Test your knowledge of Chicago with our quiz!

Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Chicago (2002). 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 Chicago during the year 1924, the innocent and ambitious Roxie Hart (Renée Zellweger) embarks on a night out at a popular nightclub. There, she is captivated by the dazzling performance of the renowned singer Velma Kelly (Catherine Zeta-Jones), who delivers the show-stopping number “All That Jazz.” Roxie hopes that her date, lover Fred Casely (Dominic West), will help her land a spot on the vaudeville stage. However, the night takes a dark turn when Velma is arrested for the shocking murders of her husband and sister, who she discovered together in bed.

In the aftermath, Fred reveals he lied in order to seduce Roxie, igniting a fit of rage that leads her to fatally shoot him three times. In a desperate attempt to evade the consequences, Roxie convinces her husband Amos (John C. Reilly) to take the blame, fabricating a story about a burglar’s involvement. The plot thickens when it is discovered that the victim was indeed Fred Casely, prompting Amos to abandon his alibi, and Roxie finds herself incarcerated at Cook County Jail.

Upon her arrival, Roxie is placed on “Murderess’ Row,” overseen by the conniving Matron ‘Mama’ Morton (Queen Latifah), who is notorious for accepting bribes and providing her inmates with luxuries like cigarettes. Here, Roxie encounters Velma and learns about the other women imprisoned for their own heinous acts.

Determined to gain her freedom, Roxie seeks the help of esteemed lawyer Billy Flynn (Richard Gere), and convinces her husband to speak to him on her behalf. Together, they craft a media-friendly narrative that transforms Roxie into a sensational figure, capturing the hearts of Chicagoans and inciting jealousy in Velma. As Roxie revels in her newfound fame, Velma attempts to revive her own star power by persuading Roxie to join forces for a vaudeville act.

However, tensions rise as both women vie for the spotlight, with Roxie stealing the limelight by falsely claiming to be pregnant, only to later reveal the deception. Meanwhile, she must contend with the haunting reality of another inmate’s execution, which fuels her desire for freedom. The subsequent trial becomes a media frenzy, bolstered by sensational reports from eager journalists. Despite the dramatic twists and Velma’s attempt to incriminate Roxie with her diary, Billy’s clever tactics help secure Roxie’s acquittal, though her moment of glory is fleeting.

Faced with the stark reality that celebrity is transient, Roxie unveils the truth of her deception to Amos, possibly leading to the end of their marriage. With her dreams of stardom still alive, Roxie initially declines Velma’s proposition to team up. However, as Velma points out, the world of show business thrives on rivalry. Ultimately, the two former adversaries decide to join forces, and their collaboration ignites their careers.

In the powerful finale, the two murderesses achieve the success they have long craved, celebrating their talents on stage to an applauding audience, including Mama and Billy. The film encapsulates the glamour and darkness of fame, leaving Roxie and Velma poised for a dazzling future in the spotlight.

Timeline

Track the key events of Chicago (2002) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Roxie's Night Out

In 1924, Roxie Hart enjoys a lively night at a Chicago nightclub, eager to make her mark on the vaudeville scene. She is mesmerized by the singing talent of Velma Kelly, who captivates the audience with her performance.

1924 Chicago Nightclub

The Fatal Encounter

The evening takes a grim turn when Velma is arrested for killing her cheating husband and sister. This shocking event marks the start of a dark chain reaction in Roxie's life.

Chicago

Roxie's Betrayal

Roxie's lover, Fred Casely, admits to having lied to seduce her, which triggers Roxie's rage. Overcome with emotion, she shoots him three times, sealing her fate.

Roxie's Apartment

Covering Up the Crime

In a desperate bid to escape punishment, Roxie persuades her husband Amos to claim responsibility for the murder. She concocts a tale about a burglar, hoping to divert attention from her own involvement.

Roxie's Apartment

Incarceration at Cook County Jail

After her deception unravels, Roxie finds herself locked up in Cook County Jail, where she meets notorious inmates. She is placed on 'Murderess' Row' under the watchful eye of Matron 'Mama' Morton.

Cook County Jail

Meeting Velma

Inside the jail, Roxie encounters Velma Kelly, the other infamous murderess. Their relationship begins with competition and rivalry, setting the stage for their intertwined fates.

Cook County Jail

Seeking Legal Help

Determined to gain her freedom, Roxie secures the services of high-profile lawyer Billy Flynn. With his help, she seeks to craft a public persona that will win the hearts of the media and the jury.

Chicago

Roxie's Rise to Fame

As Roxie begins to bask in her media attention, she inadvertently creates tension with Velma. Their rivalry escalates as Roxie fabricates a pregnancy to dominate the headlines.

Chicago

The Media Frenzy

The unfolding trial becomes a spectacle, drawing attention from eager journalists and the public alike. Both Roxie and Velma's stories compete for the limelight amidst sensational reporting.

Chicago Courthouse

The Trial's Outcome

Against all odds, Roxie's crafty lawyer manages to secure her acquittal in a dramatic courtroom showdown. However, her triumph is overshadowed by the fleeting nature of fame.

Chicago Courthouse

Unraveling Marital Ties

After her acquittal, Roxie confesses her deceit to Amos, which jeopardizes their marriage. The harsh realization of the fragility of her celebrity status dawns on her.

Roxie's Apartment

Joining Forces with Velma

Despite their rivalry, Roxie and Velma ultimately decide to collaborate for a vaudeville act. Their decision marks a significant turn in both their careers, highlighting the power of partnership in show business.

Chicago

The Grande Finale

In a spectacular show of talent and resilience, Roxie and Velma perform on stage to thunderous applause. Their journey from murderesses to celebrated performers concludes with a triumphant celebration of their success.

Chicago Theater

Celebration of Fame

The film concludes with Roxie and Velma enjoying their hard-earned success, with an audience captivated by their performance. This final scene encapsulates the allure and danger intertwined with fame.

Chicago Theater

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Chicago (2002) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Roxie Hart

Roxie Hart is an ambitious and cunning woman whose desire for fame drives her to commit murder. Initially appearing innocent, she manipulates those around her, showcasing a blend of charm and ruthlessness. Her character arc reveals the desperation and moral ambiguity faced by those seeking the spotlight.

🎭 Ambition 🔫 Deception

Velma Kelly

Velma Kelly is a seasoned performer with a glamorous yet tragic past. Once a star, she feels threatened by Roxie's rising fame and seeks to reclaim her position in the spotlight. Her character embodies the struggles of competition in the entertainment industry, layered with charm and cunning.

🌟 Stardom 💔 Rivalry

Billy Flynn

Billy Flynn is a slick and charismatic lawyer who knows how to manipulate the media to his advantage. He plays a pivotal role in shaping Roxie's public persona, highlighting the intersection of law, fame, and morality. His shrewd tactics reveal the complexities of the legal system in the face of public opinion.

📈 Manipulation ⚖️ Law

Setting

Uncover the settings of Chicago (2002), 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

1924

The year 1924 encapsulates a period of social change and the rise of jazz culture in America. This era also saw an increase in media sensationalism, where crime and celebrity intertwined, leading to high-profile trials that captivated the public. The decade was marked by a quest for fame and a disregard for conventional morals, reflected in the lives of the film's characters.

Location

Chicago, Cook County Jail

Chicago in the 1920s is a vibrant metropolis known for its bustling nightlife and jazz music scene. The city was a hub of fame, crime, and corruption, setting the stage for the dramatic events of Roxie's story. Cook County Jail serves as a notorious facility where women are housed for their crimes, highlighting the struggles and stories of those trapped within its walls.

🏙️ City 🚔 Prison

Themes

Explore the core themes of Chicago (2002). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


🌟

Fame

Fame is a central theme as Roxie's and Velma's lives intertwine through their quest for stardom. The pursuit of public attention leads them to manipulate their circumstances and create narratives that keep them in the spotlight. The film explores the fleeting nature of fame and the lengths individuals will go to maintain their allure.

⚖️

Justice

Justice serves as a critical theme, examining the legal strategies and media influence surrounding high-profile cases. Roxie's trial reflects societal attitudes towards crime, gender, and morality, questioning whether true justice is served or if it is overshadowed by public opinion and sensationalism.

🤝

Rivalry

Rivalry arises between Roxie and Velma as they vie for attention and success in the competitive world of show business. Their initial animosity transforms into a partnership, showcasing how shared ambitions can lead to collaboration. It highlights the dual nature of competition as both destructive and inspirational.

© 2024 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.