Slow Burn 2007
Directed by
Wayne Beach
Made by
Lionsgate
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Slow Burn (2007). 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.
Ford Cole, portrayed by Ray Liotta, is a determined district attorney from the bustling city eyeing the prestigious mayoral office. However, he finds himself entangled in a complex web of deception when his assistant district attorney, Jolene Blalock as Nora Timmer, admits to killing a man while claiming it was self-defense. The situation escalates dramatically when a mysterious individual named LL Cool J arrives at the police station, challenging Nora’s account of the event.
With only hours until the critical deadline of 5 AM on August 17, Ford must unravel the tangled skein of truth and falsehoods surrounding this case to protect both his career and his life. As the stakes grow higher, he learns about Danny, a notorious gang leader played by Taye Diggs, who is busy constructing a criminal empire that spans across eleven cities, buying up valuable land in a decaying neighborhood that could reap a fortune once revamped.
Ford believes that apprehending Danny could solidify his political aspirations, yet he struggles with one crucial detail—he has no idea what Danny actually looks like. A breakthrough arises when he discovers that Nora has dropped charges against a known associate of Danny, Jeffery Sykes, and he utilizes Sykes to help identify Danny. In a twist of fate, Sykes points to Pinks as the elusive gang leader.
Ford soon realizes that Nora has orchestrated a setup, and she’s been working alongside Danny. A dire revelation strikes him; a massive gas explosion is scheduled to devastate the neighborhood at 5 AM. In a race against the clock, Ford rushes to the scene but arrives just in time to witness the explosion unfold, unable to prevent the destruction.
As Danny takes control of the neighborhood, Ford confronts Nora and Pinks, who was identified as Danny. He confronts Nora in the interrogation room with a conviction that he has captured Danny, but the scenario spirals out of control when Sykes appears, impulsively identifying himself as Danny and shooting a police officer before making his escape. In a moment of misjudgment, Ford kills Sykes, mistakenly believing that he has eliminated Danny.
In a surprising twist, Pinks reveals that he is actually an undercover FBI agent. As Pinks departs with a reporter who has been covering Ford’s exploits, they’re unaware they are being recorded by the FBI. The reporter, who is in fact the real Danny, is ultimately arrested, leaving the entirety of the neighborhood’s ownership in the hands of a Cayman Islands corporation controlled by Jackie Longbough, a.k.a. Nora Timmer. Jackie cunningly ensured that Ford, the Mayor, police chief, and even the governor all held stakes within the shady corporation. This conspiracy would be unveiled if ever there were court proceedings. The movie concludes with a striking image of Jackie basking in the sun in the Cayman Islands, evoking a sense of betrayal and ominous foreboding.
Timeline
Track the key events of Slow Burn (2007) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Ford Cole's Ambitions
Ford Cole, a determined district attorney, aspires to become the mayor of his bustling city. His ambition drives him to navigate the political landscape with the hope of achieving his career goals.
Nora's Confession
Ford's assistant district attorney, Nora Timmer, confesses to killing a man, claiming it was an act of self-defense. This shocking revelation sends Ford into a state of turmoil, as he must verify the truth behind Nora's story.
Arrival of a Mysterious Figure
A mysterious individual shows up at the police station, challenging Nora's version of events. This unexpected confrontation adds a new layer of complexity to the unfolding case, putting Ford on high alert.
The 5 AM Deadline
With a critical deadline approaching at 5 AM on August 17, Ford realizes he must quickly unravel the intertwined truths surrounding Nora's confession. The clock is ticking, amplifying the pressure on him.
Learning About Danny
Ford discovers Danny, a notorious gang leader, who is establishing a vast criminal empire. This revelation gives Ford a potential lead that could bolster his political ambitions and put an end to Danny's operations.
Identifying Danny
In a critical investigation, Ford learns that Nora dropped charges against Jeffery Sykes, a known associate of Danny. Using this lead, he hopes to identify and apprehend Danny to strengthen his case.
Setup Revealed
Ford comes to a shocking realization that Nora has set him up and has been colluding with Danny all along. This betrayal shakes Ford to his core and propels him into a desperate race against time.
The Impending Explosion
A major gas explosion is set to occur at 5 AM, threatening to devastate the neighborhood. Ford's urgency increases as he races to prevent the disaster, aware that time is not on his side.
Witnessing the Explosion
Ford arrives just in time to witness the catastrophic gas explosion. His failure to prevent the disaster leaves him grappling with the consequences and questioning his decisions.
Confrontation with Nora
After the chaos, Ford confronts Nora and Pinks, whom he believes to be Danny. This tense exchange spirals out of control as Sykes unexpectedly declares himself as Danny and chaos ensues.
Shooting Incident
In a moment of panic, Sykes shoots a police officer and subsequently escapes. Ford, misjudging the situation, kills Sykes, believing he has eliminated the real Danny.
Pinks' True Identity
In a shocking twist, Pinks reveals himself to be an undercover FBI agent. This revelation complicates the investigation further, exposing layers of deceit within the case.
The Real Danny's Arrest
As Ford grapples with the chaos, the real Danny is apprehended. This unexpected turn sets a new course of events and exposes the deeper investigations at play.
Jackie's Manipulations
The plot thickens as it's revealed that Jackie Longbough, a.k.a. Nora, orchestrated the ownership of the neighborhood through a shady corporation. This revelation hints at a broader conspiracy involving multiple key players.
A Profound Betrayal
The movie concludes with Jackie basking in the sun in the Cayman Islands, representing a profound betrayal that leaves Ford in a precarious position. The unfolding conspiracy raises questions about trust and loyalty in the world of politics.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Slow Burn (2007) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Ford Cole (Ray Liotta)
Ford Cole is a determined and ambitious district attorney with aspirations for the mayoral office. He exhibits strong moral convictions but finds himself ensnared in a web of deceit that tests his resolve. As the plot unfolds, his struggle to distinguish between truth and manipulation reflects the larger battle for integrity in a corrupt system.
Nora Timmer (Jolene Blalock)
Nora Timmer serves as Ford's assistant but is revealed to have her own agenda, manipulating events from behind the scenes. Her character exemplifies the theme of betrayal, as her actions play a crucial role in the unfolding chaos. Complex and cunning, Nora demonstrates the lengths one may go to achieve personal objectives.
Mysterious Individual (LL Cool J)
The mysterious individual represents a wildcard in the narrative, challenging Nora's accounts and adding layers to the unfolding mystery. His presence introduces uncertainty and danger, propelling the plot forward through confrontation and revelations. His character embodies the complexities of the criminal underworld.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Slow Burn (2007), 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
Present Day
The events of the movie unfold in a contemporary setting, reflecting the social and political dynamics of modern urban America. The challenges faced by the characters are reflective of current issues such as crime, corruption, and the pursuit of power in the political arena.
Location
City, Decaying Neighborhood
The movie is set in a vibrant city where political ambitions collide with underworld schemes. Within this urban landscape lies a decaying neighborhood, a focal point for criminal activity and redevelopment. This area is crucial to the story as it represents both opportunity and danger for the characters involved.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Slow Burn (2007). 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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Deception
Deception runs through the core of the story, impacting relationships and shaping the characters' motivations. Ford's determination to uncover the truth is challenged by the layers of lies spun by those around him. Ultimately, the theme highlights how deception not only affects individual lives but also has broader implications for societal integrity.
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Justice
The pursuit of justice is a primary theme, as Ford Cole navigates the murky waters of law and morality. His quest to resolve the case leads him into ethical dilemmas and personal conflicts. The film raises questions about the true meaning of justice, especially in a system where power and corruption intermingle.
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Betrayal
Betrayal emerges as a poignant theme, manifested through the relationships between Ford, Nora, and Danny. The ultimate betrayal reshapes alliances and outcomes, leading to devastating consequences. This theme underscores the fragility of trust in both personal and professional spheres.
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