Lipstick 1976
Directed by
Lamont Johnson
Made by
Paramount Pictures
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Lipstick (1976). 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.
Twenty-one-year-old Chris McCormick (Margaux Hemingway), a prominent model for a lipstick brand, is tasked with caring for her younger sister, Kathy (Mariel Hemingway), after their parents tragically died in a car accident. Together, they live in a shared apartment while Kathy attends a private Catholic school.
Kathy, eager for her sister to experience the avant-garde musical compositions of her charming young music teacher, Gordon Stuart (Chris Sarandon), invites him to one of Chris’s photoshoots by the ocean. However, when the shoot runs longer than expected, Chris misses the opportunity to hear Stuart’s music. They arrange for him to come to their apartment the following day.
The next day, as Gordon arrives, a forgetful Chris greets him right out of the shower, only clad in a robe. Gordon, hopeful that Chris may use her industry connections to foster his musical career, begins playing his compositions on a tape recorder, which intertwine environmental sounds with electronic synthesizers. Unfortunately, Chris is interrupted by a phone call from her boyfriend, Steve Edison (Perry King), prompting her to retreat to her bedroom.
This disturbance infuriates Gordon, leading him to violently confront Chris in her bedroom, where he proceeds to assault her in a grotesque act of aggression. Amidst the chaos, young Kathy unexpectedly returns home from school. Unaware of the horror unfolding, she quietly enters Chris’s room from the connecting balcony, only to inadvertently leave after witnessing a scene that she misinterprets.
Upon realizing Kathy’s presence, Chris pleads with Gordon to let her go. He coldly relishes the notion that Kathy may believe her sister engaged willingly with her favorite teacher. Once freed, a devastated Chris seeks her sister, who, after gaining comprehension of the situation, is horrified.
As the police gather evidence, Chris receives support from a rape-crisis counselor, while Gordon is arrested later that night. A few days later, Chris, Edison, and their priest/brother Martin (John Bennett Perry) consult with district attorney Carla Bondi (Anne Bancroft), who delivers a sobering warning: securing a conviction in such circumstances, especially since she initially invited him over, may prove to be arduous. Despite Edison’s reservations about the potential repercussions on her burgeoning career, Chris is resolute in pursuing justice.
In the courtroom, Gordon’s attorney, Nathan Cartright (played by Robin Gammell), attempts to discredit Chris, even showcasing her provocative modeling photos as evidence of her questionable character. Ultimately, it is Kathy’s testimony that leads to Gordon’s acquittal, as the jury interprets her failure to act during the encounter as a sign of consent.
Determined to return to her modeling career, Chris finds her focus increasingly eludes her, resulting in the suspension of her contract. Meanwhile, Kathy changes schools, fearing the implications of Gordon’s potential reinstatement.
During a crucial photo shoot in an incomplete mall complex, Kathy, feeling disinterested, explores the space and happens upon Gordon, alongside her former classmates, preparing for a dance performance. When her classmates leave, Gordon calls her over to assist him with mixing his composition. As he places a contact microphone on her chest, recording her heartbeat, she suddenly realizes the precarious situation she is in. In a panic, she attempts to flee, but Gordon pursues her, ultimately trapping her in a deserted sub-basement tunnel.
Desperate, Kathy manages to escape back to the photo shoot, visibly distressed and with her clothing in tatters. Initially reluctant to speak, she eventually confides in Chris about Gordon’s attack. Enraged and filled with protective instinct, Chris rushes to retrieve a rifle from her truck and confronts Gordon as he attempts to leave. In a moment fueled by rage and despair, she opens fire, hitting him multiple times, including a fatal shot to his genitals. Even after he falls, Chris continues to fire until the weapon is emptied, trapped in a state of shock over the horrific chain of events.
As the police arrive and apprehend Chris, a solemn reflection unfolds. The camera pulls back to reveal Carla Bondi, who has stepped away from the district attorney’s office to take up Chris’s defense, addressing the jury in her murder trial, emphasizing that true justice hinges on their decision to acquit her of the charges.
Timeline
Track the key events of Lipstick (1976) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Chris Takes Care of Kathy
In the wake of their parents' tragic death in a car accident, twenty-one-year-old Chris McCormick becomes the primary guardian for her younger sister, Kathy. They begin their new life together in a shared apartment, striving to adapt to the profound changes in their lives while Kathy pursues her education at a private Catholic school.
Invitation to the Photoshoot
Eager to introduce Chris to the avant-garde musical world, Kathy invites her charismatic music teacher, Gordon Stuart, to one of Chris's photoshoots at the ocean. However, time slips away, causing Chris to miss the chance to experience Gordon's music live, which leaves Kathy disappointed and longing for her sister's connection with the arts.
Awkward First Meeting
The following day, Gordon arrives at Chris and Kathy's apartment, but an unexpected and forgetful Chris greets him only wearing a robe, having just come out of the shower. She is soon interrupted by a phone call from her boyfriend, Steve Edison, leading to an uncomfortable tension as she retreats to her bedroom, leaving Gordon frustrated.
The Assault
In a shocking twist, Chris becomes the victim of a violent assault by Gordon when he follows her into her bedroom. This grotesque act occurs just as young Kathy unexpectedly comes home from school, walking into a nightmare she cannot comprehend as she inadvertently witnesses part of the horror unfolding.
Kathy's Horrified Realization
After the assault, Chris desperately pleads with Gordon to let her go when she realizes that Kathy may have misunderstood the situation. Horrified by the events she barely grasped, Kathy eventually confronts Chris, who is left shattered and helpless in the aftermath of the assault.
Police and Crisis Support
As the aftermath of the assault unfolds, the police arrive to gather evidence against Gordon. Chris receives support from a rape-crisis counselor, providing her with the solace she needs while facing the unimaginable trauma, as Gordon is arrested later that night.
Consultation with the District Attorney
Days later, Chris, her boyfriend Steve, and her priest Martin meet with district attorney Carla Bondi. She offers a sobering review of their case, warning that due to Chris's prior invitation to Gordon's apartment, securing a conviction would be a challenging endeavor, casting doubt on the pursuit of justice.
Trial and Cross-Examination
During the court trial, Gordon's attorney attempts to discredit Chris by presenting incriminating evidence from her modeling career. His goal is to portray her as a woman of questionable character, but the path to justice becomes increasingly unclear as disturbing details of the encounter surface.
Kathy's Testimony
Tragically, it is Kathy's testimony that ultimately leads to Gordon's acquittal. The jury misinterprets her inaction during the assault as consent, leaving Chris devastated and highlighting the injustices faced by survivors in the legal system.
Chris's Career in Jeopardy
After the traumatic events and subsequent court proceedings, Chris struggles to focus on her modeling career due to emotional turmoil. Consequently, her contract is suspended, leaving her to face the harsh realities of her altered life while Kathy changes schools out of fear over Gordon's potential return.
Kathy's Disturbing Encounter
While visiting an incomplete mall for Chris's photo shoot, Kathy stumbles upon Gordon preparing for a dance performance with former classmates. Unsettled by the unexpected encounter, she feels an involuntary lure toward Gordon's manipulative charm, which rapidly changes to terror as she becomes the target of his predatory intentions.
Kathy's Escape and Confession
In a desperate attempt to flee Gordon's grasp, Kathy manages to escape back to the photo shoot visibly distraught and disheveled. Though initially hesitant to confide in Chris, she ultimately reveals the horrifying truth of Gordon's pursuit and aggression, igniting a fierce protective instinct within her sister.
Confrontation with Gordon
Fueled by rage and a desire to protect her sister, Chris resolves to confront Gordon, retrieving a rifle from her truck to face him. In a moment of emotional turmoil and desperation, she opens fire, resulting in multiple gunshots, tragically including a fatal shot that leads to Gordon's demise.
Aftermath of the Shooting
As the police arrive and apprehend Chris, a reflective moment ensues, illustrating the fallout of her impulsive actions. The chilling reality of the situation unfolds as Chris faces serious legal repercussions, and the question of justice remains uncertain in light of her desperate endeavor to protect her sister.
Carla Bondi's Commitment
In a solemn moment, Carla Bondi steps away from her district attorney role to take on Chris's defense. Addressing the jury in Chris’s murder trial, she underscores the importance of their decision, emphasizing the true meaning of justice and its impact on not just her case but society as a whole.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Lipstick (1976) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Chris McCormick (Margaux Hemingway)
Chris is a 21-year-old model whose life spirals after a traumatic assault by her music teacher. Protective and determined, she grapples with the dualities of pursuing her career while seeking justice. Her character arc reflects resilience in the face of adversity, showcasing her struggle for empowerment and personal agency.
Kathy (Mariel Hemingway)
Kathy is Chris's younger sister, navigating adolescence while coping with the fallout from their parents' tragic death and the subsequent horror that unfolds. Her innocence contrasts sharply with the dark events surrounding her, showcasing her vulnerability and growth as she seeks to protect her sister. Kathy serves as the emotional anchor throughout the story.
Gordon Stuart (Chris Sarandon)
Gordon is a charming yet deeply manipulative music teacher whose predatory behavior leads to catastrophic consequences. Initially portrayed as a promising figure, his true nature is unveiled through violent actions. The complexity of his character serves to challenge societal perceptions of trust and authority, highlighting the insidious nature of abuse.
Steve Edison (Perry King)
Steve is Chris's boyfriend, who struggles to support her amidst the chaos that ensues from the assault. His character represents the challenges faced by loved ones in understanding and navigating the repercussions of trauma. While he often encourages Chris's modeling career, his conflict emerges from his protective instincts and fear of repercussions.
Carla Bondi (Anne Bancroft)
Carla is the district attorney who represents Chris in her quest for justice. She embodies the legal challenges faced by victims and serves as a nurturing figure through the tumultuous court process. Carla's commitment to seeing true justice is pivotal in the narrative, advocating for Chris despite the hurdles posed by societal norms.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Lipstick (1976), 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, reflective of the societal issues surrounding sexual assault and justice during its release period. It highlights the struggles of women navigating both their personal traumas and public perceptions in an era where such discussions were beginning to emerge.
Location
Beach, Apartment, Private Catholic School, Mall Complex, Sub-Basement Tunnel
The movie takes place in various locations, including a serene beach setting where Chris works as a model. Their apartment serves as a personal refuge for the sisters, while a private Catholic school represents the aspirations of the younger sibling, Kathy. A mall complex becomes a pivotal site of tension, with its unfinished spaces creating an eerie atmosphere that mirrors the film's darker themes.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Lipstick (1976). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
⚖️
Justice
Justice is a central theme as Chris battles the odds to confront the legal system following her assault. The film explores the complexities of seeking accountability in the face of societal biases, raising questions about the effectiveness of justice for victims. It ultimately showcases the importance of speaking out and the challenges that come with pursuing the truth.
💔
Trauma
The characters endure profound trauma stemming from violence and betrayal. Chris's experience not only changes her but also impacts her relationship with her sister, Kathy. The portrayal of trauma highlights the long-lasting emotional scars and the struggle to reclaim one’s identity in the aftermath of horrific events.
👩👧
Sisterhood
The bond between Chris and Kathy underscores themes of sisterhood and familial responsibility. Their relationship demonstrates the protective instinct that arises after trauma, as each sister navigates her challenges while supporting one another. This connection becomes pivotal as they face the repercussions of Gordon's actions together.
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
© 2024 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.