For Richer, for Poorer 1992

Bridge opening and interruption

Aram sits atop a bridge, contemplating suicide when a homeless woman interrupts, fascinated by the moment. The encounter leads him to choose not to jump and to begin telling his life story. The bridge becomes the frame for the confession that follows.

Wealth and family background

Aram is a self-made millionaire who owns twelve stores, earning about 3.2 million dollars a year. He is married to his greedy high school sweetheart Millie and they have an adult son named Michael. He also maintains a relationship with his mistress Irene, adding strain to his private life.

Plan to give away wealth

Realizing that his son lacks ambition because money is always available, Aram plans to sell his business and give all of his money away to random strangers. He hopes this radical gesture will light a fire of responsibility in Michael and in himself.

Concerns about the future

Michael reassures his father that their financial future will be fine, but later reveals that he believes his father will find another job instead of staying retired. Aram grows frustrated by what he sees as his son's cynicism and lack of faith.

Millie becomes a housekeeper

Millie takes on a role as a housekeeper to earn money, while Aram also pitches in with chores. The once comfortable life begins to fracture as money and power shift within the family. Their home becomes a ground for new, precarious dynamics.

Michael quits his job

Michael quits his job after the first twenty minutes of his shift following a fight with his boss. Aram hopes the change will spark responsibility in his son, but the struggle exposes their different values. The family begins to drift as Michael's independence grows.

Travel video collaboration

To salvage their prospects, Aram and Michael decide to team up to make travel videos, blending Michael's TV interest with luxury travel. Aram is optimistic at first, but discovers that the concept already exists, dampening his enthusiasm. The venture highlights their need for originality and effort.

Car accident and engagement

With few options left, Aram purposely gets into a car accident to shock Michael into responsibility. Not long after, Michael becomes engaged to a wealthy girlfriend from his past who has recently inherited a fortune. The relationship underscores the seductive pull of money in their circle.

Confrontation and expulsion

Aram confronts Michael about his lack of responsibility and orders him to get out of his life. The rift between father and son deepens as financial pressures and divergent values collide. Aram's decision marks a turning point in their relationship.

Regret and fake bankruptcy reveal

With his son gone and Millie working as a maid, Aram begins to regret his decisions. He tapes a video in which he admits that his bankruptcy was faked, exposing the truth behind his gambit to test his family. The deception haunts him as he faces the consequences of his actions.

Billie on the bridge

Aram goes back to the bridge and meets Billie, a resilient woman living in poverty but still hopeful about life. Her presence inspires him to choose life over death. She also reveals she was one of the people who received his generosity, reminding him of the human cost of wealth.

Two years later: Millie and business turn

Two years later, Millie has become the owner of a bakery and remains wary of Aram's abandonment. She reveals that she never accepted Michael's money and instead helped Irene open their own shop. Aram offers to end their marriage formally, though Millie remains suspicious of his motives.

Michael's divorce and new work ethic

Aram learns that his son has recently divorced but has received a substantial settlement. Michael, however, chooses to work as a waiter to earn honest money. Aram initially feels disgust, then pride in his son's path toward responsibility.