Confidence 2003

Thriller

Crime

Box Office

$23M

Runtime

97 min

Language

English

Directed by

James Foley

Made by

Lions Gate Films

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Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Confidence (2003). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

A crew of skilled Grifters pulls off their latest scam and revels in their success. At the helm is Jake Vig, the group’s cunning leader, who elucidates the subtleties of deception. Their recent target, Lionel Dolby (Leland Orser), unwittingly becomes embroiled in a sinister plot when Jake orchestrates a scenario that makes it appear he shot a man named Gordo during a botched drug deal. To keep Lionel off the hook for homicide, they convince him to hand over a suitcase brimming with cash. Local detectives Omar and Lloyd offer their assistance to Jake in exchange for a 10% cut, adding to the tension of the unfolding drama.

Things take a dark turn when Big Al (Louis Lombardi), one of the crew members, is found lifeless. The remaining trio soon discovers that their stolen money originally belonged to a notorious crime lord known as The King, who is none too pleased. As an accountant for The King, Lionel had unwittingly given Jake cash that was meant as a collection for organized crime. The King, having tracked Big Al’s ill-fated bragging about his recent score, decides the Grifters will now work for him, demanding they siphon funds from Morgan Price (Robert Forster), a rival bank owner.

To aid this new con, Jake recruits his remaining partners, Gordo (Paul Giamatti) and Miles (Brian Van Holt), along with an independent con artist named Lily. The King insists that Lupus (Franky G) also join the crew. Their elaborate scheme revolves around bribing a vice president at the bank to wire $5 million disguised as a business loan. In a gamble, Jake requests $200,000 from The King to grease the wheels—much to the King’s ire, but Jake’s confidence eventually wins him the lender’s trust.

The target for their con, Leon Ashby (John Carroll Lynch), works at Price Bank and leads a solitary life devoid of meaningful connections. Lily takes on the role of the pitch’s face, but her unconventional attire—a red wig coupled with a flamboyant pigeon-themed scarf—earns skepticism from Jake. Undeterred, she engages Leon under the guise of seeking a loan for a startup, orchestrating a dinner that feigns connections to potential buyers who could elevate the investment.

However, their plan encounters roadblocks when Special Agent Gunther Butan (Andy García) resurfaces in Los Angeles, determined to bring Jake to justice. Manipulating the corrupt LAPD detectives Omar and Lloyd—who he has incriminating evidence against—Butan forces them to switch allegiances. As tension mounts, Jake decides to abort the scheme, leading to a heated confrontation with Lily, who urges him to adapt the plan and proceed.

With the con back on, but now sans Lily’s support, the gang carries on, ultimately causing Leon to transfer the funds before Jake devises a treacherous double-cross against The King and Lupus. The final exchange takes place at Ontario Airport, where the two sides collide over the cash, resulting in a chaotic standoff.

In a shocking twist, it is revealed that Lily had betrayed Jake by informing Morgan Price, leading to a face-off where Price’s henchman Travis (Morris Chestnut) interrogates Jake about the con’s mechanics. Just when things look bleak for Jake, it turns out to be a ruse; Jake had orchestrated his apparent demise and the entire situation was a masterclass in deception involving various players.

Ultimately, Jake’s elaborate scheme culminates in a surprising reveal: everyone was in on the con, save for The King and Lupus, alongside Price and Travis, who had no inkling of the scheme unfolding around them. With the corrupt detectives nabbed and Jake’s gang reuniting for a celebratory drive into the night, the story offers a thrilling commentary on trust and betrayal.

Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of Confidence (2003) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

The Grifters Execute their Latest Scam

The crew of skilled Grifters, under Jake Vig's leadership, successfully pulls off a con that leaves them reveling in their success. Jake elucidates the intricacies of deception, showcasing their aptitude for manipulation and strategy.

Lionel Becomes Unwittingly Involved

Jake orchestrates a scenario involving Lionel Dolby, making it appear that Lionel shot a man named Gordo during a drug deal gone wrong. To protect Lionel from homicide charges, Jake convinces him to hand over a suitcase filled with cash, deepening Lionel's entanglement in their deceitful web.

Collaboration with Local Detectives

Detectives Omar and Lloyd offer their assistance to Jake, seeing a chance to profit from the unfolding situation by requesting a 10% cut of the Grifters' earnings. Their involvement raises the stakes as the plot intensifies and the risk for everyone involved increases.

Big Al's Mysterious Death

Tragedy strikes when Big Al, one of the crew members, is found dead, signaling distress for the remaining Grifters. As they try to cope with this loss, they learn that the stolen money they possess is linked to The King, a notorious crime lord.

The King Demands Loyalty

The King, furious over the theft of his money, tracks down the Grifters and demands they work for him. They are coerced into siphoning funds from Morgan Price, a rival bank owner, which sets them on a precarious course fraught with danger.

Recruitment of New Allies

To assist with their con against Morgan Price, Jake recruits Gordo and Miles, along with an independent con artist named Lily. The King also insists on the inclusion of Lupus in their scheme, indicating the growing complexity of their operation.

The Grand Scheme is Laid Out

The Grifters devise an elaborate plan to bribe a vice president at the bank to wire $5 million under the guise of a business loan. Jake seeks $200,000 from The King to facilitate their operation, pushing the boundaries of trust with a mobster.

Lily Attempts to Win Over Leon

Lily approaches Leon Ashby, a lonely employee at Price Bank, under the pretext of seeking a loan for a startup. Using an unconventional style, she arranges a dinner to draw out connections that could strengthen her proposition, catching Jake's skepticism.

Special Agent Gunther Enters the Scene

The Grifters' plans face further complications with the return of Special Agent Gunther Butan, who is determined to bring Jake to justice. He manipulates the corrupt LAPD detectives, Omar and Lloyd, forcing them to switch their loyalties, adding pressure to the operation.

Los Angeles

Confrontation and Change of Plans

Faced with the escalating risk, Jake contemplates aborting the con after a fierce argument with Lily. However, Lily pushes him to adapt the original plan and proceed, highlighting the contentious dynamics within the group.

Resuming the Scheme Without Lily

Despite Lily's eventual departure from the group, Jake and the remaining Grifters decide to continue with their plan. This bold move leads to Leon transferring the funds as Jake orchestrates a double-cross, deepening the intrigue surrounding their con.

Price Bank

The Final Exchange at Ontario Airport

The story culminates in a chaotic standoff at Ontario Airport, where Jake confronts The King and Lupus over the cash. The tension reaches its peak as both sides clash in a dramatic face-off, each striving to outmaneuver the other.

Ontario Airport

Lily's Betrayal is Revealed

In a shocking twist, it is disclosed that Lily has turned against Jake, informing Morgan Price of their con. This betrayal leads to a tense encounter with Price’s henchman, forcing Jake to defend his scheme under dire circumstances.

Jake's Masterful Deception

Just as things seem dire for Jake, it becomes apparent that he had orchestrated his own seeming downfall. His elaborate scheme reveals layers of deception, showcasing his cunning as he manipulates various players involved in the con.

A Surprising Conclusion

The story concludes with a thrilling twist where it’s revealed that Jake’s team, except for The King and Lupus, were all complicit in the con. As the corrupt detectives are caught and Jake's team reunites, they embark on a celebratory drive, symbolizing their success in navigating a treacherous landscape of trust and betrayal.

Characters

Explore all characters from Confidence (2003). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Jake Vig (Edward Burns)

Jake is the skilled leader of the con artist crew, characterized by his charisma and cunning. He expertly navigates the complex world of deception, always with a backup plan, reflecting both confidence and a moral ambiguity. His ability to manipulate those around him highlights his relentless pursuit of his goals.

🎩 Leader 🔦 Cunning

Lily (Rachel Weisz)

Lily is an independent con artist who brings a unique flair to the crew with her vibrant personality and bold fashion choices. Despite facing skepticism from Jake, her resourcefulness and charm play a crucial role in the scheme, illustrating her resilience and strategic thinking. Her betrayal adds a bittersweet twist to her character arc.

🌈 Quirky 🗡️ Betrayal

The King (Dustin Hoffman)

The King is a notorious crime lord who embodies power and intimidation. His expectation of loyalty from the crew puts pressure on them to comply with his demands, creating a tense dynamic. His shrewdness and authority emphasize the high stakes involved in the con, making him a formidable antagonist.

👑 Crime Lord ⚖️ Authority

Setting

Learn where and when Confidence (2003) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Time period

The events of the movie appear to be set in contemporary times, reflecting on modern-day scams and the dynamics of organized crime. This period is characterized by a technological backdrop, including the ease of digital manipulation and the complex interplay between law enforcement and criminals.

Location

Los Angeles, Ontario Airport

The movie primarily takes place in Los Angeles, a sprawling city known for its entertainment industry, diverse communities, and vibrant nightlife. The climax unfolds at Ontario Airport, a regional airport that serves the Greater Los Angeles area, often overlooked but a key location for pivotal transactions and encounters.

🌆 City ✈️ Airport

Themes

Discover the main themes in Confidence (2003). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

🎭

Deception

The central theme of 'Confidence' revolves around deception and manipulation, showcasing how characters craft elaborate schemes to outsmart one another. It explores the fine line between trust and betrayal in the world of con artists, where everyone has a hidden agenda. The intricate plots highlight the psychological tactics employed to achieve personal gain.

💰

Greed

Greed is a driving force behind the characters' actions, compelling them to participate in dangerous schemes for financial gain. The pursuit of wealth leads to risky decisions and moral compromises, ultimately shaping the dynamics within the group. The film underscores how greed can blur ethical boundaries and incite betrayal among allies.

🤝

Betrayal

Betrayal permeates the narrative as trust within the crew is constantly tested. The revelation of double-crosses and hidden loyalties adds layers of tension and unpredictability. This theme illustrates the precarious nature of relationships in a world where survival hinges on deception and the ultimate loyalty is only to oneself.

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