Intolerable Cruelty 2003
Directed by
Ethan Coen
Made by
Universal Pictures
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Intolerable Cruelty (2003). 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.
Donovan Donaly, portrayed by Geoffrey Rush, is a soap opera producer who unexpectedly returns home early, only to discover his wife Bonnie, played by Stacey Travis, engaging with her ex-boyfriend Ollie, a pool cleaner, despite the fact that the Donalys do not own a pool. Enter Miles Massey, played by George Clooney, a top divorce attorney famed for creating the “Massey Prenup,” a flawless prenuptial agreement. Taking on Bonnie as a client, Miles succeeds magnificently in court, leaving Donovan with absolutely nothing.
Meanwhile, Rex Rexroth (Edward Herrmann) is caught in a compromising situation during a role-playing session with a blonde in a motel room. This moment is interrupted by private investigator Gus Petch (Cedric The Entertainer), who records the scandalous encounter. Gus later delivers the video to Rex’s gold-digging wife, Marylin Rexroth (played by Catherine Zeta-Jones), who had married Rex with plans to gain financial independence through divorce. She hires Miles to represent her.
Marylin soon learns from her friend, serial divorcee Sarah Sorkin (Julia Duffy), that Miles is a formidable adversary, intensifying her interest in him. After failing to reach a settlement with him in negotiations brokered by her lawyer, Freddy Bender (Richard Jenkins), she accepts Miles’s invitation to dinner where their repartee ignites a fierce rivalry. Miles, sensing an opportunity, employs Gus to gather additional intelligence.
In a dramatic courtroom scene, a concierge named Heinz, the Baron Krauss Von Espy (Jonathan Hadary), testifies about Marylin’s earlier attempts to find a wealthy, gullible husband. Consequently, she ends up with nothing in the settlement. Following this downfall, a desperate Donovan, now homeless and clinging to his Emmy statuette, becomes involved with Marylin, who seeks revenge by marrying an oil tycoon named Howard D. Doyle, played by Billy Bob Thornton. Despite Marylin insisting that Howard sign the Massey Prenup, he flamboyantly destroys it during the wedding ceremony, showcasing his love.
As time goes by, Marylin successfully divorces Howard and acquires his fortune. Their paths cross again in Las Vegas, where Miles is a keynote speaker at a conference dedicated to divorce attorneys. They quickly bond over their mutual loneliness, culminating in an impulsive marriage. To assert that he isn’t motivated by her wealth, Miles insists on the Massey Prenup, but Marylin tears it up. At the conference, he announces his shift from divorce law to pro bono work in East Los Angeles, only to later uncover the shocking truth: Howard D. Doyle is merely an actor from one of Donovan’s soap operas.
As the drama intensifies, Miles’s boss, displeased with the fallout, directs him to a hit-man named Wheezy Joe (Irwin Keyes). However, when news breaks that Rex has died, leaving Marylin a fortune due to his unchanged will, Miles rushes to protect her. Yet, Marylin is far from endangered, as her loyal rottweilers have the hapless Wheezy Joe cornered. In a twist of fate, when Miles arrives to assist, Wheezy Joe mistakenly turns his inhaler into a weapon and accidentally harms himself.
In the aftermath, Miles and Marylin convene to negotiate their divorce terms. Miles, yearning for another chance, retroactively presents a Massey Prenup, but Marylin tears it apart once more, leading to a passionate kiss that reignites their connection. In a final twist, Marylin reveals her plan to pitch a television show idea to Donovan, turning Gus Petch into the host of “America’s Funniest Divorce Videos.”
Timeline
Track the key events of Intolerable Cruelty (2003) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Donovan's Shocking Discovery
Donovan Donaly unexpectedly returns home early to find his wife Bonnie engaging in an intimate moment with her ex-boyfriend Ollie, the pool cleaner. This discovery is particularly shocking since the Donalys do not even own a pool, highlighting the betrayal and prompting Donovan to confront the situation.
Miles Massey Enters the Scene
Miles Massey, an esteemed divorce attorney known for the 'Massey Prenup,' becomes involved in the case after Bonnie hires him. The legal acumen and strategic prowess of Miles quickly become apparent as he prepares to fight for Bonnie's interests, leaving Donovan at a significant disadvantage.
Rex Rexroth's Compromise
Rex Rexroth finds himself in a scandalous situation during a role-playing scenario with a blonde. This encounter is recorded by a private investigator, Gus Petch, which leads to complications in his marriage with Marylin, as she gains leverage over him.
Marylin Hires Miles
Marylin Rexroth, looking for financial independence, hires Miles Massey after gaining insight about his reputation as a fierce divorce attorney. Her commitment to gain from the divorce intensifies as she learns more about the legal strategies he employs.
Dinner Invitation and Rivalry
After failed negotiations with Miles initiated by her lawyer Freddy Bender, Marylin accepts an invitation to dinner from him. Their conversation reveals a fiery rivalry, setting the stage for intense legal battles ahead.
Courtroom Revelation
In a dramatic courtroom scene, a concierge named Heinz testifies about Marylin’s history of seeking wealthy husbands. This pivotal moment leads to a downfall in her settlement, revealing more about her character and ambitions.
Donovan's Desperation
Now homeless and holding onto his Emmy statuette, Donovan becomes entangled with Marylin, who is fueled by revenge following her failed marriage settlement. Their partnership signals a new twist in the unfolding drama.
Marylin's Intention to Marry Howard
Marylin announces her decision to marry oil tycoon Howard D. Doyle, intending to secure her financial future. During the wedding ceremony, Howard's flamboyant act of destroying the Massey Prenup casts doubt on their future together.
Marylin's Successful Divorce
After marrying Howard, Marylin manages to secure a lucrative divorce, gaining his fortune. This success further cements her status as a shrewd businessman and divorcee.
Reunion in Las Vegas
Miles and Marylin cross paths again in Las Vegas, where Miles is a keynote speaker. Their bond deepens due to mutual loneliness, leading to an impulsive decision to marry once again.
Miles's Shift in Career
At the conference, Miles announces his transition from divorce law to pro bono work in East Los Angeles, indicating a desire to change his life direction. However, this plan is interrupted by shocking revelations about Marylin's past.
Threat from Wheezy Joe
Miles’s boss employs a hit-man named Wheezy Joe to handle the fallout from the divorce cases. However, chaos ensues when Miles learns that Rex has passed, prompting him to rush and protect Marylin from purported threats.
Wheezy Joe's Misfortune
Upon arriving to assist Marylin, Miles finds Wheezy Joe cornered by her rottweilers. In a comedic twist, Wheezy accidentally harms himself while attempting to use his inhaler as a weapon, showcasing the absurdity of the situation.
Negotiation and Passion
In the aftermath, Miles attempts to negotiate divorce terms with Marylin as he hopes for a second chance. However, the encounter culminates in passion, resulting in another tear of the Massey Prenup and a rekindled connection.
Marylin's TV Show Idea
Marylin shares her ambition to pitch a television show idea to Donovan, transforming the divisive events into entertainment. This unique twist leads to the concept of 'America's Funniest Divorce Videos,' turning personal struggles into public spectacle.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Intolerable Cruelty (2003) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Miles Massey (George Clooney)
Miles Massey is a top-notch divorce attorney with a reputation for crafting perfect prenuptial agreements. Despite his professional success, he struggles with personal connections, often caught between love and wealth. His charm and wit are tested as he navigates his feelings for Marylin amid legal battles.
Marylin Rexroth (Catherine Zeta-Jones)
Marylin Rexroth is a cunning divorcee who initially seeks financial gain through her relationships. She embodies strength and independence, using her wit to manipulate those around her. Despite her gold-digging intentions, her dynamic with Miles reveals deeper emotions, challenging her initial motives.
Donovan Donaly
Donovan Donaly, a soap opera producer, finds himself in a crisis when he discovers his wife's infidelity. Representing the archetype of a betrayed husband, he is thrown into a world of legal battles that ultimately strip him of his stability. His character reflects the absurdity of relationships in the entertainment industry.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Intolerable Cruelty (2003), 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 unfolds in a contemporary setting, reflecting the modern challenges and absurdities of relationships and divorce in today's society. This time period accentuates themes of wealth, love, and the legal intricacies that define personal connections.
Location
Los Angeles, Las Vegas
Los Angeles is known for its glitz and glamour, serving as the heart of the entertainment industry. It's a place where dreams are made and broken, often through the lens of soap operas and high-stakes divorces. Meanwhile, Las Vegas, famous for its casinos and vibrant nightlife, represents a backdrop of impulsive decisions and second chances.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Intolerable Cruelty (2003). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
💔
Love & Divorce
Intolerable Cruelty explores the complexities of love, betrayal, and the often brutal reality of divorce. The characters navigate a landscape where emotions are juxtaposed with legal maneuvers, highlighting the vulnerability of romance amid financial motives. Through the lens of humor, the film critiques the institution of marriage and the lengths individuals will go to secure their interests.
🤑
Greed
The relentless pursuit of wealth underlies much of the story, driving characters to extreme measures to secure financial independence. The film serves as a satire on materialism and the expenses associated with love, presenting a comedic yet critical look at how greed can shape relationships.
Featured on this page
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Check out our other apps:
Actors
Companies
Latest Movies
© 2025 What's After the Movie. All rights reserved.