Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead 1995
Directed by
Gary Fleder
Made by
Miramax Films
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead (1995). 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.
In the wake of a turbulent history, Jimmy “The Saint” Tosnia (played by Andy Garcia) strives to escape his former life as an notorious gangster. Now running Afterlife Advice in Denver, he helps the dying leave touching messages for their loved ones. However, his efforts are in vain as the business struggles to stay afloat, attracting the unwanted attention of his former boss, the merciless crime lord known as The Man With The Plan (Christopher Walken). This malevolent figure, rendered a quadriplegic from a tragic accident, exploits Jimmy’s financial problems to force him into a grim favor: to convince Meg, the ex-girlfriend of his incarcerated son Bernard, to rekindle their romance, believing it will somehow save Bernard from his heinous off-the-wall charges of child molestation.
Cornered and desperate, Jimmy assembles a ragtag team of former associates, including Easy Wind, Pieces, Big Bear Franchise, and the unpredictable Critical Bill. Their ludicrous scheme involves masquerading as law enforcement to intimidate Meg’s current partner, Bruce, into breaking up with her. However, chaos ensues when Bruce grows suspicious, throwing their plan into disarray and leading to horrific consequences—the violent confrontation leads to Meg’s accidental death, spurring ire from The Man With The Plan.
For their failure, Jimmy receives a dubious clemency—banished from Denver for life—while his former friends suffer a more harrowing fate, promised to die a brutal death known as “buckwheats.” The relentless hitman Mr. Shhh becomes their executioner, and as pieces fall into place, Pieces comes to terms with his fate when Mr. Shhh swiftly delivers his end.
In a bid for survival, Easy Wind seeks shelter with Baby Sinister, a powerful gang leader, but their refuge is swiftly compromised as Mr. Shhh decimates Sinister’s men. Franchise, desperate to protect his own family, pleads with The Man With The Plan for mercy, but his efforts are futile—Franchise is cruelly betrayed and killed.
As the cycle of violence spirals out of control, Jimmy is confronted with the grim reality of his own fate and must contend with the fact that he may soon meet the same savage demise as his friends. The hunt intensifies as Mr. Shhh closes in on Critical Bill, leading to a violent clash that claims both of their lives. Following this, the contract on Jimmy’s head shifts to a trio of merciless Mexican brothers determined to end him. With the specter of death looming, Jimmy takes a heartfelt moment to bid farewell to Dagney, the young woman whose love has intertwined with his own, and seeks vengeance upon Bernard.
In an unexpected turn of redemption, Jimmy also helps fulfill the wishes of Lucinda, a hopeful mother desiring a child, as he leaves behind a poignant video message for his unborn offspring. As the trio of killers converge, Jimmy encounters his end with calm acceptance, reuniting his spirit with those who have gone before him. The Man With The Plan mourns the loss of his son, while Jimmy finds solace in the afterlife, joyfully gathering with his friends and raising “boat drinks” to eternal memories together.
Timeline
Track the key events of Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead (1995) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Jimmy's New Life
After a tumultuous past as a notorious gangster, Jimmy 'The Saint' Tosnia attempts to forge a new path by running a business called Afterlife Advice in Denver. He helps terminally ill individuals craft heartfelt messages for their loved ones, signifying his desire for redemption.
Encounter with The Man With The Plan
Jimmy's efforts to stay afloat in business attract the attention of his former boss, the ruthless crime lord known as The Man With The Plan. The mobster, now a quadriplegic due to an accident, exploits Jimmy's financial struggles, granting him no reprieve from his past.
The Grim Request
To leverage Jimmy's predicament, The Man With The Plan tasks him with reuniting Meg, the ex-girlfriend of his son Bernard, with the incarcerated man. This scheme is rooted in a belief that rekindling their romance will somehow ease the charges against Bernard.
Assembling the Team
Faced with an urgent deadline, Jimmy recruits a quirky team of former associates, including Easy Wind, Pieces, Big Bear Franchise, and Critical Bill. Together, they devise a ridiculous plan aimed at intimidating Meg's partner into breaking up with her.
Plan Goes Awry
Chaos ensues when their plot to scare Meg's partner, Bruce, backfires, leading to his growing suspicion. As tensions escalate, a violent confrontation inadvertently results in Meg's accidental death, igniting The Man With The Plan's wrath.
Consequences of Failure
In the aftermath of Meg's death, Jimmy faces dire repercussions—being banished from Denver for life as a form of dubious clemency. His former associates experience a darker fate, promised a brutal death at the hands of the merciless hitman, Mr. Shhh.
Desperate Measures
Seeking refuge from the fallout, Easy Wind turns to Baby Sinister, a powerful gang leader. However, their sanctuary is swiftly compromised as Mr. Shhh launches a fierce attack, wiping out Sinister's men and further complicating the situation.
Franchise's Plea
In a desperate bid to protect his family, Franchise implores The Man With The Plan for mercy. However, his pleas fall on deaf ears, resulting in betrayal and a brutal end for Franchise, underscoring the vicious cycle of violence in their world.
The Hunt Intensifies
As Mr. Shhh relentlessly pursuit Chief Bill, a violent confrontation unfolds, culminating in the deaths of both characters. This incident marks a significant turning point, further highlighting the imminent dangers surrounding Jimmy and his crew.
A Trio of Killers
With the contract on Jimmy's head now belonging to a trio of merciless Mexican brothers, the stakes rise drastically. Jimmy finds himself constantly looking over his shoulder, knowing death is not far behind him as the hunters close in.
Final Goodbyes
Faced with looming death, Jimmy shares a heartfelt farewell with Dagney, the young woman who has come to mean so much to him. This poignant moment of connection and love stands in stark contrast to the chaos surrounding his life.
Helping Lucinda
In a moment of unexpected redemption, Jimmy fulfills the wishes of Lucinda, a hopeful mother yearning for a child. He leaves behind a touching video message for her unborn offspring, showcasing his capacity for kindness amidst his troubles.
Acceptance of Fate
As the three killers converge upon him, Jimmy embraces a calm acceptance of his impending fate. With peace in his heart, he prepares to reunite with those he has lost before him, signifying a profound moment of closure.
Eternal Reunion
After meeting his end, Jimmy's spirit finds solace in the afterlife, gathering with lost friends. They raise 'boat drinks' together, celebrating eternal memories and a newfound joy that transcends their troubled pasts.
The Man With The Plan's Grief
Back on earth, The Man With The Plan mourns the loss of his son Bernard. This moment underscores the tragic realities of their violent lives and connects the emotional threads that run deep amid the chaos.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead (1995) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Jimmy 'The Saint' Tosnia
Jimmy, played by Andy Garcia, is a former gangster turned compassionate entrepreneur running a death-related business. Driven by guilt and a desire for redemption, he struggles with his violent past while trying to help others leave behind heartfelt messages before they pass. His journey is marked by both his fight for survival and his deep emotional connections.
The Man With The Plan
Portrayed by Christopher Walken, The Man With The Plan is a quadriplegic crime lord and the movie's antagonist. His ruthless manipulation of Jimmy and others reflects his desire to exert control over their lives, despite his physical limitations. His relentless pursuit of revenge showcases the depths of his malevolence.
Critical Bill
Critical Bill is one of Jimmy's erratic former associates, embodying unpredictability and chaos. His demeanor often adds tension to situations, showcasing how personalities can clash within desperate contexts. His trajectory reflects the inevitable consequences of their violent lifestyle.
Mr. Shhh
Mr. Shhh is a relentless hitman who embodies the film's themes of violence and retribution. As the executioner of many pivotal characters, his presence looms ominously, serving as a reminder of the inescapability of their choices. He is a dark force driving the narrative towards its tragic conclusion.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead (1995), 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 does not specify a particular time period but reflects a contemporary setting infused with elements of urban gang culture. It portrays a gritty reality where criminal undertakings lead to dire consequences, embodying the tumultuous nature of both personal and criminal histories.
Location
Denver
Denver, known as the Mile High City, is a vibrant urban center situated in Colorado. It is recognized for its stunning Rocky Mountain backdrop and diverse cultural offerings. In this film, it serves as the backdrop for a dark tale of crime and redemption, where the struggles of life and death unfold.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead (1995). 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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Violence
Violence is a central theme that permeates the narrative, illustrating the fatal consequences of the characters’ choices. Each character faces their own violent fate, often as a result of their entanglements in crime and betrayal. The film underscores the cyclical nature of violence and its impact on lives.
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Redemption
Redemption plays a pivotal role in Jimmy's journey as he seeks to mend relationships even in his final moments. His interactions, particularly with Dagney and Lucinda, reveal his desire for forgiveness and connection. Ultimately, the film presents the idea that even in death, one can find solace in love and meaningful connections.
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