movie funny, but others have deemed it to be silly and somewhat unrealistic.

Overall Consensus: A fun, entertaining, romantic comedy with memorable performances, although it may not be the Coen Brothers’ most profound or impactful film.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Catherine Zeta-Jones’ performance was inspired by Katharine Hepburn’s romantic roles, adding a touch of classic Hollywood glamour.”
• “The Coen Brothers initially passed on the script, but later decided to direct it after some revisions.”
• “Much of the humor relies on exaggerated caricatures of the wealthy and the legal system, a common theme in Coen Brothers’ films.”
• “The movie satirizes the complex and often absurd nature of California divorce law.”

🖥️ How to Watch Intolerable Cruelty?

Intolerable Cruelty is available for streaming on platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV, where you can rent or purchase it. Check your local listings for TV airings. You may also find it for sale on DVD and Blu-ray at major retailers like Amazon and Walmart.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Intolerable Cruelty, you might like these similar films:

• His Girl Friday (1940): Fast-paced, witty dialogue and a battle of wits between a man and a woman in the world of journalism.
• Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988): Features con artists trying to outsmart each other with elaborate schemes, similar to the cat-and-mouse game between Miles and Marylin.
• War of the Roses (1989): A darkly comedic take on a marriage falling apart, escalating into a bitter and destructive battle, sharing the theme of marital warfare.
• Catch Me If You Can (2002): A charismatic con artist leads authorities on a merry chase, using charm and cleverness to stay one step ahead, much like Marilyn.

🛒 Intolerable Cruelty Related Products

• George Clooney Movie Collection (DVD): A collection featuring some of George Clooney’s most iconic roles. The quality makes this an excellent collector’s item.
• Catherine Zeta-Jones: A Celebration (Biography): An in-depth look into the life and career of Catherine Zeta-Jones, including behind-the-scenes stories and rare photographs. Gives a broader sense of her career.
• Divorce Court: The Complete Series: Relive the most outrageous and unforgettable cases from the iconic TV show. A fun collection that brings joy to many fans.
• Coen Brothers Collection (Blu-ray): A compilation featuring several of the Coen Brothers’ acclaimed films, offering a complete retrospective of their distinctive style. Comes in a beautiful box set.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “The Boxer” – performed by Simon & Garfunkel
• “Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien” – performed by Edith Piaf
• “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” – performed by Marilyn Monroe
• “End Credit Performance” – performed by Colin Linden

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Directors Who Mastered The Art Of The Minor Character

Have you ever wondered how the Coen Brothers breathe life into even the smallest roles? This video essay dives into their masterful technique, using ‘Intolerable Cruelty’ as a prime example. Get ready to appreciate the art of minor characters!

Analysis of a Negotiation

Curious about the intricate negotiations in ‘Intolerable Cruelty’? This video breaks down a pivotal scene, revealing the strategies and power dynamics at play. It’s a must-watch for anyone interested in the art of negotiation!

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