The Negotiator Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A cop gets framed and decides the best way to clear his name is to become a bigger criminal, but luckily another cop is there to help him negotiate his way out of trouble, mostly by talking.

🍿 The Negotiator: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Framed for Corruption and Murder

Danny Roman (Samuel L. Jackson), a skilled Chicago police negotiator, finds his life turned upside down when he’s framed for the murder of his partner, Nate Roenick. Nate was investigating corruption within the police department’s pension fund and shared his suspicions with Danny shortly before his death. All evidence points to Danny, including an offshore bank account he claims to know nothing about. Faced with overwhelming evidence and betrayal by his colleagues, Danny becomes desperate to prove his innocence. He believes the key to clearing his name lies within the Internal Affairs office, leading him to take drastic measures.

Taking Hostages and Demanding Sabian

In a desperate attempt to clear his name, Danny storms into the Internal Affairs office, taking several hostages, including Inspector Niebaum, who is in charge of his case. He demands that Lieutenant Chris Sabian (Kevin Spacey), another skilled negotiator from a different district, be brought in to handle the situation. Danny believes Sabian is the only person he can trust because he’s not connected to the corruption. The arrival of Sabian sets the stage for a tense and complex negotiation. While trying to secure the release of the hostages and bring Danny to justice, Sabian begins to suspect that there is more to the story than meets the eye.

Unraveling the Conspiracy

As Danny and Sabian engage in a battle of wits and negotiation tactics, Danny uses his knowledge of the police force and the help of some hostages to uncover the truth behind the conspiracy. He discovers that several high-ranking officers are involved in embezzling money from the police pension fund. He also learns that Niebaum may be complicit in covering up the crimes. As the situation escalates, the FBI takes over, adding more pressure and complicating the investigation. Danny and Sabian must work together to expose the corrupt officers before it’s too late.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Danny Roman (Samuel L. Jackson): A skilled police negotiator who takes hostages to prove his innocence after being framed for murder and embezzlement.
• Chris Sabian (Kevin Spacey): An outside negotiator brought in to resolve the hostage situation, who becomes an ally to Roman as he uncovers the truth.
• Grant Frost (Ron Rifkin): A police commander revealed to be the corrupt ringleader behind the embezzlement and murder.
• Adam Beck (David Morse): A determined commander, who initially clashes with Roman but ultimately assists in exposing the corruption.
• Terence Niebaum (J.T. Walsh): An Internal Affairs inspector initially suspected, who is later revealed to be a pawn in the larger conspiracy.
• Rudy (Paul Giamatti): A two-bit con-man taken hostage by Roman who provides some comic relief and eventually aids him in uncovering the truth.
• Chief Al Travis (John Spencer): The Chief of Police who is managing the hostage situation.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Danny Roman: “When your friends betray you, sometimes the only people you can trust are strangers.” – Spoken as Roman realizes the depth of the corruption and the few options he has left.
• Chris Sabian: “You know, Danny, I’ve got a wife and a kid. I don’t need this.” – Said by Sabian to Roman, expressing the personal risk and complexity of the situation.
• Danny Roman: “I want Niebaum!” – Roman’s demand to speak with the Internal Affairs investigator he suspects is framing him.
• Chris Sabian: “You picked the wrong guy to play with, Danny.” – Spoken by Sabian, indicating his determination to solve the situation and hold Roman accountable if necessary.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $50,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $44,547,681
• Worldwide Gross: $44,547,681

💥 The Negotiator Reviews

Personal Review

I was hooked from the first scene! Jackson’s intensity and Spacey’s cool demeanor create an amazing dynamic. The tension was palpable as the plot thickened, and I found myself constantly guessing who the real villains were. The ending was satisfying, and I felt like I was on the edge of my seat until the very end. A total must-watch for any thriller fan!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of crime thrillers”
  • “Viewers who enjoy movies with intense negotiations”
  • “Those who appreciate strong performances from lead actors”
  • “People interested in police corruption storylines”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Violence”
  • “Brief scenes of intense situations”
  • “Themes of police corruption”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “The Negotiator delivers solid action and compelling performances, but the convoluted plot occasionally strains credibility. Jackson and Spacey excel in their roles, making the film a worthwhile thriller.
• The New York Times: “While predictable, The Negotiator is elevated by the strong chemistry between Samuel L. Jackson and Kevin Spacey. Their verbal sparring creates genuine tension, overshadowing the film’s conventional plot.
• Los Angeles Times: “The Negotiator is a well-crafted action thriller that benefits from its stellar cast. Jackson and Spacey bring depth to their roles, making the film engaging despite its familiar themes of corruption and redemption.

Audience Reactions

The intense performances of Jackson and Spacey make this movie a must-see.: Viewers consistently praise the chemistry between Samuel L. Jackson and Kevin Spacey, citing their performances as the highlight of the film.

The plot twists and turns kept me guessing until the very end.: Many audience members appreciated the intricate and unpredictable plot, which added to the film’s suspenseful atmosphere.

Overall Consensus: A thrilling crime drama highlighted by strong performances from its leads, though some find the plot somewhat predictable.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was largely based on the events surrounding the St. Louis pension fund scandal of 1988, adding a layer of realism to the fictional events.”
• “Although the real-life person the film is based on was not a negotiator, Anthony D. Daniele, like the Danny Roman character, had been a member of the police hostage-response team.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Negotiator?

The Negotiator is available for purchase or rental on various platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. You can also find it for streaming on platforms like Hulu or through subscription services like Paramount+. Check your local listings for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

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

• Inside Man (2006): Features a complex bank robbery intertwined with police corruption and skilled negotiation tactics.
• Training Day (2001): Explores police corruption and moral compromise within the Los Angeles Police Department.
• Heat (1995): Features intense standoffs and complex characters on both sides of the law, with a focus on the ethical lines they cross.
• Phone Booth (2002): A tense thriller centered on a single location with a negotiator trying to diffuse the situation.

🛒 The Negotiator Related Products

• The Negotiator (Blu-ray): Experience ‘The Negotiator’ in high definition with enhanced audio and video quality. Perfect for collectors and fans of the film.
• Samuel L. Jackson Autographed Photo: Own a piece of movie history with a signed photograph of Samuel L. Jackson as Danny Roman. A prized possession for any fan.
• Negotiation Skills Masterclass: Learn expert negotiation techniques inspired by the strategies in ‘The Negotiator.’ Enhance your communication and persuasion skills.
• Hostage Negotiator Board Game: Test your negotiation skills in this strategic board game. Can you talk down the hostage taker and save the day? Inspired by movies like The Negotiator.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Rise” – performed by Craig Armstrong

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Hostage Negotiator Knows the Hostage Taker From Way Back

This video features an amusing depiction of a hostage negotiation, with a hilarious twist that’s sure to make you chuckle. It’s a more lighthearted take on the movie’s serious subject matter and offers a fresh perspective.

Bad Hostage Negotiator (with Rob Corddry)

Check out this hilarious sketch showcasing a negotiator who’s anything but professional. It adds a touch of humor to the movie’s intense theme and provides a lighthearted take on negotiation tactics.

Ah yes the negotiator Star Wars

For a quick laugh, check out this funny meme that references a famous line from Star Wars, playfully connecting it to the movie’s negotiation themes. It’s a clever and entertaining way to engage with the movie’s concepts.

✨ Rate