Weapons of Mass Distraction (1997): Cast & Plot
Weapons of Mass Distraction is a 1997 comedy drama directed by Stephen Surjik, starring Ben Kingsley as Julian Messenger, Jason Lee and Gabriel Byrne. It runs 1 hour 37 minutes.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 37m (97 min)
- Director
- Stephen Surjik
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- HBO
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Weapons of Mass Distraction About?
The premise of Weapons of Mass Distraction without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
In the cut‑throat world of business, size matters. Two rival media magnates clash over the coveted ownership of a professional football team, weaponizing their newspapers, magazines and television stations to smear each other's reputations and gain the upper hand.
Weapons of Mass Distraction Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- toe sucking
- african american
- mercedes benz
- tv ratings
- helicopter
- private plane
- private airplane
- doctor
- strong female character
- giving a toast
- grandfather grandson relationship
- competition
+38 more Show fewer
- hidden camera
- stuffed animal
- jumping on a bed
- bare chested male
- bouncing breasts
- f word
- martini
- dog
- husband wife relationship
- united states senator
- threat
- crying woman
- surgery
- surgeon
- singing along to a song
- telephone company worker
- corrupt politician
- wheelchair
- football coach
- school bus
- christian woman
- cell phone
- kiss
- man wears eyeglasses
- watching tv
- telephone call
- fictional children's tv show
- satire comedy
- media
- sex
- kitchen
- jumping from height
- unfaithful husband
- tv show in film
- tomb
- threesome
- theft
- syringe
Weapons of Mass Distraction Cast & Characters
Ben Kingsley leads the cast as Julian Messenger, with Jason Lee as Phillip Messenger and Gabriel Byrne as Lionel Powers. Directed by Stephen Surjik; 20 actors are credited in all.
- Director Stephen Surjik
-
Ben Kingsley as Julian Messenger -
Jason Lee as Phillip Messenger -
Gabriel Byrne as Lionel Powers -
Kathy Baker as Margo Powers
Also Starring in Weapons of Mass Distraction
· 16 more- Christina Pickles Frieda Messenger
- Ben Bode Peter Messenger
- R. Lee Ermey Billy Paxton
- Caroline Aaron Robin Zimmer
- Paul Mazursky Dr. Jonathon Cummings
- Chris Mulkey Jerry Pascoe
- Illeana Douglas Rita Pascoe
- Mimi Rogers Ariel Powers (aka Alexi)
- Jeffrey Tambor Alan Blanchard
- Tom Wright Marvel Sears
- Patrick Fabian Brandon Joyner
- Jordan Ladd Letitia
- Alex Kingston Verity Graham
- Larissa Laskin Lindsey Zarem
- Heidi Mark Cricket Paige
- Art Frankel Dr. Sugarman
Weapons of Mass Distraction Plot Summary
What happens in Weapons of Mass Distraction from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Phillip Messenger and Lionel Powers are two of the wealthiest men in the media world, each surrounded by a web of secrets that stain their empires. They wage a ruthless battle for control of a Los Angeles-based football franchise, pulling every lever and using every weapon at their disposal to gain the upper hand. Powers also pushes to keep ownership of a successful Tucson club, a move that heightens the conflict and invites intense scrutiny. Their high-stakes feud unfolds against the backdrop of Congressional hearings, where Billy Paxton openly objects to what he sees as a dangerous conflict of interest.
Full summary
The whole story of Weapons of Mass Distraction, scene by scene
How Well Do You Know Weapons of Mass Distraction?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What are the names of the two wealthy media moguls at the center of the film?
Cars in Weapons of Mass Distraction
8 cars on screen, including the 1995 Ford Econoline and the 1991 Ford LTD Crown Victoria.
-
1995 Ford Econoline Important role -
1991 Ford LTD Crown Victoria Important role -
1984 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Important role -
1973 Cadillac Sedan DeVille Background role
Weapons of Mass Distraction Also Known As
5 alternative titles, including “Im Sog der Gier (1997)” and “Im Sog der Gier”.
- Also known as
-
- Im Sog der Gier (1997)
- Im Sog der Gier
- Armes de distraction de masse
- Armados de poder
- Os Rivais
Seen Weapons of Mass Distraction?
Movies Like Weapons of Mass Distraction
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Sex, Lies & Politics, Dirty Work and Her Husband’s Affairs.
Weapons of Mass Distraction FAQ: Cast & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of Weapons of Mass Distraction, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Weapons of Mass Distraction?
Weapons of Mass Distraction runs 1 hour 37 minutes (97 minutes).
When was Weapons of Mass Distraction released?
Weapons of Mass Distraction was released on May 17, 1997.
Who directed Weapons of Mass Distraction?
Weapons of Mass Distraction was directed by Stephen Surjik.
More films by Stephen Surjik Who is in the cast of Weapons of Mass Distraction?
Weapons of Mass Distraction stars Ben Kingsley as Julian Messenger, Jason Lee as Phillip Messenger and Gabriel Byrne as Lionel Powers, among 20 credited actors.
Does Weapons of Mass Distraction have a post-credit scene?
No. Weapons of Mass Distraction has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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