The Million Dollar Hotel Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A bunch of quirky homeless folks try to cash in on a dead rich kid while a grumpy detective with a neck brace investigates, but mostly everyone just stares intensely into the middle distance.

🍿 The Million Dollar Hotel: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to the Million Dollar Hotel

The film opens with Tom Tom, a simple-minded young man, narrating as he jumps off the roof of the Million Dollar Hotel in Los Angeles. This dilapidated hotel is home to a diverse group of outcasts, misfits, and individuals struggling with mental illness. Tom Tom, played by Jeremy Davies, acts as a caretaker and friend to many of the residents.

The Death of Izzy Goldkiss

The central conflict arises with the death of Izzy Goldkiss, a junkie resident who falls from the hotel roof. The circumstances surrounding his death are unclear, leading to speculation of both murder and suicide. Izzy’s death draws the attention of FBI Agent Skinner, portrayed by Mel Gibson, who is tasked with investigating the incident.

Skinner’s Investigation and the Hotel Residents

Skinner’s investigation brings him into contact with the hotel’s eccentric residents, each with their own secrets and motivations. Among them are Eloise, a complex woman with whom Tom Tom is deeply in love; Geronimo, a self-proclaimed Native American artist; and Dixie, who believes he was the fifth member of the Beatles. As Skinner delves deeper, he uncovers a web of deceit and hidden agendas.

The Scheme to Profit from Izzy’s Death

The residents of the Million Dollar Hotel hatch a plan to capitalize on Izzy’s death by selling his ‘tar paintings,’ which they believe are valuable. This scheme adds another layer of complexity to the investigation, as Skinner must determine who is involved and what their true intentions are. The film explores themes of exploitation and the lengths to which people will go for financial gain.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Tom Tom (Jeremy Davies): A childlike man living in the Million Dollar Hotel, who falls in love with Eloise and narrates the story.
• Eloise (Milla Jovovich): A troubled and captivating woman residing at the hotel, who captures Tom Tom’s heart.
• Skinner (Mel Gibson): The FBI agent investigating Izzy’s death, who is known for his unconventional methods.
• Geronimo (Jimmy Smits): A Native American artist and resident of the hotel, involved in the scheme surrounding Izzy’s art.
• Dixie (Peter Stormare): An eccentric resident of the hotel who believes he was the ‘fifth Beatle’.
• Izzy Goldkiss (Tim Roth): The junkie son of a media mogul whose death initiates the investigation.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Tom Tom: “Wow, after I jumped, it occurred to me… life is perfect.” – Tom Tom narrates this as he jumps off the hotel roof at the beginning, encapsulating his innocent yet profound view of life.
• Tom Tom: “The heart is a sleeping beauty and love the only kiss it can’t resist.” – Tom Tom expresses his simple but deep understanding of love, reflecting the film’s romantic themes.
• Dixie: “I am the Walrus, goo goo g’joob.” – Dixie, the man who believes he is the fifth Beatle, often recites Beatles lyrics, highlighting his disconnection from reality.
• Skinner: “Tell me about the tar paintings.” – Detective Skinner’s persistent question represents his attempt to uncover the truth amidst the chaos of the hotel and its residents.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $8,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $59,989
• Worldwide Gross: $105,983

💥 The Million Dollar Hotel Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I watched ‘The Million Dollar Hotel’ last night and I’m still trying to figure out what I think! I was drawn to the atmosphere, the whole vibe of the hotel and its residents. Jeremy Davies was just phenomenal as Tom Tom, and Milla Jovovich really pulled at my heartstrings. There’s something about this movie that’s unsettling, but also strangely beautiful. It’s not an easy watch, but I can’t stop thinking about it. When Tom-Tom jumps from the roof with the knowledge that “life is perfect”, I felt a deep sadness, which is probably what the director wanted.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Wim Wenders’ films”
  • “Viewers interested in unconventional stories”
  • “Those who appreciate films with complex themes and characters”
  • “People who enjoy movies with a unique visual style”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Suicide”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Violence”

Professional Reviews

• Rolling Stone: “Wenders crafts a visually striking but ultimately hollow experience. The eccentric characters are intriguing, but the film struggles to find a cohesive narrative, leaving the audience more puzzled than moved. Mel Gibson’s performance is strangely subdued, adding to the film’s overall unevenness.
• Sight & Sound: “A fascinating misfire. ‘The Million Dollar Hotel’ is ambitious in its themes and visual style, but the script often feels disjointed. Davies and Jovovich bring a fragile humanity to their roles, elevating the film above its narrative shortcomings. It’s a film that lingers in the mind, even if it doesn’t fully satisfy.
• Variety: “Wim Wenders’s latest is a visually arresting but narratively muddy affair. While the performances are strong, especially Jeremy Davies’s portrayal of Tom Tom, the film’s meandering plot and reliance on quirky characters ultimately detract from its impact. A noble, if flawed, experiment.

Audience Reactions

The film’s unique portrayal of outcasts and misfits resonated deeply with viewers.: Many appreciated the film’s quirky characters and unconventional love story, finding beauty in its depiction of marginalized individuals.

Jeremy Davies’ performance as Tom Tom was widely praised for its vulnerability and sincerity.: Audiences connected with Tom Tom’s innocence and his unwavering love for Eloise, making his character the heart of the film.

Overall Consensus: A polarizing film that elicits strong reactions. While some find it a profound and moving portrayal of love and acceptance, others criticize its disjointed narrative and pretentious style.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The idea for ‘The Million Dollar Hotel’ originated from a story written by Bono of U2. He co-wrote the screenplay with Nicholas Klein.”
• “The movie was filmed almost entirely within the actual Rosslyn Hotel in downtown Los Angeles, adding to the film’s gritty and realistic atmosphere.”
• “The film’s soundtrack features original music by U2, Brian Eno, and Daniel Lanois, enhancing its emotional depth.”
• “Despite its notable cast and intriguing premise, ‘The Million Dollar Hotel’ received mixed reviews and had a limited theatrical release.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Million Dollar Hotel?

The Million Dollar Hotel is available for purchase or rental on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check your preferred streaming service for availability, as it may be subject to change. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray are also available through online retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Million Dollar Hotel, you might like these similar films:

• Down by Law (1986): Also directed by Wim Wenders, it shares a similar focus on marginalized characters and a unique, atmospheric style.
• One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975): Explores themes of mental illness, societal outcasts, and the search for freedom and individuality.
• Repo Man (1984): Shares a similar aesthetic with its portrayal of L.A. counter-culture and the lives of characters on the fringes of society, plus has a cult following.
• Being John Malkovich (1999): Presents an eccentric and surreal narrative, with a focus on unusual characters and unconventional relationships.

🛒 The Million Dollar Hotel Related Products

• The Million Dollar Hotel [Blu-ray]: High-definition Blu-ray edition of the film, providing enhanced visual and audio quality for a truly immersive viewing experience. Includes behind-the-scenes footage and interviews.
• U2 – The Million Dollar Hotel Soundtrack: The haunting soundtrack to the movie featuring U2. Includes the song The First Time.
• Mel Gibson: Four Films: 4 Mel Gibson movie collection, see Mel act in different movies.
• Poster: The Million Dollar Hotel: The movie poster in all of its glory, decorate you room with the memories of the movie.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “The First Time” – performed by U2
• “The Ground Beneath Her Feet” – performed by U2

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

U2 – The First Time

Ever wondered what song perfectly captures the vibe of ‘The Million Dollar Hotel’? Check out U2’s ‘The First Time’ – it’s on the soundtrack and honestly, it’s a mood.

tito larriva – anarchy in the usa – the million dollar hotel

You’ve GOT to hear Tito Larriva’s take on ‘Anarchy in the USA’ from ‘The Million Dollar Hotel’! It’s not your typical cover, and it totally fits the film’s quirky vibe.

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