In the Line of Fire (1993)

Film and Plot Synopsis

Released in 1993, “In the Line of Fire” is a gripping political thriller directed by Wolfgang Petersen. The film follows Secret Service Agent Frank Horrigan, played by Clint Eastwood, who finds himself haunted by the past when a mysterious assassin, played by John Malkovich, threatens to assassinate the President of the United States.

‘In the Line of Fire’ Movie Summary

The story begins with Frank Horrigan (Clint Eastwood), a seasoned Secret Service agent, haunted by the memory of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, which he failed to prevent in Dallas in 1963. More than two decades later, Frank is still on active duty and is assigned to protect the current President (Jim Curley) who is running for re-election.

As the President’s campaign progresses, Frank receives a call from a mysterious man who identifies himself as Booth (John Malkovich). Booth reveals that he plans to assassinate the President and that he knows about Frank’s past failures. This revelation sends shockwaves through Frank, who becomes determined to redeem himself and prevent history from repeating itself.

Booth, a former CIA black operative with exceptional skills and whose real name is Mitch Leary, begins a cat-and-mouse game with Frank. He taunts Frank with phone calls, testing the agent’s resilience and pushing him to his limits. Despite Frank’s efforts, Booth manages to infiltrate the Secret Service screening process, posing as a legitimate supporter of the President’s campaign.

Lily Raines (Rene Russo), a sharp and ambitious Secret Service agent, becomes Frank’s partner in the investigation. As they delve into Booth’s background, they uncover a complex and troubled history. Booth blames the government for betraying him during a covert mission, leading him to harbor a deep-seated resentment that fuels his desire to assassinate the President.

You’re looking at a living legend, Lilly. The only active agent who ever lost a president. Frank Horrigan (Clint Eastwood)

The tension escalates as Booth’s plans become clearer, and Frank realizes the depth of the threat. The President’s safety is in jeopardy, and Frank is determined to stop Booth at all costs. Lily becomes a key ally in this pursuit, and a romantic connection develops between her and Frank.

The climax unfolds during a major campaign event in California, where Booth positions himself for the perfect shot at the President. In a tense and dramatic confrontation, Frank redeems himself by taking the bullet fired by Booth and meant for the President. Saved by his bullet proof vest, Frank is taken hostage by Booth as the two men find themselves trapped in a glass elevator over a hotel. Realizing the danger that Booth is, Frank offers to sacrifice himself by suggesting to Lily that the Secret Service needs to fire blindly into the elevator. They do, and Booth is hit, although Frank survives unharmed. Frank tries to save Booth from falling to his death, but the assassin kills himself by letting go.

In the end, Frank’s determination and bravery prevail as he successfully thwarts Booth’s assassination attempt, ensuring the safety of the President. The film concludes with Frank receiving a commendation for his heroism, bringing a sense of closure to his troubled past. Frank retires from the Secret Service and begins a relationship with Lily. When he returns to his apartment, Frank discovers a message from Booth that was recorded before his death. Rather than listen to the message, Frank leaves the apartment with Lily, ready to move on with his life.