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Lay the Favorite 2012
Directed by
Stephen Frears
Made by
RADiUS-TWC
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Lay the Favorite (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.
As Beth’s life in Florida devolves into a repetitive cycle of stripping and lap dancing, her father, Jerry, urges her to chase her long-time aspiration of moving to Las Vegas. There, she dreams of finding honest work as a cocktail waitress. Upon arriving in this dazzling city, Beth unexpectedly meets Holly, a fellow resident in her motel, who introduces her to the cunning professional gambler, Dink Heimowitz. Dink, who runs a betting operation through Dink, Inc., sees potential in Beth’s natural talent for numbers. This impresses him greatly, and she soon earns the affectionate moniker of “lucky charm.”
Yet, as Beth finds herself becoming closer to the much older Dink, his sharp-tongued wife, Tulip, draws a line, making it evident that she will not allow their relationship to flourish. Consequently, Dink, under the strain of Tulip’s insistence, is compelled to let Beth go, asserting he must distance himself from her.
In a twist of fate, a young journalist named Jeremy, visiting from New York, crosses paths with Beth at the casino. They form a connection and start planning for Beth to join him on the East Coast. The excitement and financial appeal of city life prove irresistible to Beth, leading her to decline Dink’s plea for her help during his losing streak.
After Dink’s breakdown results in significant layoffs at his firm, Beth decides to join Jeremy in New York. However, when Dink approaches her to discuss a potential return to his team, she grapples with an internal conflict between her loyalty to him and her ambition for a fresh beginning. Ultimately, she accepts an offer from rival bookie Rosie, trading her previous troubles for new ones.
As Beth immerses herself in Rosie’s dubious New York operations, she soon uncovers the sinister truth behind his pursuits—drugs and prostitution. In her quest for a way out, she connects with Dave Greenberg, a gambler entangled in debt and with links to the authorities, who might just hold the key to her liberation from this perilous lifestyle.
When Tulip and Dink journey to the bustling New York streets with a mission to assist their friends, Beth and Jeremy, they unintentionally stumble into an opportunity involving Greenberg. After coaxing valuable insights from him, they find themselves on a promising path.
Greenberg’s insider knowledge leads them directly to a New Jersey basketball team on the brink of a triumphant comeback. The excitement escalates as the game progresses towards its thrilling conclusion, culminating in a heart-stopping one-point win that leaves everyone—including them—breathless with joy.
This extraordinary tale, inspired by Beth Raymer’s true experiences, chronicles her fascinating journey. Though her college education served as a launching pad for her writing future, it was the escapades of her earlier life that laid the groundwork for this riveting story of friendship, determination, and the wild turns of fate.
Timeline
Track the key events of Lay the Favorite (2012) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Beth's Repetitive Life in Florida
Beth's life in Florida falls into a monotonous cycle of stripping and lap dancing. She grapples with feelings of stagnation and yearns for a change that aligns with her dreams.
Jerry Encourages Change
Her father, Jerry, sees her struggles and encourages her to break free from her current life. He urges her to pursue her long-time aspiration of moving to Las Vegas for a new beginning.
Arrival in Las Vegas
Beth arrives in the dazzling city of Las Vegas with high hopes of finding honest work as a cocktail waitress. The city's allure captivates her as she begins to envision a different future.
Meeting Holly
At her motel, Beth meets Holly, a fellow resident who introduces her to the world of gambling. This chance encounter sets the stage for Beth's new adventures in Las Vegas.
Encounter with Dink
Holly introduces Beth to Dink Heimowitz, a cunning professional gambler who recognizes her talent for numbers. Dink is impressed and affectionately begins to refer to her as his 'lucky charm'.
Tulip's Jealousy
As Beth grows closer to Dink, his sharp-tongued wife, Tulip, makes it clear that she disapproves of their relationship. Tulip's interference forces Dink to consider distancing himself from Beth.
Connection with Jeremy
A young journalist named Jeremy from New York meets Beth at the casino, and they form a meaningful connection. Together, they begin planning for a future where Beth would join him on the East Coast.
Declining Dink's Plea
Enticed by the opportunities of city life, Beth ultimately declines Dink's request for assistance during his losing streak. This decision signals her growing ambition and desire for independence.
Joining Jeremy in New York
After Dink’s breakdown and layoffs at his firm, Beth decides to seize the opportunity and joins Jeremy in New York. This marks a significant shift in her life as she embraces a new path.
Conflict with Dink's Offer
Dink approaches Beth with a potential return to his team, compelling her to consider her loyalty to him against her ambition for a fresh start. This moment of indecision highlights her internal conflict.
New Opportunities with Rosie
Ultimately, Beth makes the choice to work with Rosie, a rival bookie. This decision comes with its own challenges as she becomes entrenched in New York's dubious betting operations.
Discovering the Dark Side
As Beth immerses herself in Rosie’s operations, she uncovers a troubling truth involving drugs and prostitution. This revelation motivates her to seek a way out of this dangerous lifestyle.
Connection with Dave Greenberg
In her search for escape, Beth meets Dave Greenberg, a gambler burdened with debt. Their connection presents a potential opportunity for her to liberate herself from her perilous situation.
Tulip and Dink's Arrival
Tulip and Dink travel to New York with the intention of aiding their friends, Beth and Jeremy. Unbeknownst to them, they stumble upon a valuable opportunity involving Greenberg.
The Basketball Comeback
Thanks to Greenberg's insights, they ally with a New Jersey basketball team poised for a comeback. The exhilarating game culminates in a last-minute victory, filling everyone with a sense of breathless joy.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Lay the Favorite (2012) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Beth
Beth is a determined young woman trying to escape her mundane life through her aspirations and ambition. Her character evolves from a stripper seeking honest work to a woman navigating the complexities of the gambling world. Throughout her journey, she grapples with tough choices and the consequences of her decisions.
Dink Heimowitz (Bruce Willis)
Dink is a savvy and seasoned professional gambler who sees potential in Beth’s natural talents. His character balances wisdom with vulnerability, as he struggles to manage his relationship with his wife, Tulip, and his affection for Beth. Dink represents the lure and perils of gambling life.
Tulip (Catherine Zeta Jones)
Tulip is Dink's sharp-tongued, possessive wife who fiercely protects her marriage and the status quo. Her character serves as an antagonist in Beth’s journey, illustrating the complexities of love and jealousy within their financial and emotional stakes.
Jeremy (Vince Vaughn)
Jeremy is a charming journalist from New York who connects with Beth during her escapades at the casino. His character represents the possibility of a fresh start and romantic connection for Beth, steering her away from her past and into a new future.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Lay the Favorite (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 time period isn't specified, but the modern setting reflects contemporary life in America, marked by a thriving gambling culture and the pursuit of dreams amidst personal struggles. The film highlights the tension between ambition and loyalty as Beth navigates her evolving relationships and choices in the fast-paced environments of Las Vegas and New York.
Location
Florida, Las Vegas, New York, New Jersey
The movie travels from the sunny beaches of Florida to the glitzy casinos of Las Vegas, where fortune seekers try their luck. As Beth seeks a fresh start, she ventures into the vibrant chaos of New York City, known for its bustling nightlife and diverse culture. The story culminates in New Jersey, where the excitement of sports and local gambling plays a crucial role in Beth's journey.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Lay the Favorite (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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Gambling
Gambling serves as a central theme, exploring the risks and rewards associated with betting on luck and potential. Beth’s journey into the gambling world illustrates the allure and dangers that come with chasing fortune, leading her to confront moral dilemmas and personal sacrifices.
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Ambition
Ambition drives Beth to leave her past behind and seek new opportunities, showcasing the pursuit of dreams in a high-stakes environment. Her connection with Dink and Jeremy symbolizes the tug-of-war between following aspirations and maintaining loyalty to those who have helped her along the way.
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Friendship
Friendship is a vital aspect of Beth's transformation, guiding her through difficult times as she encounters various characters who influence her decisions. The relationships she forms, both supportive and adversarial, impact her journey and ultimately shape her understanding of trust and loyalty.
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