Detailed Summary
The Hard Goodbye
Marv (Mickey Rourke), a hulking bruiser with a soft spot for women, wakes up to find his one-night stand, Goldie (Jaime King), dead beside him. Determined to avenge her death, Marv embarks on a brutal quest to find her killer, uncovering a conspiracy involving corrupt cops and the powerful Roark family. Marv’s journey ends with him exacting revenge on the cannibalistic Kevin (Elijah Wood) and Cardinal Roark (Rutger Hauer) before being captured and sentenced to death.
The Big Fat Kill
Dwight (Clive Owen) is trying to start a new life with his girlfriend, Shellie (Brittany Murphy), but gets drawn back into the underworld when he protects her from her abusive ex-boyfriend, Jackie Boy (Benicio del Toro). Dwight’s pursuit leads to Old Town, where the prostitutes led by Gail (Rosario Dawson) enforce their own rule. When Jackie Boy turns out to be a cop, Dwight and the women must dispose of the bodies to prevent a mob war. The situation escalates, leading to a climactic showdown in the streets of Old Town.
That Yellow Bastard
John Hartigan (Bruce Willis), a veteran cop, saves an 11-year-old girl, Nancy Callahan (Makenzie Vega), from the monstrous serial rapist Roark Junior (Nick Stahl). Hartigan is framed for Junior’s crimes and spends years in prison, maintaining his silence to protect Nancy. Upon his release, he finds Nancy (Jessica Alba) grown up and working as a dancer. Junior, now hideously deformed and yellow-skinned, captures Nancy to exact his revenge. Hartigan manages to rescue her again but sacrifices himself to ensure her safety.
Movie Ending
The film concludes with Hartigan sacrificing himself to protect Nancy from Roark Junior and his powerful father. Meanwhile, Dwight maintains the fragile peace in Old Town, and Marv faces his execution with grim satisfaction, having avenged Goldie’s death.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, “Sin City” does not have any post-credits scenes.
Type of Movie
“Sin City” is a neo-noir crime anthology film, known for its distinctive visual style that closely mimics the look of Frank Miller’s graphic novels. The film combines elements of thriller, action, and drama.
Cast
- Bruce Willis as John Hartigan
- Mickey Rourke as Marv
- Clive Owen as Dwight
- Jessica Alba as Nancy Callahan
- Benicio del Toro as Jackie Boy
- Brittany Murphy as Shellie
- Rosario Dawson as Gail
- Elijah Wood as Kevin
- Rutger Hauer as Cardinal Roark
- Nick Stahl as Roark Junior/Yellow Bastard
Film Music and Composer
The film’s score is composed by Robert Rodriguez, John Debney, and Graeme Revell. The music complements the film’s dark and gritty tone, with a blend of jazz, rock, and orchestral elements.
Filming Locations
“Sin City” was primarily shot in a digital backlot in Austin, Texas. The use of green screen technology allowed for the creation of a highly stylized, comic book-like world, staying true to the aesthetic of Frank Miller’s graphic novels.
Awards and Nominations
- Cannes Film Festival: Technical Grand Prize for the visual effects.
- Saturn Awards: Nominated for Best Action/Adventure/Thriller Film.
- Austin Film Critics Association: Best Austin Film.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Frank Miller co-directed the film with Robert Rodriguez, ensuring a faithful adaptation of his graphic novels.
- Quentin Tarantino directed a special guest segment of the film, the scene with Dwight and Jackie Boy in the car.
- The film was shot entirely on green screen, allowing the filmmakers to closely replicate the look of the graphic novels.
Inspirations and References
- Source Material: The film is based on Frank Miller’s “Sin City” graphic novel series, particularly “The Hard Goodbye,” “The Big Fat Kill,” and “That Yellow Bastard.”
- Film Noir and Pulp Fiction: The film draws heavily from classic noir and pulp fiction, with its morally ambiguous characters, stark black-and-white visuals, and gritty urban settings.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
While there are no major alternate endings, the extended version of the film released on DVD includes individual cuts of each story, providing a more in-depth look at each narrative.
Book Adaptations and Differences
- Faithful Adaptation: The film remains remarkably true to the graphic novels, both in visual style and narrative.
- Visual Style: The use of black-and-white with selective color highlights mirrors the distinctive art of the graphic novels.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Marv’s Revenge: Marv’s brutal quest for vengeance, culminating in his confrontation with Kevin.
- Dwight’s Car Ride: The surreal and tense scene with Dwight and Jackie Boy in the car.
- Hartigan’s Sacrifice: Hartigan’s final act of sacrifice to protect Nancy.
Iconic Quotes
- “This is blood for blood and by the gallon. These are the old days, the bad days, the all-or-nothing days. They’re back!” – Marv
- “An old man dies. A young woman lives. Fair trade.” – John Hartigan
- “I’m Shellie, and I belong to Dwight. You don’t even want to think about doing what you’re thinking about doing right now.” – Shellie
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- Miller Cameo: Frank Miller makes a cameo appearance as a priest.
- Visual Nods: Various shots and frames are direct recreations of panels from the graphic novels.
- Character Connections: Subtle connections between characters and storylines hint at the larger world of Sin City.
Trivia
- Robert Rodriguez resigned from the Directors Guild of America to co-direct the film with Frank Miller.
- Mickey Rourke’s transformation into Marv included extensive makeup and prosthetics.
- The film’s distinct visual style was achieved using high-contrast digital photography and extensive post-production effects.
Why Watch?
“Sin City” is a groundbreaking film that pushes the boundaries of visual storytelling. Its unique blend of noir aesthetics, gripping narratives, and strong performances make it a must-see for fans of crime dramas and graphic novels.
Director’s Other Movies
- El Mariachi (1992)
- Desperado (1995)
- From Dusk Till Dawn (1996)
- Spy Kids (2001)
- Machete (2010)
Recommended Films for Fans
- 300 (2006)
- Watchmen (2009)
- The Spirit (2008)
- V for Vendetta (2005)
- The Crow (1994)
