Trouble in Mind 1986
Directed by
Alan Rudolph
Made by
Alive Films
Trouble in Mind Plot Summary
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Trouble in Mind (1986). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
The story unfolds in a dystopian future set within the confines of Rain City, a place reminiscent of the 1940s characterized by its strict police state and vintage attitudes. In this environment of cynicism and desperation, we meet a struggling father named Coop and his affectionate wife, Georgia, who live in a humble trailer with their small baby. Driven by the hope of securing a better life, they decide to venture into the city after Coop struggles to find a stable job.
Upon their arrival, they find themselves at Wanda’s Diner, where Hawk, an ex-cop recently released from prison for murder, also makes an appearance. Wanda, Hawk’s former love who owns the diner, is eager to rekindle their connection. Meanwhile, the couple becomes entangled with Solo, a cunning thug who is notorious for his literary quotes, even as he sips coffee at the diner. With his opportunistic charm, Solo ingratiates himself with Coop, leading him into a dubious scheme involving stolen jewelry intended for a local gangster named Hilly Blue, played by Glen Milstead (aka Divine).
As Hawk observes the troubling dynamics between Coop, Solo, and the vulnerable Georgia, he recognizes the potential harm to the young family and is compelled to step in. Struggling with his own disillusionment, Hawk finds himself drawn to Georgia and her gentle nature. However, as the partnership between Coop and Solo deepens, they become further ensnared in a web of criminal activity that threatens to destroy any semblance of a normal life.
The narrative escalates as Hilly Blue employs manipulation and control over various individuals to maintain his gangster empire in Rain City. The climax surfaces in a tense confrontation among Hawk, Coop, and Hilly Blue, which ultimately leads to a philosophical reflection about the true value of their lives and the paths they have chosen. The film delves into themes of redemption, the search for meaning, and the sometimes painful choices one must make to survive in a morally ambiguous world.
Trouble in Mind Timeline
Follow the complete movie timeline of Trouble in Mind (1986) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Life in Rain City
The story begins in a dystopian future in a place known as Rain City. This city operates as a police state, heavily influenced by a 1940s-style ambiance in both its architecture and the way people interact with one another.
Coop's Decision to Move
Coop, a well-meaning father, along with his loving wife Georgia and their small baby, face financial difficulties living in their trailer. After failing to find meaningful employment, they decide to move to Rain City in search of better work opportunities.
Hawk's Release
Ex-cop Hawk is released from prison after serving time for killing a man. He returns to find his ex-girlfriend Wanda, who owns a diner, and seeks to reconnect with her as he adjusts to life outside of incarceration.
Danger at the Diner
Upon arriving at Wanda's Diner, Coop and Georgia draw the attention of Solo, a sly thug. Solo, who enjoys quoting literature, quickly becomes interested in Coop, sensing an opportunity for exploitation.
The Crooked Deal
Coop, driven by desperation, enters into a crooked deal with Solo to obtain stolen jewelry. Their plan is to resell the stolen goods to a local gangster named Hilly Blue, unknowingly putting their family at risk.
Hawk's Concern
Hawk, who has returned to find purpose in his life, becomes increasingly concerned for Coop and Georgia. He realizes how Solo is manipulating Coop into a life of crime, threatening Georgia's safety and their baby.
Attraction to Georgia
As Hawk spends more time around Coop and his family, he becomes attracted to Georgia's sensitivity and innocence. This emotional connection drives him to intervene in their turbulent situation.
The Underworld Manipulation
Hilly Blue, the local gangster, manipulates the events around him to maintain control over the gangsters in Rain City. He strategically positions himself to enforce his dominance over Coop and Solo's actions.
Climax Confrontation
Tensions rise as a confrontation erupts between Hawk, Coop, and Hilly Blue. This encounter exposes the intricate power dynamics at play and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters involved.
Philosophical Denouement
After the heated confrontation, a philosophical revelation occurs, prompting all involved to reflect on their values and the choices that have led them to this moment. It becomes a turning point for Coop as he reevaluates his priorities.
Hawk's Redemption
In the aftermath of the confrontation, Hawk finds a renewed sense of purpose. He decides to protect Georgia and her baby, embracing the role of a protector rather than being consumed by his past mistakes.
Coop's Realization
Coop comes to grips with the dangers of his actions and the influence that Solo has had on his life. He realizes that the life he thought would provide for his family is actually endangering them.
A New Direction
By the film's conclusion, Coop decides to take a different path, prioritizing his family's safety over the lure of quick money through crime. This pivotal decision signifies a fresh start for their family in an uncertain world.
Future Uncertain
As the story wraps up, Coop and Georgia understand that their future in Rain City remains uncertain. However, with newfound values and a determination to thrive, they face the future with hope.
Trouble in Mind Characters
Explore all characters from Trouble in Mind (1986). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Coop (Keith Carradine)
Coop is a well-meaning father struggling to find his place in a harsh economy. His desire for a better life for his family drives him into a deceitful world where he falls prey to manipulative individuals. Despite his good intentions, his vulnerability makes him susceptible to crime and danger.
Hawk (Kris Kristofferson)
Hawk is a former police officer seeking redemption after being imprisoned for his past actions. He serves as a moral compass in the story, attempting to intervene in Coop's downward spiral. Despite his own troubled life, he is drawn to Georgia's sensitivity and the innocence she represents.
Georgia (Lori Singer)
Georgia is Coop's wife, portrayed as tender and vulnerable, embodying the struggles of a woman trapped in a difficult life. Her relationship with Cooper highlights the impacts of external pressures on family dynamics. Her sensitivity shines through as she navigates the challenges presented by their move to Rain City.
Wanda (Geneviève Bujold)
Wanda runs a diner and serves as a pivotal character guiding Hawk towards reconnection with his sense of purpose. Her strength and resilience show through her support for Hawk and the young couple. She represents a touch of warmth and normalcy in the otherwise bleak setting.
Solo (Joe Morton)
Solo is a sly thug whose literary quotes add an unusual depth to his character. He manipulates Coop's desperation for his own gain, highlighting the darker side of human nature. His relationship with Coop reveals how easily one can become entangled in criminal endeavors.
Hilly Blue (Divine)
Hilly Blue is the local gangster representing the authority of crime in Rain City. His manipulative and controlling nature shows how power dynamics play out in a corrupt system. He stands as the main antagonist, highlighting the dangers lurking in the underbelly of society.
Trouble in Mind Settings
Learn where and when Trouble in Mind (1986) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
Future
Set in a future that's reminiscent of the mid-20th century, the movie combines elements of classic film noir with a futuristic narrative. This time period highlights societal issues such as crime, disillusionment, and the search for personal meaning in life. The characters navigate a world where the past heavily influences the present, leading to a blend of old-world charm and contemporary dilemmas.
Location
Rain City
Rain City is a dystopian environment characterized by its oppressive police state and a 1940s-style aesthetic. Known for its noir atmosphere, the city reflects a blend of vintage attitudes and modern challenges faced by its residents. The grim setting serves as a backdrop for various characters' struggles and interactions, emphasizing the tension between law and crime.
Trouble in Mind Themes
Discover the main themes in Trouble in Mind (1986). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
💔
Disillusionment
The central theme of disillusionment is explored through the characters' attempts to find purpose in a grim society. Coop's journey signifies the struggle for better opportunities, while Hawk embodies the quest for redemption in a corrupt world. The interactions between these characters illustrate the harsh realities of life in a morally ambiguous environment.
🔗
Crime and Morality
Crime serves as a critical element in the story, illustrating the blurred lines between right and wrong. The characters are often caught in difficult choices that force them to confront their moral beliefs. As they navigate the criminal underbelly of Rain City, their actions reveal how desperation can lead to morally questionable decisions.
👪
Family and Responsibility
The theme of family is pivotal in the film, as Coop's decisions impact his wife Georgia and their baby. The push for a better life is motivated by his desire to provide for his family, yet his choices lead them into peril. This theme emphasizes the weight of responsibility and the sacrifices made for loved ones in a challenging environment.
Trouble in Mind Spoiler-Free Summary
Discover the spoiler-free summary of Trouble in Mind (1986). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.
In a rain‑soaked metropolis that feels stitched together from a 1940s noir novel and a near‑future dystopia, the streets of Rain City pulse with neon glare and perpetual drizzle. The city’s austere police state casts long shadows over bustling market stalls, crumbling tenements, and glittering corporate facades, creating a world where every corner hums with suspicion and the promise of danger. The tone is dense and gritty, a blend of vintage melodrama and modern desperation that makes the very air feel heavy with secrets.
Hawk is a former lawman who now lives as a fugitive, haunted by the choices that led to his exile. Once sworn to uphold order, he now walks the fringes of the city’s underbelly, forced to confront ruthless gangs and the corrosive influence of a system that has turned against him. His pursuit of redemption is a quiet, relentless quest—one that demands he reconcile the honor he once defended with the stark reality of a city that has forgotten both his name and his purpose.
The film rides on a moody, atmospheric canvas, where the relentless rain mirrors the internal storm each character endures. Shadows flicker across rain‑slicked alleys, and the ever‑present hum of distant sirens underscores the precarious balance between survival and integrity. As Hawk navigates this morally ambiguous world, the audience is invited to feel the tension between the desire for justice and the pull of self‑preservation, wondering whether a man once bound by duty can truly rewrite his story amidst a city that seems designed to keep him forever on the run.
Movies with Similar Twists and Themes
Uncover films that echo the narrative beats, emotional arcs, or dramatic twists of the one you're exploring. These recommendations are handpicked based on story depth, thematic resonance, and spoiler-worthy moments — perfect for fans who crave more of the same intrigue.
Featured on this page
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Explore Our Movie Platform
New Movie Releases (2025)
Famous Movie Actors
Top Film Production Studios
Movie Plot Summaries & Endings
Major Movie Awards & Winners
Best Concert Films & Music Documentaries
Movie Collections and Curated Lists
© 2025 What's After the Movie. All rights reserved.