Directed by
David Koepp
Made by
Lionsgate
Discover the intricate plot of Mortdecai (2015). 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.
Lord Charlie Mortdecai, portrayed by Johnny Depp, is a dubious art dealer with a penchant for swindling. His troubles escalate when he confronts a gang member named Fang in Hong Kong, only to be rescued by his loyal manservant, Jock, played by Paul Bettany. After their narrow escape, Mortdecai and his wife, Johanna, played by Gwyneth Paltrow, return to London, burdened by a staggering debt owed to the UK tax authorities.
Seeking a solution to their financial woes, they become embroiled in the illegal art scene when a valuable painting by Francisco Goya becomes the focal point of a bizarre theft that ends with the deaths of an art restorer and a thief. Enter Inspector Alistair Martland, portrayed by Ewan McGregor, who enlists Mortdecai’s help due to his extensive contacts in the art world. Martland harbors feelings for Johanna dating back to their college years, adding an emotional layer to the investigation.
Martland suspects the involvement of Emil Strago, a notorious terrorist, which garners the interest of security agencies. Mortdecai agrees to assist him, hoping to claim 10% of the insurance money. He soon meets Dr. Graham, a respected art critic, who becomes intrigued by the missing Goya related to the murder. However, when Mortdecai remains tight-lipped about his client, Dr. Graham contacts Romanov, further complicating matters.
As Mortdecai conducts interviews with various art affiliates, he encounters Spinoza, an art smuggler who ends up being shot by Strago during their heated exchange. Narrowly escaping, Mortdecai analyzes crime scene photographs and deduces that the restorer must have uncovered something significant while working on the Goya—a theory linking it to a Nazi general’s hidden wealth.
Complications arise when Johanna connects with The Duke, a figure who sheds light on the painting’s connection to a stash of Nazi gold. Before long, Mortdecai finds himself kidnapped by Russian thugs working for Romanov, who wrongly believe he possesses the painting. Ingeniously, Mortdecai escapes, with Jock’s timely help.
In a twist of fate, Mortdecai is sent to America by Martland, who desires time alone with Johanna. While trying to sell his cherished Rolls-Royce, he discovers the stolen Goya hidden within it. The plot thickens as he learns that Krampf, a potential buyer, plans to display the painting at a party. Jock suggests a heist to reclaim the painting, but chaos ensues when Krampf’s daughter, Georgina, tries to seduce Mortdecai while Strago attempts to steal the artwork.
As Mortdecai and Jock race against time to recover the Goya, they face numerous challenges, including danger from both Strago and Romanov. The situation escalates as they discover that the painting previously thought to be genuine is actually a counterfeit. A scheme is hatched to disguise the authentic Goya as another piece to fund their debts in a high-stakes auction.
The auction draws attention from both Fang and Romanov, while Strago’s nefarious plan to kidnap Johanna unfolds. Bidding for the Goya reaches a staggering $30 million, ultimately won by Romanov, much to Mortdecai’s dismay. Although their debts are settled thanks to Martland, it turns out they’ve been duped again—rendering them still broke with another fake painting on their hands. As Romanov plots his revenge, the adventure takes a perilous turn, leaving our protagonists in a precarious situation.
Track the key events of Mortdecai (2015) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Charlie Mortdecai's Encounter in Hong Kong
Lord Charlie Mortdecai faces off against a gang member named Fang in Hong Kong. This confrontation escalates quickly, and Mortdecai finds himself in serious trouble, but he is rescued just in time by his loyal manservant, Jock.
Return to London
After their narrow escape from danger in Hong Kong, Mortdecai and his wife, Johanna, make their way back to London. They return home not only relieved but also burdened by a significant debt owed to the UK tax authorities.
Involvement in the Art Scene
Desperate to address their financial crisis, Mortdecai and Johanna get drawn into the illegal art scene. A valuable painting by Francisco Goya becomes the center of a bizarre theft, leading to the deaths of both an art restorer and a thief.
Inspector Martland's Investigation
Inspector Alistair Martland approaches Mortdecai to enlist his help in the investigation surrounding the Goya painting theft. Unbeknownst to Mortdecai, Martland secretly harbors feelings for Johanna, adding complexity to the situation.
Link to Emil Strago
Martland suspects that Emil Strago, a notorious terrorist, is involved in the art theft case. The situation gains the attention of various security agencies as Mortdecai decides to aid Martland, hoping to secure a share of the insurance payout.
Dr. Graham's Intrigue
Mortdecai meets Dr. Graham, a respected art critic, who becomes interested in the missing Goya related to the recent murder. However, Mortdecai's reluctance to reveal details about his client leads Dr. Graham to contact Romanov, complicating the investigation.
Encounter with Spinoza
While interviewing art affiliates, Mortdecai comes across Spinoza, an art smuggler. Their conversation takes a deadly turn when Strago shoots Spinoza during a heated exchange, putting Mortdecai in further peril.
Uncovering Nazi Wealth
After analyzing crime scene photos, Mortdecai deduces that the art restorer must have found something significant while restoring the Goya. This leads him to suspect a connection between the painting and hidden wealth belonging to a Nazi general.
Johanna's Connection with The Duke
In a twist, Johanna interacts with The Duke, who reveals crucial information about the painting’s ties to a stash of Nazi gold. This connection adds another layer to the already complicated case surrounding the theft.
Kidnapped by Russian Thugs
Mortdecai finds himself kidnapped by Russian thugs working for Romanov, who mistakenly believe he has the stolen painting. Thanks to Jock, he manages a clever escape from their clutches.
Discovery of the Stolen Goya
Sent to America by Martland, who wishes to spend time with Johanna, Mortdecai discovers the stolen Goya hidden in his Rolls-Royce while trying to sell the car. This discovery raises the stakes of his efforts to reclaim the painting.
Heist Proposal
With the stolen Goya in hand, Mortdecai and Jock concoct a plan to reclaim the artwork during a party hosted by Krampf, a potential buyer. However, the situation becomes chaotic when Krampf's daughter, Georgina, attempts to seduce Mortdecai.
Bidding Goes Awry
As the high-stakes auction for the Goya unfolds, Mortdecai faces mounting tension from Strago, who has his own plans to recover the painting. The bidding reaches a staggering $30 million, ultimately won by Romanov, leaving Mortdecai disheartened.
Duped Again
Despite settling their debts with Martland's help, Mortdecai and Johanna find themselves deceived once more when it turns out the painting they acquired is another fake. Their ongoing struggles only deepen as Romanov seeks revenge.
Perilous Situation
As Romanov's plans for revenge unfold, the stakes are raised for Mortdecai and his allies. The blend of deceit and danger culminates in a scenario that challenges their wit and survival skills, leaving them in a precarious position.
Meet the characters that bring Mortdecai (2015) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Lord Charlie Mortdecai (Johnny Depp)
Lord Charlie Mortdecai is a charming yet dubious art dealer with a knack for getting into trouble. He often relies on his wit and connections in the art world to navigate perilous situations. Despite his flaws and questionable ethics, Mortdecai's character evokes sympathy as his attempts to solve problems lead to chaos.
Johanna Mortdecai (Gwyneth Paltrow)
Johanna Mortdecai is portrayed as a strong-willed and resourceful woman supporting her husband through thick and thin. While she grapples with their financial issues, her character reveals depth as romantic entanglements arise, particularly with Inspector Martland. Johanna's intelligence and adaptability bring a layer of complexity to her character.
Inspector Alistair Martland (Ewan McGregor)
Inspector Martland is an ambitious officer entangled in the art crime investigation, harboring unspoken feelings for Johanna. His character's determination to solve the case reflects a mix of professionalism and personal conflict, making him a compelling counterpart to Mortdecai's chaotic style. His intentions often blur the lines between duty and desire.
Jock (Paul Bettany)
Jock is Mortdecai's loyal manservant, who often acts as both protector and comic relief. His quick thinking and resourcefulness assist Mortdecai through dangerous situations, underscoring a strong loyalty that provides emotional grounding to the chaotic plot. Jock's character adds levity and depth to the narrative.
Uncover the settings of Mortdecai (2015), 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 events of the movie are set in a contemporary period, reflecting modern societal issues such as financial troubles and the world of art crimes. The storyline's intertwining of personal relationships and criminal undertones also highlights the complexities of modern life in urban settings.
Location
Hong Kong, London, America
The movie takes place in vibrant Hong Kong, known for its bustling urban life and art scene, where Charlie Mortdecai finds himself amidst trouble. Following their escapades, the couple returns to London, a city famously rich in history and culture, where the illegal art trade operates in the shadows. Their adventure even leads them to America, showcasing the global implications of art theft and deception.
Explore the core themes of Mortdecai (2015). 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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Greed
Greed is a central theme, driving characters to partake in illegal dealings centered around valuable art. Mortdecai's desire to escape financial troubles leads him into a web of criminal activity, showcasing how the pursuit of wealth can corrupt and complicate relationships. The chaotic consequences of greed ultimately highlight the futility of their attempts to gain financial freedom.
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Love and Betrayal
The tension between love and betrayal is palpable, especially with Inspector Martland's lingering feelings for Johanna. This unrequited affection complicates the investigation and creates emotional stakes for Mortdecai, testing the bonds of trust between characters. Ultimately, personal motivations are often at odds with professional duties, leading to a precarious balance.
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Loyalty
The unwavering loyalty of Mortdecai's manservant, Jock, underscores the importance of friendship in the face of adversity. Jock’s commitment to Mortdecai highlights that true loyalty is tested when dangers arise, illustrating how companions can uplift one another through turmoil. Their bond serves as a crucial support mechanism throughout the movie.
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