The Matador Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Burned-out James Bond becomes besties with a Denver salesman and they solve each other’s problems with margaritas and mild criminal activity, like a therapy session directed by Quentin Tarantino.

🍿 The Matador: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Meeting in Mexico City

Julian Noble, a seasoned but weary hitman, encounters Danny Wright, a struggling businessman, in a Mexico City hotel bar. Julian’s unconventional behavior and frank discussion of his profession intrigue and unsettle Danny. Their initial interactions are marked by awkwardness and contrasting personalities, yet a peculiar connection begins to form.

An Unlikely Friendship

Despite their disparate backgrounds, Julian and Danny spend time together, attending a bullfight where Julian explains his work in stark terms. He even stages a mock assassination to demonstrate his skills. Danny remains skeptical but increasingly drawn into Julian’s chaotic world. Julian later asks Danny for help with a job, offering a substantial sum of money.

The Denver Visit

Six months later, Julian appears at Danny’s home in Denver, revealing that he is now a target himself. He explains his recent failures and seeks Danny’s assistance. Danny, along with his wife Bean, cautiously welcomes Julian, leading to an uneasy alliance. The trio forms a bond, highlighted by a dance scene that reveals hidden truths about Julian’s past.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Julian Noble (Pierce Brosnan): A burnt-out, eccentric hitman facing a mid-life crisis, seeks an escape from his lonely existence.
• Danny Wright (Greg Kinnear): A down-on-his-luck businessman seeking a breakthrough, finds his life unexpectedly intertwined with Julian’s.
• Carolyn ‘Bean’ Wright (Hope Davis): Danny’s supportive and understanding wife, who becomes intrigued by Julian’s presence.
• Mr. Randy (Philip Baker Hall): Julian’s handler, who is tasked with overseeing Julian’s assignments and eventual termination.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Julian Noble: “Margaritas and cock.” – Julian bluntly responds to Danny’s observation that margaritas taste better in Mexico, showcasing his crude and unapologetic personality.
• Julian Noble: “Just consider me the best cocktail party story you ever met.” – Julian’s line to Danny after asking for help with a job, highlighting his self-awareness and unusual charm.
• Julian Noble: “I look like a Bangkok hooker on a Sunday morning, after the navy’s left town.” – Said by Julian describing his disheveled state, showcasing his self-deprecating humor and world-weariness.
• Julian Noble: “My business is my pleasure.” – Said by Julian at the hotel bar, revealing his profession as a hitman.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $12.5M
• Domestic Gross: $12.59M
• Worldwide Gross: $17.36M

💥 The Matador Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved *The Matador*! It was such a surprise to see Pierce Brosnan in a role that was so different from James Bond. His portrayal of Julian Noble was hilarious and surprisingly poignant. The scene where he’s walking through the hotel lobby in his Speedo and boots had me in stitches! The friendship between Julian and Danny felt genuine, and I was completely invested in their story. It’s a movie I’ll definitely watch again!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of dark comedies”
  • “Viewers interested in character-driven stories”
  • “Those who enjoy Pierce Brosnan’s work beyond James Bond”
  • “Audiences who appreciate unconventional buddy comedies”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Brief violence”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Brosnan delivers a career-best performance as a world-weary assassin in this darkly comedic thriller. Kinnear provides excellent support, making for a surprisingly touching and funny odd-couple dynamic. Shepard’s direction is sharp and stylish.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Pierce Brosnan shines in a role that allows him to subvert his suave persona. The film’s offbeat humor and character-driven narrative make for an engaging viewing experience. The script could be tighter, but the performances make it worthwhile.
• Empire: “While the plot meanders, Brosnan’s performance is a revelation, showcasing his comedic timing. Kinnear is reliably solid, but the film ultimately belongs to Brosnan, who embraces the role with gusto. The film has enjoyable moments and has a good cast.

Audience Reactions

Brosnan’s performance is a career highlight, proving he can do comedy and drama equally well.: Viewers consistently praise Pierce Brosnan’s unexpected and brilliant comedic performance.

The unlikely friendship between the two main characters is surprisingly heartfelt and engaging.: Many viewers appreciated the genuine connection between the characters despite their contrasting personalities.

Overall Consensus: The Matador is a darkly comedic character study buoyed by strong performances from Pierce Brosnan and Greg Kinnear. Though the plot can be uneven, the film’s humor and heart make it a worthwhile watch.

Awards

1. Golden Globe Award (Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy)- 2006

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Richard Shepard wrote the screenplay intending to film it on digital video with a small budget, not expecting it to be made in Hollywood.”
• “Pierce Brosnan took a significant pay cut and altered his appearance (gaining weight, growing a mustache) to play Julian Noble, demonstrating his commitment to the role and departure from his James Bond persona.”
• “The filmmakers included a disclaimer in the credits stating they do not condone bullfighting but respect its tradition in Mexican culture, emphasizing that no animals were harmed during filming.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Matador?

The Matador is available for rent or purchase on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options. You can also find DVD and Blu-ray copies at major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

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

• Grosse Pointe Blank (1997): A hitman attends his high school reunion, blending dark comedy with action and self-reflection, similar to Julian’s existential crisis.
• In Bruges (2008): Two hitmen hide out in Bruges after a job gone wrong, exploring themes of guilt, redemption, and unexpected friendship in a darkly comedic way.
• The Tailor of Panama (2001): Another Pierce Brosnan performance as a suave but morally questionable character involved in espionage and intrigue.
• Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005): A crime caper with dark humor, unlikely partnerships, and sharp dialogue, offering a modern, stylish take on the genre.
• Pulp Fiction (1994): Features hitmen as central characters in intertwining stories, blending violence, humor, and memorable dialogue.

🛒 The Matador Related Products

• The World Is Not Enough (James Bond) [Blu-ray]: Revisit Pierce Brosnan as 007 in ‘The World Is Not Enough,’ a high-octane adventure filled with classic Bond action and gadgets. This Blu-ray edition delivers stunning visuals and sound, perfect for any Bond enthusiast. It’s a great way to see Brosnan in his iconic role before ‘The Matador’.
• Greg Kinnear Signed Photo – Autographed 8×10: Own a piece of cinematic history with this autographed photo of Greg Kinnear. Perfect for collectors and fans of his versatile acting career. The authenticity of the signature is guaranteed, adding value to this unique collectible. This collectible photo is a must-have for any Greg Kinnear aficionado.
• Sombrero Mexicano Autentico: This is an authentic Mexican Sombrero. It is high quality and perfect to represent The Matador movie when Julian is in Mexico. Put this sombrero on today!
• Hitman: World of Assassination – PlayStation 5: Experience the ultimate stealth-action game as Agent 47, a master assassin. This PS5 edition delivers stunning graphics, immersive gameplay, and a vast open world filled with targets to eliminate. Perfect for fans of ‘The Matador’ who enjoy the world of professional killers and strategic gameplay.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “A Town Called Malice” – performed by The Jam
• “Perdido” – performed by Xavier Cugat
• “Mr. Brightside” – performed by The Killers

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Pierce Brosnan – “Get the F*ck away from me”

Remember that hilarious scene where Pierce Brosnan’s character just loses it? This is it! It’s short, sweet, and perfectly captures the film’s dark humor. I still crack up every time I see it.

✨ Rate