Amsterdam Plot Synopsis
The heart of the Amsterdam plot revolves around a conspiracy in 1933, where Major General Smedley Butler exposed an attempt to overthrow President Roosevelt’s democratic government. The aim of this plot was to establish a dictatorship and follow the governance models of Italy and Germany, further enriching the wealthy and placing them in control.
Burt, Valerie, and Harold, the main characters, unwittingly find themselves caught up in the controversy surrounding the murders of Liz and Bill Meekins. In their quest to prove their innocence, they rely on Valerie’s brother Tom’s connections to navigate the situation. For a more detailed account, continue reading below!
Why did Burt, Valerie & Howard make a Pact in Amsterdam?
One striking feature of Amsterdam is the Pact formed by the trio of protagonists (portrayed by Bale, Washington, and Robbie). They initially met in a hospital, where Valerie took care of them while they were recovering from battle wounds. Valerie, a runaway, sought solace away from home. Burt (Bale) felt isolated due to the cruel treatment from his in-laws, who coerced him into joining the war to elevate their family’s status. Harold (Washington), facing racial prejudice, deserted the racially divided society in search of peace and togetherness in the army.
From an outsider’s perspective, the trio appeared as a band of misfits. However, they remained united during their lowest moments and shared their highest points of joy. Living in Amsterdam granted them the freedom to express their true selves without the burdens of societal pressure or systemic racism.
Their pact was forged as a symbol of their unbreakable friendship—an unspoken promise to support each other through thick and thin. By being part of the Pact, they found comfort in knowing they had a safety net during emergencies. This bond also offered them a sense of belonging and a space where they could be accepted for who they were. Although society scrutinized their life choices, the trio remained impervious to such judgments.
How were the Vozes involved in the political conspiracy?
The Vozes, portrayed convincingly by Malen and Anya Taylor, embody a unique and sinister image that resonates with modern moviegoers. Within Amsterdam’s narrative, the Voze couple serves as the antagonists, as revealed during their backstage conversation with Dillenbeck and Burt.
Tom, Valerie’s brother, agreed to help Burt and Harold believing their association would bring him closer to Dillenbeck. By gaining access, Tom intended to sway Dillenbeck through monetary bribes. Tom also hinted that Dillenbeck might assist the duo in unraveling the murder of Bill Meekins.
As it turns out, Tom was a benefactor of the Committee, providing support to fascist regimes in Italy and Germany. He even played a role in elevating Goering’s status within the Nazi empire, channeling funds and resources to foster their movements. Tom aimed to achieve the same influence in the US. His beliefs in racial superiority were deeply rooted in his lineage. When Burt confronts Tom about his involvement with clinics, Tom callously remarks that sterilization is a progressive step forward, foreshadowing Goering’s heinous “Final Solution” plan to eradicate Jews.
While it remains unclear if the Vozes were actually part of the Committee, they exerted significant influence over its affairs, actively supporting the organization’s endeavors. This association alone provides ample evidence to implicate the Vozes as key players.
What was the Committee of the Five and was their existence real?
The Committee of Five was an underground organization comprising wealthy and elite industrialists. Their primary objective was to establish a dictatorship in the United States, echoing the governance models seen in Italy and Germany. The committee initially pinned their hopes on Senator Meekins to lead their cause, but after he became informed, they discarded him and turned to General Dillenbeck as an alternative.
To persuade veterans to join their cause, the committee required a reliable and respected figure from the military. Dillenbeck, a highly regarded Marine within defense forces, possessed considerable influence over current regiments.
The gala event held great significance for the committee, serving as a catalyst to launch their ambitious plan of aligning the US with the central powers. In the film, three fictionalized names were mentioned concerning the committee’s involvement: Jeffers Publishing, Belport Chemicals International, and Nevins Telecommunications. As for the committee’s existence, it remains a subject of speculation. Historical records often present varying versions of events, and in recent times, the notion of “absolute truth” has been called into question.
According to current records, the committee in the film draws its name from the “Committee of Five” during the Second Continental Congress. Composed of John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Robert Livingston, and Roger Sherman, this committee drafted the Declaration of Independence.
Why was Senator Bill Meekins killed?
Similar to General Dillenbeck, Senator Meekins was a devoted patriot and held genuine concern for the prestige and peace of the United States. Meekins and Dillenbeck shared a friendship. During the autopsy, Irma deduced that Meekins had been poisoned over the course of a week while on a boat, which he returned from deceased.
Throughout the film, the mystery surrounding Meekins’ murder unravels. Dillenbeck’s final speech provides insight into the motive behind his assassination. Meekins was initially selected by the Committee to spearhead their attempted coup. However, Meekins encountered the same “monster” that had inspired the Committee in Rome, Italy: Benito Mussolini. Witnessing Mussolini deliberately run over and kill a child without stopping, Meekins could not ignore this atrocity. Unfortunately, the media, under Mussolini’s control, suppressed this incident. The Committee feared that if Meekins were to expose Mussolini, their entire plan would be jeopardized, and the momentum against dictatorship as a whole could be derailed. Meekins staunchly opposed their agenda, posing a direct threat to its success. This unfortunate circumstance led to Senator Bill Meekins’ poisoning.
Who killed Liz and Senator Bill Meekins?
The father-daughter duo fell victim to a single perpetrator—The Committee of the Five. However, identifying the exact killer for Bill Meekins remains undisclosed. Liz’s death was directly caused by Tilram Milfax (played by Timothy Olyphant), a prominent member of the organization. Milfax not only pushed Liz in front of a truck but also attempted to assassinate Dillenbeck during the veterans’ gala. In Senator Meekins’ case, the committee, along with pressure from Mussolini, orchestrated his demise. Mussolini couldn’t afford Senator Meekins exposing him publicly, as it would have tarnished his work in Italy and jeopardized their plans for a dictatorship in the US.
How was the conspiracy to overthrow the Government thwarted?
Dillenbeck and the trio devised a trap during the final gala, where Bill Meekins was scheduled to speak. To ensnare the Committee and their supporters, they planned for Dillenbeck to pretend to support their cause. Despite loathing their motives and holding firm against the idea of overthrowing an elected government, Dillenbeck met with the supposed committee members to assuage them with false support. Valerie, armed with a camera, meticulously recorded the entire conversation. However, when Dillenbeck took the stage, he defied their expectations and publicly exposed them, thwarting their plan.
Burt’s back brace played a crucial role in saving Dillenbeck and himself when Milfax, Liz’s killer, attempted to shoot the General. Valerie and Harold swiftly intervened, ambushing Milfax before he could take a clear shot. Additionally, it was revealed that the Vozes were involved in the conspiracy, secretly poisoning Valerie for years while manipulating her into believing she was perpetually ill.
Unfortunately, Tom managed to evade incarceration due to his connections and wealth. In the end, Harold and Valerie chose to return to their place of happiness—the city of Amsterdam—while Burt remained in New York to explore his budding relationship with Irma St. Clair.
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