What Is Analyze That About?
The premise of Analyze That in 286 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the gritty corridors of Sing Sing, a notorious mob boss finds himself under the stark fluorescent lights of a federal assessment room, his once‑commanding presence reduced to a baffling stillness. Paul Vitti—a man whose reputation has long been built on intimidation and street‑level authority—now appears almost catatonic, leaving the prison staff and his rivals whispering about the true nature of his condition. The atmosphere is thick with the tension of a world where power is usually proven through bold acts, yet here silence is the only clue.
Enter a neurotic but well‑meaning FBI psychiatrist tasked with untangling the mystery. Ben Sobel, a seasoned agent whose career has been marked by awkward confrontations and a penchant for earnest, if clumsy, problem‑solving, steps into this uneasy dance. Their interactions are charged with a nervous energy that oscillates between the serious business of mental health evaluation and the absurdity of a hardened criminal behaving like a patient in a therapy session. The film balances the stark realism of the prison setting with a sly, almost theatrical comedy that highlights the incongruity of the two men’s worlds colliding.
Behind the closed doors, the underworld continues its subtle machinations, reminding the audience that even when a leader seems to have withdrawn, the structures of loyalty, fear, and ambition persist just out of view. The tone walks a fine line between darkly comic and sharply observant, offering a portrait of characters who must confront not only each other’s motives but also the unsettling possibility that the greatest deception may be the one they present to themselves. As the stakes of determining reality versus ruse loom, the film invites viewers into a witty, tension‑laden investigation that promises both laughs and lingering questions.
What Happens in Analyze That?
The complete story of Analyze That, from the first scene to the last, in 582 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 2 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
As Paul Vitti, portrayed by Robert De Niro, nears the conclusion of his prison term at Sing Sing, an unsettling urgency envelops him. With threats lurking from merciless assassins and corrupt prison guards, he desperately seeks solace in the show tunes of West Side Story, passionately serenading the iconic melodies to attract the attention of Ben Sobel, played by Billy Crystal, who had infamously cut their conversation short during the grief of his father’s funeral.
The FBI steps in, sending Ben to perform a series of psychiatric evaluations aimed at discerning whether Paul is genuinely unhinged. At first glance, it appears that Paul’s mental condition is declining, leading authorities to authorize his release into Ben’s care for continued therapy. However, it doesn’t take long for Paul to unveil the truth: he has simply been masquerading as insane.
Reluctantly complying with the FBI’s directive, Ben permits Paul to seek out legitimate employment. Paul embarks on a quest for jobs at several establishments, ranging from a car dealership to a restaurant and a jewelry store. Unfortunately, his abrasive personality and escalating paranoia turn each opportunity into a comedic misadventure, ultimately resulting in his dismissal from every position.
In the meantime, Patti LoPresti, having assumed the role of the de facto boss, cautions Paul that the Rigazzi family has intentions to eliminate him. In response, Paul insists to the Rigazzis that he is “out” of their organization and is eager to explore new paths. He eventually secures a position as a technical advisor on a mafia-themed television series, further complicating his entanglements.
As tensions rise within the criminal underworld, FBI agents inform Ben that Paul has reunited with his former crew, hinting at a significant scheme brewing. This revelation incites Ben’s suspicions, prompting him to confront Paul directly. Their encounter quickly escalates into a thrilling car chase, as they narrowly evade hits from the Rigazzi faction.
Following this chaos, the FBI holds Ben accountable for Paul’s actions, imposing a 24-hour deadline for him to locate his former patient. Through the assistance of Paul’s son Michael, who has taken on the role of chauffeur for his father, Ben uncovers Paul’s plot to execute a grand armored car heist alongside LoPresti, who has her own dubious motives. Despite Ben’s urgent pleas for Paul to reconsider, he is stubbornly met with resistance.
Undaunted, the crew embarks on their audacious heist, using smoke grenades to heighten the disorder and facilitate the lifting of the armored vehicle over a fence amidst the confusion. They effectively commandeer over $22 million worth of gold bullion, only to have LoPresti’s men uncork their true loyalties - having been secretly aligned with the Rigazzi family from the start.
In a fit of rage, Ben channels his frustrations into physically confronting one of LoPresti’s associates, signaling Paul’s henchmen to engage and subdue the rest. Using the seized gold bullion, they orchestrate a trap against the Rigazzi family and manage to ensnare three of their goons, strategically suspending them within the armored truck precariously dangling from a crane. This calculated tactic leads to the mass arrest of the entire Rigazzi clan, averting the clash of an imminent mob war.
In a heartfelt moment, as Ben reunites with Paul and Jelly by the Brooklyn waterfront’s iconic bridges, the trio shares a touching farewell, harmonizing perfectly to another classic tune from West Side Story. As the credits roll, audiences are treated to an endearing montage of bloopers, adding a humorous touch to the tumultuous saga that preceded it.
Analyze That Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Paul's Imminent Release” to “Bloopers Montage”. 2 events name a place, across 2 locations.
- 1
Paul's Imminent Release
As Paul Vitti approaches the end of his prison term at Sing Sing, he feels an unsettling anxiety creeping in. Surrounded by threats from assassins and corrupt guards, he yearns for comfort in the familiar melodies of 'West Side Story'.
Where:Sing Sing Prison
- 2
FBI Intervention
The FBI sends Ben Sobel to conduct psychiatric evaluations on Paul. At first, it seems that Paul is genuinely losing his grip on reality, leading to his release into Ben's care for therapy.
- 3
The Masquerade
Paul reveals that his apparent insanity is merely an act to manipulate the FBI. This clever deception allows him to gain independence under Ben's supervision while plotting his next moves.
- 4
Job Hunting Woes
Eager to fit into society, Paul embarks on a job search, applying at various establishments like a car dealership and a restaurant. However, his abrasive demeanor leads to comedic mishaps, resulting in his dismissal from each position.
- 5
Warning from Patti
Patti LoPresti, the new boss, warns Paul that the Rigazzi family plans to kill him. He insists to the Rigazzis that he is no longer involved with their organization and seeks new opportunities.
- 6
A New Role
Paul lands a job as a technical advisor for a mafia-themed television show. This unexpected turn adds complexity to his current situation and enhances his ties to the world he wishes to escape.
- 7
Old Crew Reunion
Ben learns from the FBI that Paul has reconnected with his former mafia crew, indicating plans for a significant operation. This revelation sparks Ben's suspicion and concern for Paul's safety.
- 8
Car Chase Escapade
Confronting Paul about his reunion with his crew, Ben finds himself in a thrilling car chase. They narrowly escape as they become targeted by the Rigazzi faction, heightening the tension between them.
- 9
FBI Deadline Imposed
After the chaotic chase, the FBI holds Ben responsible for Paul’s actions, giving him 24 hours to find him. With the help of Paul’s son, Michael, Ben discovers a dangerous heist plot in the works.
- 10
The Heist
Paul and his crew execute their audacious plan to rob an armored car, using smoke grenades to create chaos. Their successful heist results in the theft of over $22 million in gold bullion.
Show the other 5 events of Analyze That Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Betrayal Revealed
As celebrations follow the heist, Paul’s crew discovers that some of LoPresti's men have been secretly aligned with the Rigazzi family. This betrayal puts Paul and his crew in grave danger.
- 12
The Showdown
In a fit of rage, Ben confronts one of LoPresti's associates, leading to a brawl between the two factions. Using the seized gold, they set a trap for the Rigazzi, successfully apprehending three of their goons.
- 13
Mass Arrest
The plan works perfectly, resulting in the mass arrest of the entire Rigazzi clan. This victory prevents the escalation of a potential mob war, showcasing the clever maneuvering of Ben and Paul.
- 14
Emotional Farewell
In a heartfelt scene, Ben reunites with Paul and Jelly by the Brooklyn waterfront. The trio sings a touching farewell to classic show tunes from 'West Side Story', marking the end of their tumultuous journey.
Where:Brooklyn Waterfront
- 15
Bloopers Montage
As the credits roll, viewers are treated to a montage of bloopers from the film. This humorous addition lightens the mood after the intense events of the story and leaves the audience with a smile.
Who Are the Main Characters in Analyze That?
3 characters, among them Paul Vitti (Robert De Niro), Ben Sobel (Billy Crystal) and Patti LoPresti (Lisa Kudrow): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
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Paul Vitti (Robert De Niro)
Played by Robert De Niro
Paul Vitti is a loud and charismatic ex-mobster facing the repercussions of his past. His desperation to reinvent himself leads to comedic misadventures, revealing the dichotomy of his feared persona and genuine longing for connection.
- 👮♂️ Ex-convict
- 😂 Comedic
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Ben Sobel (Billy Crystal)
Played by Billy Crystal
Ben Sobel is a psychiatrist reluctantly thrust into the chaotic orbit of Paul Vitti. His apprehensive nature contrasts with Paul's unpredictable antics, providing a humorous lens through which to examine their relationship and the fallout from Paul's criminal ties.
- 🩺 Therapist
- 🕵️♂️ Investigator
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Patti LoPresti (Lisa Kudrow)
Played by Lisa Kudrow
Patti LoPresti serves as the scheming associate who complicates Paul's life with her own motives. Her character highlights the treachery within the criminal underworld, playing a pivotal role in both the heist and the unfolding drama.
- 🕵️♀️ Schemer
- 💔 Complexity
Where and When Is Analyze That Set?
Analyze That is set in Sing Sing and Brooklyn. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The movie is set in contemporary times, reflecting modern-day society's challenges. It explores the complexities of the crime world intertwined with the characters' personal journeys, highlighting issues of loyalty, survival, and comedic misadventures.
Where
Sing Sing, Brooklyn
Sing Sing is a notorious prison located in New York, known for its high-profile inmates and strict security. It serves as the backdrop for Paul's impending release and the ensuing chaos. The Brooklyn waterfront, marked by its iconic bridges, represents both a place of reflection and camaraderie for the main characters.
- 🏛️ Prison
- 🌉 Waterfront
What Are the Themes of Analyze That?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Identity, Employment Challenges and Crime and Consequences.
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01
Identity
The theme of identity plays a crucial role as Paul Vitti struggles to reconcile his past as a mobster with his new life post-prison. His masquerade of insanity is emblematic of his desire to escape his old self while navigating the chaotic world around him.
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02
Employment Challenges
Paul's attempts to find legitimate work underline the comedic theme of employment challenges. His abrasive personality and criminal background lead to humorous situations, emphasizing the difficulty for ex-convicts to reintegrate into society.
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03
Crime and Consequences
The backdrop of organized crime uniquely frames the narrative, showcasing the consequences of criminal actions. Paul's decisions not only affect his fate but also embroil his therapist, Ben, into a dangerous world filled with unexpected twists.
What Kind of Film Is Analyze That?
Light in tone, with fast pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Light
- Pacing
- Fast
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
A fast-paced and irreverent crime comedy that follows a mob boss faking insanity, leading to a series of chaotic misadventures and a wild heist, all underscored by a playful and humorous tone.
- comedic
- chaotic
- irreverent
- slapstick
- mischievous
- lighthearted
- organized crime
- therapy
- masquerade
- heist
Content notes: mob violence, assassination attempts.
Quiz
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