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 Hogan	...	Maggie (as Siobhan Fallon)
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:

opening action scene | police shootout | last film role for actor | fbi federal bureau of investigation | negotiator | 

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Taglines:

He frees hostages for a living. Now he's taking hostages to survive.

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Genres:

Action | Crime | Drama | Mystery | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for violence and language

Did You Know?

Trivia

When Danny (Samuel L. Jackson) gets on the radio and talks to all of his co-workers from the Department, he says he knows the "rules of engagement". Jackson later starred in "Rules of Engagement (2000)."

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Goofs

The ambulance at the end of the movie is an AMR unit. AMR does not operate in the City of Chicago (nor Cook County). That should have been either a Chicago Fire Department or Superior Ambulance.

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Quotes

Lieutenant Danny Roman: One last question... Do you know who killed Nate?
Insp. Terence Niebaum: [Niebaum leans forward after a long pause] You.

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Alternate Versions

On newer prints of the film, including VUDU, the Warner Bros. 75 Years logo is omitted at the beginning. However, the 1992 "Distributed By Warner Bros." logo is retained at the end of the film.

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Connections

Referenced in Skirt Day (2008)

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Soundtracks

Flyin' High (In the Friendly Sky)
Performed by Marvin Gaye
Written by Marvin Gaye, Anna Gordy Gaye, Elgie Stover
Courtesy of Motown Record Company, L.P.
By Arrangement with PolyGram Film & TV Music

User Reviews

somewhat familiar setup made worthwhile by an excellent cast

Lieutenant Danny Roman, just married and quickly becoming recognized as one of Chicago's top hostage negotiators, has his life turned upside down when he's framed for the murder of his partner and embezzlement of his department's pension fund. With the evidence piling up against him and unsure of whom he can trust, he resorts to desperate means by taking hostages himself and acquiring the services of unknown but equally skilled negotiator Chris Sabian in order to clear his name. Sharp, intelligent thriller should be your run-of-the-mill cop flick, but its plot twists are so convincing, its police procedures so realistic, and its acted with such great conviction that you don't want to miss a single moment of it! Jackson and Spacey ignite the screen, but they're surrounded by a top-notch supporting cast. A great piece of work from all those involved. ***

Details

Country:

Germany USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

29 July 1998 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Negotiator

Filming Locations:

635 South Mateo Street, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$50,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$10,218,831, 2 August 1998

Gross USA:

$44,547,681

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$44,547,681

Company Credits

Production Co:

New Regency Productions, Mandeville Films, New Regency Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

140 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital DTS-Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.39 : 1