The Negotiator poster & wallpaper

Bruce Beatty, Carlos Gomez, David Morse

Chicago's two top negotiators must face each other. One of them is holding hostages. The other is demanding surrender. And everyone's holding their breath.

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76% liked it

111,083 ratings

Critics

80% liked it

46 critics

R, 139 min.

Directed by: F. Gary Gray

Release Date: July 29, 1998

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DVD Release Date: December 15, 1998

Stats: 3,129 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (3,129)

  • SirPant
    September 21, 2009
    SirPant
    I?m glad Paul Giamatti turns down the stupid comedy roles these days. It?s an ok film, but it should?ve been better due to its great cast!
  • PvtCaboose91
    April 29, 2009
    PvtCaboose91
    "You think killing a man gives you the right to negotiate with me?"


    The Negotiator is of a rare breed - an action-thriller relying on suspense generated by lots of dialogue, several superb plot twists and a selection of brilliant, dominant performances rather

    ...( read more)than a surplus of explosive, over-the-top action sequences. This first-rate white-knuckle thriller is virtually a non-stop venture into tension. Once the (somewhat clichéd) set-up has been established, the film kicks into high gear and moves at an invigorating fast pace; ably keeping a viewer engrossed until its fantastic dénouement. The Negotiator adheres to the classic Die Hard formula - i.e. a protagonist trapped in a nasty situation; compelled to employ his wits and heroics. This enthralling production deserves to be considered one of the best action-thrillers since Die Hard, and is a Dog Day Afternoon of the '90s.


    Inspired by a real-life case involving the St. Louis police, The Negotiator is endowed with the premise of a falsely accused man who's forced to violate the law in order to prove his innocence.
    Expert hostage negotiator Danny Roman (Jackson) is a respected member of the Chicago Police Department. When he learns too much information regarding police corruption in his own precinct, Roman's partner is murdered. Subsequently, Roman is unjustly framed for the murder and framed for embezzling retirement funds. Recently married but possibly facing a lifetime in prison, Roman is desperate to prove his innocence. In a last frantic attempt to exonerate himself, Roman takes four hostages. His goal: to intimidate the guilty cops into telling the truth and clearing his name. Aware that there are heavily corrupt cops in his precinct, Roman demands to talk to hostage negotiator Chris Sabian (Spacey) who has no affiliation with his precinct and who's recognised for his anti-violence creed. What ensues is an enthralling situation as two accomplished negotiators lock in an intense battle of wits. In the midst of this, Roman endeavours to expose the real crooks and convince Sabian of his innocence.


    "You want my blood? Take my blood!"


    The Negotiator is a superlative, competently-written thriller, and it's elevated enormously by the two lead actors. Samuel L. Jackson and Kevin Spacey aren't just good performers; each exudes an authoritative screen presence that cannot be taught. Placing Spacey and Jackson together is a shrewd casting decision, and witnessing these two high-calibre actors share the frame is a real treat.

    Embodying the incorrectly accused Everyman whose life is unfairly threatened, Jackson conveys not only the requisite rage and passion, but additionally a profound sense of humanity. He's an exceptional actor - someone who almost never delivers a defective performance. Put Jackson in a great movie, and he makes it better. Put him in a bad movie, and he rescues it. The Negotiator is a textbook case of the former.
    Beside Jackson, Kevin Spacey is exceptional as the veteran hostage negotiator. In the delivery of cynical dialogue, Spacey has no rival - instead he uses his distinctive voice and rhythm to punctuate his speeches.


    The supporting cast is most impressive. J.T. Walsh (in his final film) in particular places forth an excellently subdued performance as the ambiguous Niebaum. Walsh died soon after production wrapped, and the film is dedicated to the actor.

    David Morse appears as the tough SWAT commander who believes Jackson's Danny Roman takes too many chances. In addition there's Regina Taylor as Roman's new bride, Ron Rifkin as Frost (Roman's friend + colleague), John Spencer as the rational Chief Davis, and finally the duel team of Paul Giamatti and Siobahn Fallon as two civilians caught up in the hostage situation - all hitting their marks impeccably. Giamatti is especially outstanding; providing small dosages of humour, but never overdoing it.


    "You hurt one of them, you burn up any currency you have with me. They're all I care about. Getting you out of here alive... a distant second."


    The Negotiator benefits from a perfectly-paced, fleshed-out screenplay penned by James DeMonaco and Kevin Fox (two relative newcomers). Their excellent script is beset with detail in the construction of conflict, the revelation of the villains, and the resolution of the story. Since the conclusion is fairly predictable, the real tension and hostility resides in its disclosure of the truth behind the multifaceted conspiracy of avarice and corruption. Furthermore, the minor characters are well-selected, well-conceived and (moderately) three-dimensional. In a genuine masterstroke, the film doesn't telegraph the chief villain too early. The method of the screenwriters and director F. Gary Gray makes everyone appear guilty. Excluding Roman and Sabian, no-one is above suspicion. Each supporting character is given at least one scene that suggests their possible guilt. Consequently, the big reveal of the chief villain isn't much of a surprise, but we can't say we knew all along either. Furthermore, DeMonaco and Fox's screenplay is littered with extensive research on negotiation procedures as the rulebook is constantly referenced. This is a quality rarely included in popcorn action-thrillers, elevating The Negotiator to new heights once again.


    Also beneficial is the confidence displayed by the relatively inexperienced director F. Gary Gray. Working with a terrific cast and a bigger budget than in his prior movies (including Friday and Set It Off), Gray demonstrates his ability to handle a large-scale production with an abundance of action set-pieces. The helmer has fashioned a top-notch motion picture that interlaces exhilarating bursts of chaotic action with dark comedy and effective character building - all this achieved in an increasingly-claustrophobic atmosphere. He's particularly adept at managing intense interactions between the central characters. Although Gray was working from a solid script, the story is not a masterpiece of innovation or creativity. It's Gray's directorial style more than anything else that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. He also compels us to be concerned about the characters, to share Roman's frustration and anger, and to get engaged in the delicate process of negotiations. Ace cinematographer Russell Carpenter won an Oscar for his work on Titanic, and his commendable efforts here give the film a great sheen. Locations in Chicago are wonderfully showcased in brilliant overhead shots. Carpenter also gives the film a dark, cohesive look.


    "When your friends betray you, sometimes the only people you can trust are strangers."


    Unlike typical summer action movies, The Negotiator isn't dependent on expensive special effects to provide its thrills, nor is it saturated with over-the-top action sequences. While action-oriented summer flicks are admittedly stacks of fun, The Negotiator offers a refreshing and satisfying option of steadily building the tension to boiling point. It's a riveting experience - one that's guaranteed to keep your eyes glued to the screen. The battle of wits that unfolds never loses its edge, although the film is a tad on the long side at roughly 130 minutes. There are other flaws present in the film - too many irritatingly melodramatic scenes are detrimental, as are a few preposterous, Hollywoodised inclusions (simply walking into the sunset after an intense hostage-taking situation would never happen). Still, the level of intelligence is higher than that of a typical summer blockbuster. Furthermore, the film is often formulaic and unoriginal - there's the mandatory wife who demands her husband to stop taking dangerous assignments, and the TV crews that supply the usual obnoxious questions. To director Gray's credit, though, it's almost impossible to notice these clichés until your adrenaline stops pumping and the film has become a mere afterthought. The Negotiator takes a hackneyed story and jacks it up various levels with Gray's craft and style.


    Not often are Die Hard emulations of this high standard - The Negotiator is an intense, entertaining, incredibly gripping action-thriller. Director F. Gary Gray has skilfully crafted a deft combination of intense dialogue, plot twists and pulse-pounding action set-pieces. The film doesn't plod despite its lengthy runtime, and the masterful filmmaking guarantees quality viewing regardless of how many times you've previously seen it. The Negotiator opens with a bang, and it's exactly this advantageous energy that pervades the entire picture. Jackson and Spacey are a sublime duo, exchanging witty dialogue delivered with conviction and urgency. This cracking, slam-bang thriller simply cannot be missed!


    "I'm still alive, motherfucker!"
  • KhrisP
    February 22, 2009
    KhrisP
    Jackson v Spacey - what do u get when two GREAT actors square off in movies?? - A superb movie!!

    Sam Jackson is the Chicago cop framed for the murder of his partner. Facing prison and reciveving no help from his now hostile team, he goes on the offensive, taking hostage the...( read more) Internal Affairs officer investigating him and others. Realising only his superior skills and training can keep him alive, he allies himself with his anoher negotiator whom he only knows by reputation, to help him find out who murdered his partenr and why.



    Tense, nail biting and powerful performance by two Hollywood heavywieghts in a superb thriller by a greta director with credits such as A Man Apart, The Italian Job remake and Friday.
  • organgrinder136
    November 30, 2008
    organgrinder136
    how can anyone give this less than a four? it never gets old!!! it's classic action/thriller with some top acting from top actors in it. it's edge of your seat stuff and it's not for dummys! i reckon this is some of spacey and jacksons best performances. it seems to be the direct...( read more)ors only decent work also. watch it!
  • markymarkslunggnome
    June 27, 2008
    markymarkslunggnome
    You want my blood? Take my blood! Poor Farley. doesn't know any jokes
  • lopcar1993
    November 10, 2009
    lopcar1993
    Hostage thrillers are a dime a dozen, just like Mystery thrillers or Erotic thrillers. They all have the same basic plot if you look close enough, but once in a blue moon you get a Hostage thriller that blows your mind in ways you couldn't even imagine and that film just happ...( read more)ens to be, The Negotiator.




    The Negotiator is a movie that I missed and I don't know how, I's everything you could want in a potboiler thriller. It's taunt, brilliant and complex. In the movie you don't know who is telling the truth and who is lying, It's that complicated and trust me when I say this you won't know who did what and what really happened until the very end. The Negotiator is a film that resonates with the very best of film making It's a high class, High tension wire show that sure to please you if not blow your brains out.



    Samuel L. Jackson is in top form in this movie as the framed Maverick hostage negotiator that has made a good living out of saving hostages lives, now he has to take hostages to stay alive. Jackson brings the tension and the power to this film and is perfectly cast in his role. Kevin Spacey is also at the top of his game here as the number 2 top hostage negotiator in the film, Spacey brings the caring nature, the calmness and the methodical thinking to the film. With Spacey and Jackson contrasting themselves fiercely in this movie the tension rises and the power soars until the pot finally boils over.





    The Negotiator is a film that you don't really see coming, It's the type of film that if you don't watch carefully you will be completely lost. It's a great suspense thriller and also a great entry in the Hostage thriller genre. In my opinion this film is what Inside Man became later, The Negotiator set the benchmark for all other Hostage films to follow as to date I haven't seen one since Spike Lee's Inside Man that has really enthralled me and captured m undivided attention all the way through. But I do have on request if you do watch this movie. Watch very,very closely because nobody and nothing is what it seems.
  • totalefreiheit
    November 9, 2009
    totalefreiheit
    No la vería 3 veces.. pero ... Esta buena.
  • maja6884
    November 2, 2009
    maja6884
    Lieutenant Danny Roman: A quick lesson in lying. See, this is what us real cops do: We study liars. Example: If I ask you a question about something visual, like your favorite color, your eyes go up and to the left. Neurophysiology tells us your eyes go in that direction, because...( read more) you're accessing the visual cortex. So you're telling the truth. If your eyes go up and right, you're accessing the brain's creative centers and we know you're full of shit.
  • blknatureboy
    November 2, 2009
    blknatureboy
    Awesome movie alot of action
  • agonzalez7000
    October 24, 2009
    agonzalez7000
    A 1990's classic filled with suspense and action. An all-star cast that performers the story masterfully.

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Comments

  • ActionFan
    April 22, 2008
    ActionFan
    Yeah I agree! It's gripping every time.
  • zacchaeusofzion
    October 12, 2007
    zacchaeusofzion
    i can watch this movie over and over and over. it doesn't get boring or monotonous
  • ActionFan
    August 8, 2007
    ActionFan
    A great cop action film!

    Good story, great cast.

    We just haven't had anything as good as this (for this genre) in the 00s.
  • pic055000
    January 8, 2007
    pic055000
    Great ass movie. It's sad cuz my favorite actor gets his head blown off. (Paul Guilfoyle as Nate). Man that sucks. Samuel L. Jackson did a very good job in dis movie. Tryin to find out about the truth and he did. I hate the old guy and the three key players 4 settin Danny Roman up and killin his partner Nate.
  • zidane25
    August 18, 2006
    zidane25
    Will keep your atention all the time
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  • Which actor played in the Negotiator, American Beauty and the usual suspects?  Answer »
  • Which movie stared Samuel L. Jackson as a negotiator who has been framed for murdering his partner  Answer »
  • Which film has this tagline.... He frees hostages for a living. Now he's taking hostages to survive.  Answer »
  • Who plays hostage negotiator Danny Roman in the film The Negotiator?  Answer »
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