🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Wolfgang Petersen
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller, Neo-noir
- Release year: 1991
- Runtime (length): 1h 38min
- IMDb rating: 6.5/10 (13K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 27%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Amnesiac guy keeps finding clues about his life before the accident, and it turns out he’s not even the guy he thinks he is, because face transplants are apparently foolproof and nobody notices a personality change.
🍿 Shattered: Detailed Plot Synopsis
The Car Accident and Amnesia
Dan Merrick (Tom Berenger) and his wife Judith (Greta Scacchi) are involved in a severe car accident on New Year’s Eve. Dan suffers extensive facial trauma and complete amnesia, while Judith sustains only minor injuries. He undergoes reconstructive surgery to restore his face and begins the difficult process of rebuilding his life, relying heavily on Judith’s accounts of their past.

Unraveling the Past
As Dan tries to piece together his identity, he experiences fragmented flashbacks and unsettling inconsistencies in the stories he’s told. He discovers evidence suggesting that his marriage to Judith was far from perfect. He finds photos of Judith with another man, sparking suspicion and leading him to question everything he thought he knew.

The Private Investigator
Seeking answers, Dan locates Gus Klein (Bob Hoskins), a pet shop owner who also works as a private investigator. Dan learns that he had hired Gus before the accident to investigate Judith’s infidelity. Gus provides further information about Judith’s affair, deepening Dan’s distrust and fueling his determination to uncover the truth about his past and the circumstances surrounding the car accident.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Dan Merrick (Tom Berenger): An amnesiac architect trying to piece together his shattered past after a horrific car accident.
- Judith Merrick (Greta Scacchi): Dan’s seemingly devoted wife who harbors secrets about their relationship and the events leading up to the accident.
- Gus Klein (Bob Hoskins): A pet shop owner and part-time private detective hired by Dan to investigate his past and uncover the truth.
- Jenny Scott (Joanne Whalley): The wife of Dan’s business partner who knows more about Dan’s past than she initially reveals.
- Jeb Scott (Corbin Bernsen): Dan’s business partner, who has his own motives and may be hiding crucial information.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Dan Merrick: “You know what I like about amnesia?” – Dan says this to Judith, trying to find a silver lining in his condition after the car accident.
- Dan Merrick: “Well, after seven years of marriage, I get to fall in love with you all over again.” – Dan finishes the thought, expressing a desire to rekindle his relationship with his wife.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $22,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $11,511,031
- Worldwide Gross: $11,511,031
💥 Shattered Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, I admit it, I love this movie! The amnesia plot, the femme fatale, the unexpected twists – it’s pure ’90s thriller goodness. I remember being completely shocked by the ending the first time I saw it. Bob Hoskins is fantastic as the wisecracking private eye, and the overall atmosphere is just so suspenseful. Even though some parts might seem a little dated now, ‘Shattered’ is still a guilty pleasure that I revisit every few years. I get sucked in every time!
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of neo-noir thrillers”
- “Viewers who enjoy plot twists and suspenseful mysteries”
- “Those interested in psychological thrillers with elements of amnesia and identity deception”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Violence”
- “Sexual content and nudity”
- “Mature themes including adultery and murder”
Professional Reviews
- Variety: “While not a groundbreaking thriller, ‘Shattered’ offers enough twists and turns to keep audiences engaged, thanks to Petersen’s taut direction and strong performances from Berenger and Hoskins. The plot may strain credibility for some, but the suspense is undeniable.
- RogerEbert.com: “Shattered is a film that starts with promise but falters under the weight of its own ambition. Wolfgang Petersen creates an intriguing mystery, but the implausible plot twists ultimately undermine the film’s credibility. Still, the performances are solid, and the atmosphere is effectively unsettling.
Audience Reactions
The twist ending is shocking and completely unexpected.: Viewers praise the film’s numerous plot twists and surprises that keep them guessing until the very end.
Bob Hoskins steals the show as the quirky pet shop owner/private investigator.: Hoskins’ performance is frequently cited as a highlight, bringing humor and heart to the film.
Overall Consensus: A twisty thriller with strong performances that may suffer from a somewhat implausible plot, but remains entertaining for fans of the genre.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Greta Scacchi felt uncomfortable with the number of intimate scenes she had to perform, stating she had worked with too many famous actors in similar positions recently.”
- “Director Wolfgang Petersen, known for ‘Das Boot,’ brings his signature suspenseful style to this neo-noir thriller, incorporating elements of classic film noir.”
- “The film makes symbolic use of natural elements like the pounding waves against the shore to amplify the script’s dramatic tension.”
🖥️ How to Watch Shattered?
As of October 2024, “Shattered” is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability and pricing.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Shattered, you might like these similar films:
- Dead Again (1991): Released in the same year and featuring amnesia, mystery, and suspenseful plot twists related to past lives and identity.
- Presumed Innocent (1990): Also starring Greta Scacchi in a suspenseful role, this film explores themes of betrayal, secrets, and a character trying to uncover the truth.
- Basic Instinct (1992): A neo-noir thriller with complex characters, shocking twists, and a dangerous femme fatale, similar to the atmosphere and style of Shattered.
🛒 Shattered Related Products
- Shattered (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Audio CD]: Relive the suspense with the original soundtrack by Alan Silvestri, capturing the film’s mood with every track. This CD is for those who love to immerse themselves in the world of Shattered.
- Tom Berenger: The Early Years DVD Collection: This collection showcases early roles featuring Tom Berenger. A must-have for true fans of Berenger, diving into his career origins.
- Neo-Noir Film Collection [Blu-ray]: A curated selection of classic and modern neo-noir films, featuring Shattered. Immerse yourself in suspense, plot twists, and stylish cinematography with this essential collection for thriller fans.
- Private Investigator Starter Kit – Magnifying Glass, Trench Coat, Fedora Hat: Channel your inner Gus Klein with this fun costume set. Perfect for parties, cosplay, or just lounging around while solving mysteries.
🎧 Soundtrack
Shattered features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Nights in White Satin” – performed by The Moody Blues
- “Shattered – Main Theme” – performed by Alan Silvestri
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
The shocking twist is that the man who underwent reconstructive surgery after the car accident wasn’t Dan Merrick, but Judith’s lover, Jack Stanton. Judith murdered Dan before the accident and manipulated Stanton’s identity to inherit Dan’s fortune.
Yes, Shattered is based on the novel “The Plastic Face” by Richard Neely.
Wolfgang Petersen, known for directing films like “Das Boot,” “Air Force One,” and “The Perfect Storm,” directed Shattered.
🔥 Bonus Content
Surprised everyone with what he did🤯🔥
Whoa, this video has over 21 million views! I’m intrigued to see what surprises are in store – it must be good to get that much attention, right? Check it out and let me know what you think.
Fnaf Security Breach edit+ shattered animatronics #securitybreach #fnafedit #fnaf
Okay, even if you don’t know Five Nights at Freddy’s, this edit is visually stunning. The shattered animatronics are strangely mesmerizing. Gives the heebie jeebies!
Zac Efron opens up to ET about his shattered jaw injury #shorts
Did you know Zac Efron almost *died* from a shattered jaw? This video is insane!! This is crazy!
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