To Die For 1995
Directed by
Gus Van Sant
Made by
Columbia Pictures
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of To Die For (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 charming town of Little Hope, New Hampshire, a captivating and ambitious young woman named Suzanne Stone is determined to make her mark as a prominent broadcast journalist. Her eyes are set on fame, and she ignites a passionate romance with Larry Maretto, an Italian American whose family’s disapproval does little to deter them. In a rush, they marry, and for a while, their union seems to flourish with mutual support, as Larry pledges to back Suzanne’s career aspirations. Utilizing Larry’s family restaurant as a financial stepping stone, Suzanne secures a role as an assistant at WWEN, a nearby cable station, with the aim of climbing the ranks through her relentless drive. Her efforts pay off when she earns a spot on the evening weather report.
Looking for content for her documentary, Teens Speak Out, Suzanne visits a local high school, where she forms connections with troubled youths, including Jimmy Emmett and Russel Hines, and a shy girl named Lydia Mertz, who admires Suzanne’s glamour. As Larry increasingly insists that she forsake her ambitions for domesticity, Suzanne starts to see him as a barrier to her goals. In a shocking twist, she manipulates Jimmy into committing murder, fabricating stories of his supposed abuse and enticing him with the promise of a new life in California once Larry is out of the picture. She also persuades Lydia to help by acquiring a weapon.
On the night of Suzanne’s weather report, Jimmy and Russel go through with their heinous plan, invading the Marettos’ home and fatally shooting Larry. Although the initial investigation points to a failed burglary, authorities soon discover a clip of Teens Speak Out featuring Suzanne, which links her to Jimmy. As the teens are arrested, Lydia strikes a deal with the police to record a conversation with Suzanne, unknowingly revealing her involvement in Larry’s death. Despite compelling evidence against her, Suzanne argues that she was entrapped and is released on bail. In a shocking conclusion, all charges against her are ultimately dismissed.
As Suzanne basks in the media spotlight, she spins a dark narrative surrounding Larry’s death, falsely accusing Jimmy and Russel of being his drug dealers. The authorities, swayed by her lies, sentence the young men to life in prison while Russell manages to negotiate a reduced sentence and Lydia earns probation.
Meanwhile, Larry’s father, Joe, overwhelmed by grief and thirsting for justice, employs his mafia connections to orchestrate Suzanne’s downfall. He engages a crafty hitman, disguised as a Hollywood executive, who lures Suzanne away from her house and fulfills the dark mission before burying her body beneath the icy surface of a frozen lake.
As the audience becomes captivated by Lydia’s televised narrative, her fame skyrockets, standing in stark contrast to Janice, Larry’s sister. Janice, who has always resented Suzanne, practices her figure skating on the same frozen lake where Suzanne lies, a somber reminder of the tragic fallout from unchecked ambition and deceit.
Timeline
Track the key events of To Die For (1995) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Suzanne's Ambition
In the charming town of Little Hope, New Hampshire, Suzanne Stone is introduced as a captivating young woman with aspirations to become a prominent broadcast journalist. Her determination drives her to seek fame and success, setting the stage for her relentless pursuit of career advancement.
Wedding to Larry Maretto
Suzanne and Larry Maretto rush into marriage, despite his family's disapproval of their relationship. Initially, their union appears strong as they support each other's dreams, with Larry pledging to back Suzanne's aspirations in journalism.
Career Beginnings
Using Larry's family restaurant as a financial stepping stone, Suzanne lands an assistant role at the nearby cable station, WWEN. She is determined to climb the ranks through her relentless drive, ultimately earning a spot on the evening weather report.
Teens Speak Out
To gather content for her documentary, 'Teens Speak Out', Suzanne visits a local high school. Here, she connects with troubled youths, including Jimmy Emmett, Russel Hines, and Lydia Mertz, who is enamored with Suzanne's glamorous lifestyle.
Conflict with Larry
As Larry insists that Suzanne prioritize domestic life over her ambitions, she begins to see him as a hindrance. This tension escalates her determination to remove him from her life in pursuit of her goals, leading her down a dark path.
Manipulating Jimmy
In a shocking turn of events, Suzanne manipulates Jimmy into committing murder by fabricating stories of abuse and enticing him with promises of a new life in California. She enlists Lydia's assistance by convincing her to acquire a weapon for this heinous act.
Murder of Larry Maretto
On the night of Suzanne's weather report, Jimmy and Russel execute their plan, breaking into the Marettos' home and fatally shooting Larry. The initial investigation suggests a failed burglary; however, suspicions rise as evidence begins to unfold.
Investigation Unfolds
As the investigation progresses, authorities discover a clip of 'Teens Speak Out' that links Suzanne to Jimmy. This pivotal moment shifts the focus onto Suzanne and her potential involvement in the murder case against Larry.
Lydia's Deal
Lydia, seeking to save herself, strikes a deal with the police to record a conversation with Suzanne. Unbeknownst to her, this conversation reveals Suzanne's involvement in Larry's death, complicating the case even further.
Suzanne's Bail
Despite mounting evidence against her, Suzanne argues that she was entrapped and is controversially released on bail. This sparks outrage and confusion within the community, as many question the motivations behind the judicial decisions.
Media Manipulation
In the media spotlight following Larry's death, Suzanne spins a dark narrative, falsely accusing Jimmy and Russel of being drug dealers responsible for Larry's murder. This fabricated story leads to severe consequences for the teens, who face life sentences.
Larry's Father's Revenge
Larry's father, Joe, devastated by his son's murder, seeks justice through darker means. He employs a hitman, disguised as a Hollywood executive, to orchestrate Suzanne's downfall, highlighting the depth of his grief and desire for vengeance.
Suzanne's Demise
The hitman lures Suzanne away from her home and fulfills the dark mission, burying her body beneath the icy surface of a frozen lake. This chilling conclusion closes the chapter on Suzanne's ambition and manipulation in a tragic manner.
Lydia's Rise to Fame
As Lydia's narrative catches the audience's attention and skyrockets her fame, it starkly contrasts with the grief of Larry's family. In a poignant irony, Janice, Larry's sister, practices figure skating on the same lake where Suzanne lies, symbolizing the tragic fallout.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring To Die For (1995) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Suzanne Stone (Nicole Kidman)
Suzanne is a captivating yet manipulative woman whose ambitions drive her to moral extremes. Initially portrayed as determined and charming, her character reveals a dark side as she sacrifices those close to her for fame. Suzanne's relentless pursuit of success ultimately leads to her downfall, making her a complex and unsettling protagonist.
Larry Maretto (Matt Dillon)
Larry is a supportive but ultimately overshadowed husband who struggles to balance his ambitions with Suzanne's fierce drive for success. His character serves as a tragic counterpoint to Suzanne's ruthless ambition, reflecting the personal costs of her decisions. Larry's love and loyalty make his death even more poignant.
Setting
Uncover the settings of To Die For (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 time period is contemporary, reflecting the societal dynamics of the late 20th century, particularly the rise of media-driven celebrity. It captures the cultural ambition of individuals striving for fame, often at great personal costs, losing moral boundaries in the process.
Location
Little Hope, New Hampshire
Little Hope is a charming small town known for its picturesque surroundings and close-knit community. It serves as the backdrop for Suzanne Stone's ambitious climb to fame, contrasting the tranquil setting with the chaos of her unfolding schemes. The town's familiarity plays a pivotal role in illustrating the stark differences between her aspirations and the dark events that transpire.
Themes
Explore the core themes of To Die For (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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Ambition
Ambition is the driving force behind Suzanne Stone's actions, exemplifying both its allure and peril. Her relentless pursuit of fame and success blinds her to ethical considerations, leading to devastating consequences for those around her. The film serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of placing ambition above human life and integrity.
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Deceit
Deceit plays a critical role in the narrative, illustrating how manipulation and dishonesty can lead to catastrophic outcomes. Suzanne's web of lies not only ensnares her victims but also ultimately backfires, revealing the fragile nature of truth and justice in the pursuit of self-interest.
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Consequences
The consequences of Suzanne's ambition manifest tragically throughout the film, highlighting the far-reaching effects of her decisions. From the loss of life to the ruination of young lives, the story underscores how unchecked desire for fame can spiral into a cycle of violence and despair.
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