Married to the Mob 1988
Directed by
Jonathan Demme
Made by
Orion Pictures Corporation
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Married to the Mob (1988). 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.
Angela de Marco, played by Michelle Pfeiffer, is a frustrated housewife who finds herself trapped in the chaotic lifestyle of her husband, “Cucumber” Frank de Marco, an ambitious member of the Long Island mob. Tired of his criminal antics and the constant drama from other mob wives, she confronts Frank during a heated argument, demanding a divorce, only to be swiftly rejected.
The situation escalates when Frank is brutally eliminated by his boss, Tony “The Tiger” Russo, after being caught with Tony’s mistress. Struggling to escape the perilous criminal world with her son Joey, Angela experiences relentless advances from Tony, culminating in an uncomfortable encounter at Frank’s funeral. This moment raises the eyebrows of FBI agents Mike Downey and Ed Benitez, who are monitoring the situation, as well as Tony’s wife, Connie, who suspects Angela’s intentions.
After being showered with gifts by Tony, Angela decides to relocate to a modest apartment on the Lower East Side, though Tony’s men soon track her down. Meanwhile, Agent Mike Downey, alias Mike Smith, is tasked with keeping an eye on Angela’s activities as part of an undercover operation. He follows her around New York City as she seeks a job, eventually sneaking into her apartment to plant a bug.
As fate would have it, Mike and Angela cross paths at her building, leading to a date. However, their evening is interrupted when Connie invades Angela’s space, but retreats upon seeing Mike. Angela confides in him about her struggles to break away from the mob, prompting Mike to remove the surveillance devices, revealing his growing affection for her.
The following day brings chaos as the FBI conducts a raid on the hair salon where Angela works. It is here that Angela makes a shocking discovery: Mike is actually Agent Downey. Faced with the threat of prison, Angela chooses to collaborate with the FBI in bringing Tony down. During a pivotal visit to Tony, she feigns interest, resulting in an invitation to Miami alongside him. Unbeknownst to them, Connie follows, while Downey and Ed are also on board, subtly monitoring the trip.
In a suspenseful turn of events at a Miami Beach suite, Tony recognizes Downey, leading to a tense confrontation. Just as trouble escalates, Connie storms in, triggering a dramatic showdown. Ultimately, after a fierce shootout, Angela manages to knock out Connie, and the FBI swoops in.
In the aftermath, with Tony convicted for his crimes, Agent Downey approaches Angela with a proposition for a fresh start, suggesting that perhaps they can find happiness together despite the chaos of their intertwined lives.
Timeline
Track the key events of Married to the Mob (1988) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Angela's Frustration
Angela de Marco, a frustrated housewife, feels trapped in her chaotic life with her mobster husband, Frank. Despite her pleas for a divorce, her demands are dismissed, leading to increased tension in their marriage.
Frank's Brutal End
The situation takes a dark turn when Frank is brutally killed by his boss, Tony 'The Tiger' Russo, after being caught with Tony's mistress. Angela is left reeling from the sudden loss and the dangerous world of crime surrounding her.
Angela's Struggle
As she tries to navigate her new reality, Angela struggles to protect her son, Joey, from the repercussions of Frank's criminal lifestyle. Tony begins to exhibit unwanted interest in Angela, raising her alarm.
Uncomfortable Encounter
At Frank's funeral, Angela faces a disconcerting encounter with Tony, who showers her with attention amidst the solemn atmosphere. The moment is not lost on observing FBI agents, who speculate about Angela's potential involvement.
Relocation to Lower East Side
Feeling the pressure of Tony's advances, Angela decides to move to a modest apartment on the Lower East Side. Unfortunately, Tony's men quickly track her down, complicating her attempt to escape the mob life.
Undercover Surveillance
FBI Agent Mike Downey, under the alias Mike Smith, is assigned to surveil Angela. He follows her through New York City as she attempts to find a job, illustrating the constant threat from her past.
The Unexpected Date
Mike and Angela's paths cross at her apartment, leading to an impromptu date. Their evening is interrupted by Tony's wife, Connie, creating tension as Angela shares her burdens with Mike.
FBI Raid at the Salon
The following day, the FBI conducts a raid on the hair salon where Angela works, complicating her life further. During this chaotic moment, Angela uncovers Mike's true identity as Agent Downey, raising her stakes.
Collaboration with the FBI
Faced with the threat of imprisonment, Angela decides to cooperate with the FBI to take down Tony. She begins to play along, feigning interest in Tony's plans to gain his trust.
Miami Invitation
Tony invites Angela to join him on a trip to Miami, showcasing her feigned compliance. Unbeknownst to them, both Connie and the FBI agents follow, leading to an escalating sense of danger.
Confrontation in Miami
In a suspenseful encounter at a Miami suite, Tony recognizes Agent Downey, leading to a confrontation filled with tension. The situation escalates rapidly as Connie also arrives, heightening the danger.
The Shootout
As tensions reach their peak, a fierce shootout ensues. Angela asserts her strength, managing to knock out Connie, just as the FBI makes their entrance, ready to arrest Tony.
Tony's Conviction
Following the chaos, Tony is convicted for his myriad crimes, providing Angela a chance to reclaim her life. The danger is not entirely over, but Angela breathes a sigh of relief as she looks for a way forward.
Proposition for a Fresh Start
In the aftermath of everything, Agent Downey approaches Angela with a proposition for a fresh start. Despite the chaos and complications of their lives, there is hope for a new beginning.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Married to the Mob (1988) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Angela de Marco
Angela is a determined and resourceful woman trapped in a violent and chaotic lifestyle due to her husband's mob affiliations. She exhibits resilience as she seeks to protect her son and carve out a new life free from criminal ties. Angela's journey from frustration to empowerment highlights her evolution throughout the film.
Agent Mike Downey
Mike is an undercover FBI agent who becomes romantically involved with Angela while monitoring her activities. He embodies a duality; professionally, he is dedicated to bringing down the mob, but personally, he finds himself drawn to Angela's plight. His character development showcases the tension between duty and personal connection.
Tony 'The Tiger' Russo
Tony is a ruthless mob boss whose violent instincts and possessive nature create a perilous environment for those around him. His obsession with Angela not only intensifies the story's conflict but also highlights the risks associated with intimate relationships within the criminal underworld. Tony's character serves as a formidable antagonist.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Married to the Mob (1988), 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 movie captures a contemporary time period, reflecting the cultural and social dynamics of the late 1980s to early 1990s. This era saw a rise in organized crime stories in media, highlighting the glamor and peril associated with mob lifestyles.
Location
Lower East Side, New York City, Miami Beach
The Lower East Side is a vibrant neighborhood in New York City known for its rich immigrant history and cultural diversity. It is characterized by its historic tenement buildings and a mix of trendy eateries and traditional shops. Miami Beach, on the other hand, is famous for its beautiful beaches, Art Deco architecture, and as a hot spot for entertainment and tourism.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Married to the Mob (1988). 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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Chaos
The theme of chaos pervades the narrative, illustrating Angela's tumultuous life as she navigates the unpredictable world of organized crime. Her struggles embody the discord between her desires for normalcy and the violent circumstances created by her husband's lifestyle. As the plot unfolds, the chaotic dynamics intensify, leading to pivotal confrontations and personal transformations.
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Love and Betrayal
Love and betrayal are central to the story as Angela grapples with conflicting emotions towards her estranged husband and the undercover agent. As her initial need for escape aligns with romantic interest, Angela's choices reveal the complexities of trust and loyalty amid deception. This theme underscores the personal toll of mob life on relationships and self-identity.
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