An Everlasting Piece 2000
Directed by
Barry Levinson
Made by
DreamWorks Distribution
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of An Everlasting Piece (2000). 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.
In a remarkably unexpected series of events, Colm finds himself in a psychiatric hospital in Belfast, cutting hair while forming a friendship with George, another barber who harbors a deep love for poetry. Though cautioned against broaching the subject of verse, Colm and George indulge in spirited discussions about the intricacies of the art. Their intriguing exchange is soon interrupted by the introduction of an orderly, who leads them to the enigmatic “Scalper.” Once a powerful figure in the Northern Ireland hairpiece market, the Scalper’s downfall came when a mental breakdown prompted him to commit a shocking act - scalping some of his own clients. The duo seizes the opportunity to persuade the Scalper to hand over his coveted list of loyal customers.
As they assume the entrepreneurial identity of “The Piece People,” Colm and George’s venture receives vital support from Bronagh, Colm’s girlfriend. She orchestrates their inaugural meeting with Mr. Black, a potential customer who initially denies any past association with the Scalper. However, uncovering the truth reveals that Bronagh had previously spotted his image in the news following an incident where he shot a Catholic and was later showcased as a bald man. Struggling with sales, Colm and George soon realize they are facing stern competition from a rival firm dubbed “Toupée or not Toupée,” which also possesses the Scalper’s client list.
Determined to outshine their competitors, the partners seek counsel from Wigs Of Wimbledon, their hairpiece supplier. In a surprising twist, they learn of an upcoming meeting between all interested parties. This event aims to decide which company can sell the most products within a specified timeframe, thereby granting them exclusive rights across Northern Ireland. However, during their sales preparations, a visit to a farmer results in a lost deal as they are undercut by their rivals.
Driving down an isolated road, Colm and George encounter members of the Irish Republican Army (IRA), who demand to know their business. In a bizarre turn of fate, the duo manages to sell a wig to the leading IRA member, unaware it had been chewed by dogs—something the buyer fails to notice. As the competition in the wig trade intensifies, an unintentional slip by an IRA operative leads to the leave-behind of a distinctive wig at a bombing scene. The Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) cleverly traces this unique hairstyle back to the owners, The Piece People, subjecting George and Colm to a daunting interrogation that strains their partnership.
On top of this, the IRA operative who misplaced the wig pursues Colm, insisting he surrender his entire stock to help cover the group’s mishaps. Colm vehemently declines, emphasizing his business partnership with a Protestant—a stance he feels would compromise his principles and jeopardize their chances of securing an exclusive deal with Wigs Of Wimbledon.
Seeking refuge, Colm attends a poetry reading organized by George, where they manage to reconcile their differences. With Bronagh’s support, they stumble upon a startling revelation: numerous British Army soldiers stationed in Northern Ireland are contending with alopecia, brought on by the surrounding tension and chaos. Capitalizing on this newfound insight, they secure a government contract to supply wigs to these distressed soldiers, cementing their status as the leading providers of wigs in the region. Ultimately, they triumph over fierce competition, claiming the rights to operate throughout Northern Ireland.
Timeline
Track the key events of An Everlasting Piece (2000) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Colm in the Psychiatric Hospital
Colm finds himself in a psychiatric hospital in Belfast, a surprising situation for anyone. While there, he starts cutting hair and quickly develops a friendship with George, another patient who has a passion for poetry.
Friendship through Poetry
Despite being cautioned against discussing poetry, Colm and George dive into enthusiastic conversations about it. Their discussions reveal a deep connection formed over their shared interest in the arts, strengthening their bond.
Meeting the Scalper
The dynamic of the hospital changes with the arrival of an orderly who introduces Colm and George to the Scalper. Once a prominent figure in the hairpiece industry, the Scalper faced disgrace after an outburst that led to his mental breakdown.
The Piece People Venture Begins
Taking advantage of the Scalper's fall from grace, Colm and George decide to start their own business, playfully naming it 'The Piece People'. With help from Bronagh, Colm's girlfriend, they dream of restoring the business to its former glory.
Meeting with Mr. Black
Their first crucial meeting is set with Mr. Black, a potential customer suspected of having past connections to the Scalper. A startling connection is revealed when Bronagh remembers seeing him in the news related to a violent incident.
Facing Competition
Colm and George encounter unexpected competition from a rival business named 'Toupée or not Toupée', which also controls part of the Scalper's former customer list. This revelation puts pressure on them as they navigate the competitive landscape.
Consulting with Wigs Of Wimbledon
Determined to gain an edge in the market, they seek advice from their supplier, Wigs Of Wimbledon. They discover an important upcoming meeting where businesses can compete for exclusive rights to sell hairpieces in Northern Ireland.
Lost Deal with the Farmer
While attempting to secure sales, Colm and George face a setback when a deal with a farmer falls through. Their rivals outbid them, showcasing the cutthroat nature of the wig business.
Encounter with the IRA
On an isolated road, Colm and George have a tense encounter with members of the Irish Republican Army (IRA). In a surreal moment, they sell a dog-chewed wig to the IRA leader without realizing its less-than-ideal condition.
Investigation by the RUC
The unique wig sold to the IRA inadvertently links Colm and George to a crime scene, resulting in an interrogation by the Royal Ulster Constabulary. This pressure tests their partnership and threatens their entrepreneurial ambitions.
Threat from the IRA Operative
An IRA operative pressures Colm to surrender his entire wig inventory to assist with their misadventures. Colm fiercely resists, emphasizing his commitment to George and their business, fearing that cooperation would jeopardize their chances.
Reconciliation at Poetry Reading
In search of solace, Colm attends a poetry reading organized by George. The atmosphere helps them reconcile their differences, allowing them to refocus on their business endeavors.
Insight into Soldiers' Needs
With Bronagh's support, Colm and George uncover a surprising trend: many British Army soldiers in Northern Ireland are suffering from alopecia due to stress. This leads them to capitalize on the newfound information to secure a government contract.
Securing a Government Contract
Utilizing their intelligence about soldiers' needs, Colm and George triumphantly secure a contract to supply wigs to the military. This venture solidifies their reputation as top wig providers in Northern Ireland.
Claiming Exclusivity
The duo successfully navigates through fierce competition, ultimately claiming exclusive rights to operate across the entirety of Northern Ireland. Their journey showcases resilience in the face of adversity and celebrates their entrepreneurial spirit.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring An Everlasting Piece (2000) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Colm
Colm is a determined and resourceful barber whose entrepreneurial spirit drives him to start a business in the competitive wig market. His relationship with George represents a blend of camaraderie and conflict as they navigate their ambitions and the external challenges presented by their environment. Colm's strong principles often lead him to make tough choices that test his loyalty.
George
George is a passionate lover of poetry who becomes Colm's partner in their hairpiece venture. His character embodies the artistic spirit amidst the commercialism of their business. Often serving as a creative counterbalance to Colm's pragmatism, George’s nuances reveal an underlying vulnerability shaped by the societal turmoil surrounding them.
Setting
Uncover the settings of An Everlasting Piece (2000), 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 events of the movie unfold against the backdrop of Northern Ireland's complex sociopolitical landscape during the late 20th century. This period is marked by tension between different communities, impacting businesses and relationships. The hairpiece industry depicted in the film is indicative of both the struggles and resilience found within this historical context.
Location
Belfast, Northern Ireland
Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, is known for its rich history and vibrant culture. It has experienced significant historical events, particularly during The Troubles, which have left a lasting impact on its community and governance. The city's unique blend of industrial heritage and modern vibrancy makes it a compelling backdrop for unique stories.
Themes
Explore the core themes of An Everlasting Piece (2000). 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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Friendship
At its core, the film explores the profound bond between Colm and George as they navigate the challenges of their unconventional business venture. Their friendship is tested by external pressures, competitive rivalry, and the socio-political tensions of Northern Ireland. Ultimately, their connection underscores the importance of loyalty and collaboration in overcoming adversity.
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Identity
The film delves into themes of identity through the characters’ involvement in the hairpiece industry. The wigs symbolize not only a change in appearance but also the characters' attempts to redefine their lives amidst societal challenges. The struggle for self-identity is intertwined with their business ambitions and the cultural dynamics in Belfast.
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Conflict
The narrative highlights the tensions between various groups in Northern Ireland, particularly through the characters' interactions with the IRA and the competitive wig industry. This conflict impacts their business ambitions and personal lives, illustrating the broader societal strife that shapes every facet of existence in the region.
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