The Negotiator (1998)

In a desperate attempt to prove his innocence, a skilled police negotiator accused of corruption and murder takes hostages in a government office to gain the time he needs to find the truth.

Director:

F. Gary Gray

Writers:

James DeMonaco, Kevin Fox

Stars:

Samuel L. Jackson, Kevin Spacey, David Morse

2 wins & 6 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Samuel L. Jackson	...	Danny Roman
Kevin Spacey	...	Chris Sabian
David Morse	...	Adam Beck
Ron Rifkin	...	Grant Frost
John Spencer	...	Chief Al Travis
J.T. Walsh	...	Terence Niebaum
Siobhan Fallon	...	Maggie
Paul Giamatti	...	Rudy
Regina Taylor	...	Karen Roman
Bruce Beatty	...	Markus
Michael Cudlitz	...	Palermo
Carlos Gómez	...	Eagle
Tim Kelleher	...	Argento
Dean Norris	...	Scott
Nestor Serrano	...	Hellman

Storyline

In the midst of an elaborate conspiracy, an expert negotiator is driven to the edge when he's framed for the murder of his partner, as well as embezzling money from his department's pension fund. His only chance to prove his innocence is to take hostages himself, acquire the services of another expert negotiator, and find out who's running the conspiracy before it's too late.

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Plot Keywords:

police | negotiator | hostage | murder | corruption | 

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Taglines:

Chicago's two top negotiators must face each other. One of them is holding hostages. The other is demanding surrender. And everyone's holding their breath.

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Genres:

Action | Crime | Drama | Mystery | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for violence and language

Details

Country:

Germany USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

29 July 1998 (USA)

Also Known As:

El mediador

Filming Locations:

77 W. Wacker Drive, Downtown, Chicago, Illinois, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$50,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

£447,191 (UK) (27 November 1998)

Gross:

£1,484,716 (UK) (1 January 1999)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Regency Enterprises, Mandeville Films, New Regency Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

140 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital DTS-Stereo

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Despite the fact that this was filmed in Super 35, "Filmed in Panavision" is listed in the end credits.

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Goofs

During one of the early negotiating scenes, the clock in the negotiating room shows early afternoon when it is clearly night time.

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Quotes

Rudy Timmons: Because once you familiarize yourself with the chains of bondage you prepare your own limbs to wear them. Fuckin' Abraham Lincoln said it, and I fuckin' believe it, so you have got to get me the fuck out! Now!

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Connections

References Die Hard (1988)

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Soundtracks

"Rise"
(1998)
Performed and Written by Craig Armstrong
Courtesy of Virgin Records Ltd./Melankolic

User Reviews

Fantastic Film

Anyone who says this film is not good must be crazy! The Negotiator has the complete package intelligence, love, anger,comedy,suspense and action. An absolute terrific film which as well as having all the characteristics to make a classic, it has the cast to match. Samuel L Jackson at his best playing the role as Danny Roman, a negotiator with nothing to lose but all to prove. Kevin Spacey shows a strong side of his acting ability and is terrific in the role of Chris Sabien, another negotiator who has the sole interest of getting the truth!. The film is full of so many twists and turns that makes it one of the best thrillers ever!!! GUARANTEE...THIS FILM WILL NOT DISAPPOINT!!!