Taking Lives Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Angelina Jolie awkwardly romances a serial killer while solving crimes in Canada, proving that love really is blind, especially when there’s copious amounts of moody lighting.

🍿 Taking Lives: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Deadly Encounter

In the early 1980s, a young Martin Asher meets Matt Soulsby on a bus to Canada. When the bus breaks down, they rent a car together. During a roadside stop to fix a flat tire, Martin pushes Matt into the path of an oncoming truck, killing him and the driver. He then assumes Matt’s identity, marking the beginning of his life as a serial killer who steals the lives of his victims.

FBI Profiler Arrives

Twenty years later, FBI profiler Illeana Scott arrives in Montreal to investigate a series of murders. The killer’s modus operandi involves assuming the identities of his male victims. Illeana’s unique profiling methods lead her to believe the killer is taking on the lives of those he murders. The police also receive a tip from Martin’s estranged mother.

Witness and Romance

James Costa, an artist, witnesses the latest murder and provides a sketch of the killer. Illeana becomes romantically involved with Costa, which clouds her judgment and puts her in danger. The police initially suspect another man, Hart, who is later killed in a car chase, seemingly resolving the case.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Illeana (Angelina Jolie): An FBI profiler who is called to Montreal to investigate a serial killer who assumes the identities of his victims.
• Costa (Ethan Hawke): An art dealer and key witness who becomes romantically involved with Illeana, while harboring a dark secret.
• Hart (Kiefer Sutherland): Initially a suspect, he is the presumed twin brother of the serial killer.
• Mrs. Asher (Gena Rowlands): The mother of the serial killer, harboring a dark family history.
• Paquette (Olivier Martinez): A Montreal police officer working with Illeana on the serial killer case.
• Leclair (Tchéky Karyo): The head of the Montreal police, coordinating with Illeana on the investigation.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Martin Asher: “That guy was nothing, alright? I didn’t take his life, I lived it. I was the best thing that ever happened to that guy.” – Asher explains his twisted logic of not just killing, but assuming the identities of his victims.
• Martin Asher: “You looked at him, and you saw me, and I looked at you, and I saw you, and we are the same.” – Asher tries to connect with Illeana, suggesting a shared darkness or understanding of the killer instinct.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $45,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $32,682,342
• Worldwide Gross: $65,470,529

💥 Taking Lives Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I watched this for Angelina, and while she’s great to look at, the movie is all over the place. The plot twists were so obvious, I was predicting them before they even happened. The ending was ridiculous with how easily fooled Illeana was. The romance felt forced and didn’t make any sense. I mean, come on, she’s a tough FBI agent and then she’s just a puddle for a serial killer? There are moments that keep you watching, mostly to see how bad it will get. The part where the killer is under the mattress made me jump. It’s worth watching once if you don’t expect too much.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of crime thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in serial killer stories”
  • “Angelina Jolie fans”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Gore”
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Strong language”

Professional Reviews

• IMDB: “Angelina Jolie is a treat to watch on screen but the film overall is predictable, and the plot had been done before. There’s not enough originality to separate from similar thriller movies. Only watch if you are a fan of Angelina, because the ending is obviously easy to predict.
• IMDB: “”Taking Lives” feels like a weak-spined, half-hearted effort in an already played-out genre, even though Jolie is watchable as a serial killer expert. A formulaic movie to pass time, but very easily forgotten with poor acting.
• IMDB: “Overall, it is an acceptable suspense movie full of intrigue , thrills , action , twists and turns with some great scenes of cinematography. This film is made for Angelina Jolie , she is in each shot, being beautiful and playing rightly. Hawke is mediocre.

Audience Reactions

The initial premise of the killer stealing identities was intriguing, but it was squandered.: Most viewers enjoyed the suspenseful moments, even if they were predictable.

Gena Rowlands provided some campy fun as the killer’s mother.: Angelina Jolie’s performance was a highlight, even though the material was lacking.

Overall Consensus: While the cast is talented, ‘Taking Lives’ is a predictable and unoriginal thriller that fails to deliver on its initial promise.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “A scene was shot in which Illeana drives back to her house with the old pick-up, and a branch from a tree falls and breaks the windshield. It took several takes to get the shot and apparently destroyed the last remaining windshields for the pick-up available anywhere in North America at the time. The scene was not used.”
• “The filming locations were primarily in Montréal and Québec City, Canada, adding a distinct French-Canadian atmosphere to the crime thriller.”
• “The movie is available in both its R-rated theatrical version (103 min.) and in an unrated director’s cut (109 min.).”

🖥️ How to Watch Taking Lives?

Taking Lives is available for rent or purchase on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options. Availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Taking Lives, you might like these similar films:

• Seven (1995): Both are dark, stylish crime thrillers with a focus on catching a serial killer with a twisted motive.
• The Bone Collector (1999): Features a brilliant but troubled investigator working to solve a series of gruesome murders, similar to Angelina Jolie’s role.
• Kiss the Girls (1997): Another thriller where the plot revolves around capturing a serial killer and the race against time.
• Copycat (1995): FBI agent must capture an illusive serial killer, just like in Taking Lives.

🛒 Taking Lives Related Products

• Taking Lives [Blu-ray]: Own the suspenseful thriller on Blu-ray and experience Taking Lives in high definition. Includes special features and behind-the-scenes content.
• FBI Special Agent ID Badge: Officially licensed prop replica. Complete with a replica photo of Illeana Scott. Ideal for display.
• Taking Lives Poster: This premium poster is a perfect wall art item to show your love for this incredible movie.
• Serial Killer Profiling: An Introduction to the Science of Profiling: Learn about the techniques and methodologies used by FBI profilers in real-world investigations.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Bad” – performed by U2
• “The End of the World” – performed by Cradle of Filth
• “Untitled” – performed by Philip Glass

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Angelina Jolie, Ethan Hawke & Oliver Martinez Interview (2004) – Taking Lives

Curious about the making of ‘Taking Lives’? Join Angelina Jolie, Ethan Hawke, and Oliver Martinez as they share their experiences and perspectives on the film in this exclusive interview.

Taking Lives 2

Looking for a comedic twist on ‘Taking Lives’? Check out this hilarious parody that will leave you laughing and questioning your own assumptions about the film.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=a-Ky4zMdR28

✨ Rate