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Screen Media Films
Discover the intricate plot of American Animal (2012). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Spencer Reinhard, an ambitious art student on a quest for both inspiration and adventure, finds himself captivated during a tour of the Transylvania University library’s rare-book collection. His attention is immediately drawn to a prized possession, the first edition of John James Audubon’s Birds of America. This discovery sparks a daring conversation with his friend, Warren Lipka, a rebellious scholarship athlete from the University of Kentucky, as they entertain the unthinkable prospect of stealing not just this book, but other exquisite volumes as well. Recognizing the library’s minimal security—guarded primarily by a single librarian—they devise a plan they believe could lead to a clean getaway using the staff elevator.
Warren takes a bold step and travels to Amsterdam to broker deals with black-market buyers, who are more than interested in the stolen books. He returns to Spencer with promises of riches, hinting that they could potentially reap millions if their plan comes to fruition. To ensure success, they recruit two more accomplices: Eric Borsuk for logistics and Chas Allen as their getaway driver.
Their careful plotting leads to an appointment for a private viewing of the rare-book collection, where they attempt to gain access to the coveted room. Disguised as elderly businessmen, their plans quickly unravel when Warren notices multiple librarians present, prompting him to reconsider their heist. Spencer, uneasy about the operation, contemplates backing out, but Warren’s charisma and insistence win the day, motivating the group to regroup and take another shot at the heist the following day.
On that fateful day, Spencer takes up his position as a lookout while Warren and Eric make their move, this time forgoing disguises. In a chaotic turn of events, Warren mishandles the situation by clumsily deploying a stun gun against the unsuspecting librarian, necessitating Eric’s help to subdue her. As they rush toward their exit with adrenaline coursing through their veins, they accidentally drop The Birds of America, yet somehow manage to escape with two other books in their possession.
Their journey continues as they head to Christie’s auction house in New York, aligning themselves with the Dutch buyers who require authentication for the stolen items. However, upon arrival, Spencer is informed that he must return the next day for further assistance. In a moment of misjudgment, he leaves his cell phone number with an assistant, which doesn’t sit well with Chas. They’re soon reminded of their errors as they make their way back to Lexington; Spencer realizes that the FBI is now capable of tracing the email account linked to their appointment, ultimately leading to their unfortunate arrest.
Years later, in reflective documentary interviews with the real-life figures behind this audacious crime, the thieves express a sincere sense of regret for their decisions. Spencer grows suspicious that Warren may have deceived him about visiting Amsterdam as a tactic to rally the others into the heist. Currently, Eric and Chas have transitioned to new lives in California, with Eric forging a career as a writer and Chas as a fitness coach. Meanwhile, Warren pursues a study in filmmaking in Philadelphia, while Spencer now resides in Lexington, focusing on his endeavors as an artist.
Track the key events of American Animal (2012) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Spencer's Inspiration
Spencer Reinhard, an art student, is searching for inspiration for his work. During a visit to Transylvania University library, he discovers a rare first edition of John James Audubon's 'Birds of America,' which captivates his attention and ignites a sense of adventure within him.
The Idea of Theft
Spencer shares his excitement with his friend Warren Lipka, who is known for his rebellious nature. They discuss the thrilling idea of stealing the valuable book and other rare editions from the library, motivated by the risk and potential reward.
Planning the Heist
Warren proposes that they could easily overpower the librarian guarding the rare collection. They plan out the logistics of the heist, considering that they could escape through a staff elevator after their theft.
Meeting the Buyers
Warren travels to Amsterdam to meet potential black-market buyers interested in purchasing the stolen books. He returns with information about the significant profits they could gain, further enticing Spencer and their crew to go through with the plan.
Enlisting Help
To ensure the heist is successful, Warren and Spencer bring in two friends, Eric Borsuk for logistics and Chas Allen to drive the getaway vehicle. This group dynamic adds more complexity and tension to the impending theft.
Disguised Viewing
The group schedules a private viewing of the rare book collection, arriving disguised as elderly businessmen. However, they panic and decide against the theft upon seeing multiple librarians present during their visit.
Attempted Heist
Despite having second thoughts, Spencer allows Warren to convince everyone to attempt the heist again the following day. They switch to a more direct approach, with Spencer acting as the lookout while Warren and Eric enter the library.
The Librarian Confrontation
During the theft, Warren takes an aggressive step and uses a stun gun on the unsuspecting librarian, which leads to chaos. While he and Eric deal with the librarian, they accidentally drop the prized 'Birds of America' but manage to escape with two other books.
Authentication of Stolen Books
The group travels to Christie's auction house in New York City to authenticate the stolen books' value before selling them. Spencer hands over his contact details, which later becomes a critical error as it leads to their identification.
Panic Over Tracing
After leaving Christie's, Spencer realizes the potential danger of his identifiable phone number. He worries that the email used to schedule visits could be traced, foreshadowing the imminent consequences of their illicit actions.
FBI Involvement
The FBI's investigation leads to the discovery of their email trails, leading to their arrest. The unexpected consequences of their theft ambition unravel, revealing the full extent of their miscalculation and risk.
Regret and Reflection
In documentary interviews years after their release from prison, the real-life thieves express deep regret over their actions. Spencer speculates that Warren may have fabricated parts of the story to persuade the group into participating in the crime.
Life After Prison
Post incarceration, the group members have taken varied paths in life. Eric resides in California as a writer, Chas works as a fitness coach, while Warren pursues filmmaking studies in Philadelphia, and Spencer returns to Lexington as an artist.
Meet the characters that bring American Animal (2012) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Spencer Reinhard (Brendan Fletcher)
Spencer is an ambitious art student searching for inspiration, often swayed by the thrill of rebellion. His internal conflict about participating in the heist reveals his moral struggles and provides insight into the consequences of peer pressure.
Warren Lipka (Angela Sarafyan)
Warren embodies rebellion and charm, drawing others into his schemes. His risk-taking nature is both magnetic and dangerous, highlighting a character driven by thrill-seeking and later revealing his manipulative tendencies.
Eric Borsuk (Mircea Monroe)
Eric serves as the logistics expert in the group, displaying practicality and a sense of responsibility. His loyalty to Warren and the group complicates his character, as he grapples with the consequences of their criminal activities.
Chas Allen (Matt D'Elia)
Chas is the getaway driver, embodying a sense of urgency and action as the plan unfolds. His frustration with Spencer showcases the tensions that arise in high-stakes situations and his desire for a clean getaway.
Uncover the settings of American Animal (2012), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The film does not specify an exact time period, but it captures the zeitgeist of youthful recklessness and ambition in contemporary society. The narrative unfolds in the early 21st century, reflecting modern college culture and the implications of crime amidst evolving technological tracking.
Location
Transylvania University, Amsterdam, New York, California, Philadelphia, Lexington
Transylvania University boasts a historic library rich in rare book collections, including the notable Audubon's Birds of America. The bustling city of Amsterdam serves as a hub for black-market dealings, while New York is home to Christie's auction house, known for its high-stakes art auctions. The film also spans various locations in the United States, including California and Philadelphia, where the characters’ lives evolve post-heist.
Explore the core themes of American Animal (2012). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Art Theft
The pursuit of art becomes a thrilling yet dangerous endeavor, showcasing the lengths individuals will go to for beauty and value. The characters' obsession with stealing rare books highlights a clash between artistic appreciation and criminal intent, reflecting the dark side of ambition.
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Deception
Deception is a central theme, as characters don disguises to execute their heist, revealing the lengths they will go to mask their true intentions. The betrayal among friends adds layers to their interactions, as trust is manipulated and ultimately leads to their downfall.
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Regret
The thieves’ retrospective interviews reveal deep-seated regret for their choices, emphasizing how actions taken in youthful folly can have lasting consequences. Their reflections speak to the importance of honesty and the impact of deception on relationships.
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