The Informers Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Rich, shallow people in 80s L.A. do bad things, and literally nothing connects, except that everyone probably gave each other AIDS.

🍿 The Informers: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to 1983 Los Angeles

“The Informers” presents a week in the lives of interconnected characters in 1983 Los Angeles, a world filled with excess, moral ambiguity, and superficial relationships. Movie executives, rock stars, and their children navigate a landscape saturated with sex, drugs, and violence. The film interweaves their stories, highlighting the emptiness and consequences of their hedonistic lifestyles. The film introduces a web of relationships and struggles, showing the complexities of family dynamics and the search for meaning in a vapid environment. Each character grapples with their own personal demons, whether it’s marital infidelity, drug addiction, or the simple pursuit of pleasure.

Interwoven Stories of Decadence

The film explores multiple storylines simultaneously, showcasing the interconnectedness of the characters. We see William Sloan, a movie executive, trying to reconcile with his estranged wife, Laura, while still involved with a news anchor. Their son, Graham, drifts through life, dealing drugs and engaging in casual relationships. A rock star named Bryan struggles with his past and present demons. These interconnected tales illustrate the consequences of their choices, highlighting the emptiness and moral decay prevalent in their lives. The film contrasts the outward glamour with the internal turmoil, creating a stark and unsettling portrayal of 1980s Los Angeles.

Jack and the Kidnapping Plot

One of the darker storylines involves Jack, a hotel doorman, and his uncle Peter. Peter involves Jack in a kidnapping plot, forcing him to harbor a kidnapped child. This subplot contrasts sharply with the excess of the other characters, adding a layer of crime and moral corruption to the narrative. The story culminates in Peter killing the child, highlighting the brutality and moral bankruptcy present in the film. Brad Renfro, in his final role, delivers a compelling performance as Jack, showcasing his internal struggle with the situation he is forced into. His character offers a glimpse of morality amidst the pervasive darkness.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• William Sloan (Billy Bob Thornton): A wealthy movie producer trying to reconcile with his estranged wife while entangled in affairs.
• Laura Sloan (Kim Basinger): A pill-popping, wealthy woman navigating the complexities of her broken marriage and her son’s life.
• Graham Sloan (Jon Foster): A drug-dealing college student grappling with aimlessness and conflicted feelings in 1980s Los Angeles.
• Christie (Amber Heard): Graham’s girlfriend, embodying the promiscuity and tragic consequences of the era.
• Peter (Mickey Rourke): A scumbag with child abductor who involves his nephew in his criminal schemes.
• Cheryl Moore (Winona Ryder): The local news reporter with entangled in affairs.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Graham Sloan: “I need someone to tell me what is good, OK? And I need someone to tell me what’s bad.” – Graham expresses his confusion and moral ambiguity, revealing his need for guidance.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $18,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $300,000
• Worldwide Gross: $382,174

💥 The Informers Reviews

Personal Review

I struggled with this movie. While the 80s aesthetic is well-executed, the lack of a central plot made it feel disjointed. The performances were fine, but it was hard to care about any of the characters. The ending felt abrupt and left me wondering what the point of it all was. I will admit the movie does feel like a guilty pleasure with it’s over the top depictions of 80’s excess. Not sure if I recommend it.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Bret Easton Ellis’s novels”
  • “Viewers interested in dark, character-driven dramas”
  • “Those fascinated by portrayals of 1980s excess and moral ambiguity”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic sexual content”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Violence”
  • “Nudity”
  • “Child abduction”

Professional Reviews

• ScreenRant: “Similar to *American Psycho*, this movie offers a stylized look into a morally bankrupt society, although it lacks the same sharp satire and gripping narrative.
• IMDB: “While some veteran actors gave decent performances the material seemed more shallow than the LA socialites the film was following.
• IMDB: “It’s shiny, it’s sleazy, but it’s no Easton Ellis

Audience Reactions

Some praised the movie for its accurate depiction of 80’s culture and the decadence of the era.: While highly divisive, those who enjoyed it praised its atmosphere and commentary on moral decay.

Overall Consensus: A divisive film that struggles with a weak plot but is praised for its atmospheric portrayal of 1980s Los Angeles and themes of moral decay and decadence.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on a collection of short stories by Bret Easton Ellis, who also co-wrote the screenplay.”
• “Brad Renfro’s role as Jack was his final film appearance before his death shortly before the film’s release. Many reviewers commented on his performance given the circumstances.”
• “Although set in 1983 Los Angeles, much of the filming took place in Buenos Aires, Argentina, due to budget considerations.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Informers?

As of October 2024, “The Informers” is available for rent or purchase on various platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming service for current availability and pricing. It may also be available through cable provider on-demand services.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Informers, you might like these similar films:

• Less Than Zero (1987): Also based on a Bret Easton Ellis novel, explores similar themes of wealthy, disaffected youth in Los Angeles dealing with drugs and moral decay.
• American Psycho (2000): Another Bret Easton Ellis adaptation exploring themes of excess, materialism, and moral bankruptcy, but with a more satirical and violent approach.
• Boogie Nights (1997): Set in the late 1970s and early 1980s, it captures the atmosphere of a specific subculture (the porn industry) during a similar era of excess and changing social norms.

🛒 The Informers Related Products

• Bret Easton Ellis: American Psycho, Less Than Zero, The Rules of Attraction, The Informers (4 Books Collection Set): A collection of four iconic novels by Bret Easton Ellis, each capturing a unique facet of American culture and society. This set offers a deep dive into Ellis’s provocative and boundary-pushing narratives.
• The Informers by Bret Easton Ellis: A collection of interconnected short stories from the author of *American Psycho*, depicting the decadent and often disturbing lives of affluent youth in 1980s Los Angeles.
• Retro 80s Sunglasses Vintage Square Frame: Vintage-inspired sunglasses that capture the essence of 1980s fashion. These glasses are a stylish accessory for themed parties or everyday wear.
• 80s Music Hits CD: A compilation of iconic hits from the 1980s, featuring a blend of pop, rock, and new wave tracks that defined the decade’s sound.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “New Gold Dream (81/82/83/84)” – performed by Simple Minds

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Video: Amber Heard, ‘The Informers’

Ever wonder what the actors think about their films right as they premiere? Amber Heard shares her thoughts on ‘The Informers’ at Sundance. It’s a short clip, but it gives you a great feel for the energy around the movie at the time!

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