Mad Money 2008
Directed by
Callie Khouri
Made by
Overture Films
Plot Summary
The film kicks off near the conclusion of the narrative, where the suspects are apprehended and interrogated. It then takes a step back to three years earlier, gradually moving forward while interspersing moments from the interrogation process.
Three years prior to their capture, Bridget, portrayed by Diane Keaton, enjoyed a stable life until her husband, Don (Ted Danson), lost his job and fell into financial troubles. Their cleaning lady, Selina, encounters issues when her paycheck bounces once more, prompting her to confront Bridget. Selina proposes that Bridget consider taking a janitorial position at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.
On her initial day of work, Bridget concocts a bold plan to steal damaged dollar bills that are due for destruction. She recruits Nina, played by Queen Latifah, who operates the dollar bill shredder, and Jackie, portrayed by Katie Holmes, who transports bill carts from the Secret Service room to the shredding area. Although convincing Nina to join the scheme proves challenging, Jackie eagerly hops on board.
The plot involves Bridget swapping an official Master-brand lock on a cart in the Secret Service room with an almost identical lock she purchased from Home Depot. Bridget relays the cart number to Jackie and provides Nina with the official lock. Once Jackie retrieves the selected cart, she discards some bills into a trash can before handing it over to Nina. Nina then uses Bridget’s key to unlock it, replaces the official lock, and proceeds to shred the remaining bills. Meanwhile, Bridget discreetly collects the discarded bills from the trash and divides them among Nina and Jackie in the restroom.
Their initial heist yields less profit than anticipated, yet they are emboldened to persist in their criminal endeavors. After Bridget and Don settle their debts, Don suggests they halt their activities to avoid potential capture, but Bridget discards this notion, persuading Nina and Jackie to continue. Tension rises as they come close to getting caught, leading them to cleverly deceive one of the police officers.
A twist occurs when a Federal Bank Examiner shows up at one of Bridget’s house parties, only for Bridget to encounter him the next day at work. The Examiner confronts Glover (Stephen Root), who refuses to acknowledge any missing bills from his bank due to professional pride. Alerted to the potential consequences, Bridget and her accomplices scramble to dispose of their stash, but law enforcement closes in before they can eliminate all traces. While Bridget manages to evade capture, her accomplices are not as fortunate.
Following the bust, Bridget employs a tax attorney to defend them, successfully securing their release from the charges. Nevertheless, the IRS demands they pay taxes on their ill-gotten gains, which coincidentally matches the remaining money. Thus, they find themselves free yet financially drained.
Eight months later, Bridget uncovers to Nina and Jackie a secret: she had stashed away a significant portion of the stolen cash in the basement of a friend’s bar.
Timeline
Interrogation of Suspects
The film begins near the climax with the suspects being apprehended and interrogated by the authorities. Tension fills the air as law enforcement seeks to uncover the details of the daring scheme that led to their capture.
Life Before Crime
Three years before their capture, Bridget lives a stable life until her husband Don loses his job, leading to dire financial troubles. This pivotal moment initiates a series of events that will radically change their lives.
Selina's Plight
Bridget's cleaning lady, Selina, experiences her own misfortunes when her paycheck bounces again. Frustrated, she approaches Bridget for help and suggests that Bridget apply for a janitorial position at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.
The First Day at Work
On her first day at the bank, Bridget devises a bold plan to steal damaged dollar bills designated for destruction. She enlists the help of Nina and Jackie, which proves to be a strategic yet risky decision.
Recruiting the Team
Bridget faces challenges convincing Nina, who operates the bill shredder, to join her illicit scheme. However, Jackie quickly agrees to participate, eager for the thrill of the plan ahead.
The Plan to Swap Locks
Bridget sets her scheme into motion by purchasing a similar Master-brand lock to replace an official one on a cart in the Secret Service room. This clever deception is critical for the success of their operation.
Executing the Heist
The three women execute their plan, with Jackie retrieving the cart and handing it to Nina after she discards some of the bills in a trash can. Bridget manages to collect the discarded bills, marking the beginning of their criminal endeavors.
Initial Disappointment
The outcome of their first heist yields less money than they hoped. Despite this setback, Bridget persuades her accomplices to continue the risky activities, disregarding the potential consequences.
Close Call with the Law
As the trio continues their heists, they experience a close encounter with law enforcement. Quick thinking and clever deceptions allow them to evade capture, but the tension of their situation escalates.
The Federal Bank Examiner's Arrival
At one of Bridget's house parties, a Federal Bank Examiner unexpectedly shows up. The day after, Bridget’s encounter with him at work raises alarms, emphasizing the risks involved in their scheme.
Scramble to Get Rid of Evidence
Worried about the consequences of being discovered, Bridget and her accomplices hurriedly try to dispose of their stash of stolen money. Unfortunately, their efforts are thwarted as law enforcement closes in.
Capture of Accomplices
While Bridget manages to escape capture, her accomplices are not as fortunate and face the full brunt of the law. This turning point marks a significant moment for Bridget as she reflects on the risks of their criminal enterprise.
Legal Defense
Post-arrest, Bridget hires a tax attorney to defend her and her friends against the charges. Surprisingly, their tactic proves successful and they manage to secure their release, allowing them a second chance.
IRS Demands
Despite their release, the IRS demands that Bridget and her accomplices pay taxes on their stolen gains. This ironic twist leaves them financially drained, just as they begin to regain their freedom.
The Hidden Stash Revealed
Eight months later, Bridget has a revelation for Nina and Jackie about the money. She reveals that she had secretly stashed a significant portion of the stolen bills in the basement of a friend's bar, bringing renewed hope.
Characters
Bridget (Diane Keaton)
Bridget is a clever and resourceful woman who finds herself in a desperate financial situation after her husband's job loss. Motivated by necessity, she devises a bold plan to steal money from the Federal Reserve. Throughout the film, Bridget's determination and quick thinking showcase her adaptability, but her decisions also grapple with moral repercussions.
Nina (Queen Latifah)
Nina is the skilled operative responsible for shredding the dollar bills, initially reluctant to join Bridget's heist but eventually becoming a crucial ally. Her character embodies strength and practicality, showcasing her loyalty to friends despite the risk involved in their criminal endeavors. Nina’s transformation from hesitant to committed highlights themes of camaraderie.
Jackie (Katie Holmes)
Jackie is enthusiastic and eager to participate in the scheme, providing transport for the money. Her naivety contrasts with the more seasoned Bridget and Nina, yet her energy adds a dynamic element to the trio. Jackie brings a sense of urgency and innocence that enriches the film's exploration of friendship amidst crime.
Setting
Time period
Three years ago, contemporary
The movie is set in a contemporary time frame, revisiting events that took place three years before the story's climax. This period reflects the challenges of financial instability, unemployment, and the lengths individuals might resort to for survival in economic hardship.
Location
Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City
The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City is one of the 12 regional banks in the Federal Reserve System in the United States. Known for its role in regulating the nation's monetary policy, it also oversees crucial operations including currency management. This pivotal location serves as the backdrop for the characters' audacious heist.
Themes
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Crime
The theme of crime is central to the narrative as the protagonists engage in a series of heists targeting the Federal Reserve. Their audacious plan, driven by desperation, explores moral ambiguities and the intoxicating allure of quick wealth. Each character navigates their own relationship with crime, ultimately leading to consequences that shape their lives.
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Desperation
Desperation is a recurring theme, as Bridget and her team grapple with financial ruin and societal pressures. Their need to overcome financial hardships pushes them into criminal activities, revealing the lengths to which individuals will go when faced with dire circumstances. This theme intertwines with their personal stories of loss, loyalty, and the quest for stability.
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Deception
Deception is pivotal to the plot, as the characters employ trickery and cunning to execute their heists. The need to deceive law enforcement and each other highlights the complex dynamics of trust and betrayal within their relationships. This theme adds tension and suspense as their plans risk exposure at every turn.
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