The Opportunists 2000
Directed by
Myles Connell
Made by
First Look International
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of The Opportunists (2000). 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.
Victor “Vic” Kelly, portrayed by Christopher Walken, is an auto mechanic grappling with a mountain of debt and a history of safe-cracking. His troubles intensify when a supposed cousin from Ireland disrupts one of his repair jobs, pushing Vic into a desperate situation that leads him to consider a robbery scheme introduced by his neighbor, Pat, played by Donal Logue.
Despite the tempting offer, Vic is too proud to accept financial help from his girlfriend, Sally, depicted by Cyndi Lauper, who plans to use her savings to improve her neighborhood bar. Faced with mounting pressure, Vic reluctantly agrees to join the robbery plot, posing as a customer to gain insight into an armored courier service.
During his visit, he gets a firsthand look at the facility, including the intricate triple combination-lock vault. With a renewed focus on his safecracking skills, Vic prepares meticulously for the high-stakes heist ahead. As the day unfolds, we learn that the supposed cousin is an imposter. Trapped in the vault, Vic watches helplessly as the fraudster absconds with a bag of cash.
However, there’s a twist in the tale: Vic’s Irish accomplice finds his conscience and returns to help, dropping off stolen cash to assist Vic in settling his debts. This unexpected generosity allows Vic to ensure his elderly aunt remains comfortably in her retirement home, while also permitting him to reward the two guards, who were part of the plot but had lost their jobs.
In a surprising turn of events, the armored courier service owner retrieves a second bag of cash from the vault, opting to avoid pressing charges against Vic by filing fraudulent insurance claims instead. As Vic finally experiences a glimmer of fortune in his turbulent life, the story culminates with his return to his girlfriend, igniting a spark of hope for a brighter future.
Timeline
Track the key events of The Opportunists (2000) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Vic's Struggles
Victor 'Vic' Kelly is an auto mechanic wrestling with significant debts. His financial struggles are compounded by a past involving safe-cracking, making him desperate for a solution.
Intrusion of the Cousin
Vic's situation worsens when a supposed cousin from Ireland interrupts one of his repair jobs. This unexpected visit adds to Vic's already complex troubles, pushing him toward a precarious decision.
Robbery Scheme Proposal
Desperate for a way out, Vic contemplates a robbery scheme introduced by his neighbor, Pat. Despite reservations, the allure of easy money weighs heavily on Vic's mind amidst his financial chaos.
Sally's Support
Sally, Vic's girlfriend, offers to help him financially with her savings. However, Vic's pride prevents him from accepting her assistance, complicating their relationship further.
Joining the Heist
After much internal conflict, Vic agrees to participate in the robbery. He decides to pose as a customer in order to gather crucial information about the armored courier service.
Insider's View
Vic visits the armored courier facility and observes the complex security measures, including a triple combination-lock vault. This experience reignites his focus on safe-cracking and preparing for the upcoming heist.
The Heist Begins
As the robbery unfolds, Vic finds himself trapped inside the vault, only to realize that the supposed cousin is actually an imposter. This shocking revelation leaves him helpless as the fraudster escapes with stolen cash.
Unexpected Redemption
In a surprising twist, Vic's Irish accomplice experiences a change of heart and returns to help Vic. He drops off stolen cash to support Vic in settling his debts, showing unexpected loyalty.
Supporting the Guards
With the stolen cash, Vic ensures that his elderly aunt remains comfortably in her retirement home. Additionally, he rewards the two guards involved in the plot, who lost their jobs as a result of the heist chaos.
Insurance Claims Instead of Charges
The owner of the armored courier service finds a second bag of cash in the vault. Opting for a more advantageous route, he chooses to file fraudulent insurance claims rather than pressing charges against Vic.
Glimpse of Fortune
Victor finally experiences a moment of fortune amidst his troubled life. This newfound luck comes after all the chaos and missteps leading up to the heist.
Reunion with Sally
The story culminates with Vic returning to his girlfriend, Sally. This reunion ignites a spark of hope in Vic's heart, suggesting a potential for a brighter future together.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring The Opportunists (2000) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Victor 'Vic' Kelly (Christopher Walken)
Vic is a skilled auto mechanic and safe-cracker facing overwhelming debt. His pride and sense of responsibility prevent him from accepting help from others, driving him into a precarious theft scheme. Despite his flaws, he displays a commendable loyalty to family and friends.
Sally (Cyndi Lauper)
Sally is Vic's girlfriend who dreams of improving their community through her bar. She represents support and ambition, contrasting Vic's pride as she offers to help him financially. Her determination highlights the potential for positive change in their lives.
Pat (Donal Logue)
Pat serves as the catalyst for Vic's involvement in the robbery scheme. His influence reflects the complexity of friendship and peer pressure, pushing Vic toward a risky path. Pat's character embodies both opportunism and camaraderie.
Setting
Uncover the settings of The Opportunists (2000), 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's events unfold in a contemporary setting, highlighting the modern struggles of individuals dealing with debt and moral dilemmas in a rapidly changing society. The focus on robbery and crime reflects the desperation felt by people in similar situations.
Location
Vic's neighborhood, Ireland
The story is set primarily in a struggling neighborhood where Vic runs his auto mechanic shop, facing financial hardships. The plot also includes a connection to Ireland through Vic's supposed cousin, reflecting themes of family and deception linked to his background.
Themes
Explore the core themes of The Opportunists (2000). 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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Desperation
The theme of desperation is vividly portrayed through Vic's financial struggles and the lengths he is willing to go to improve his circumstances. This desperation drives him to make morally questionable choices, showcasing the darker side of human nature when pushed to the edge.
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Redemption
Redemption plays a crucial role as Vic's accomplice ultimately returns to help him, illustrating that even those who stray from the path can find a way back. Vic's growth throughout the film culminates in acts of generosity and care for others, such as ensuring his aunt's comfort.
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