Swordfish (2001) - Synopsis
There exists a world within our world. A world beneath what we call cyberspace. A world protected by firewalls, passwords and the most advanced security systems. In this world we hide our deepest secrets, our most incriminating information, and of course, a whole lot of money. This is the world of Swordfish.
Gabriel Shear (JOHN TRAVOLTA), a charismatic and dangerous spy wanting to finance his own brand of patriotism, needs to get inside this world. If he can get in, billions in illegal government funds wait for the taking. To actually steal the money, however, he'll need a superhacker, someone whose talents make even the most airtight security systems of the world look like child's play.
That's where Stanley Jobson (HUGH JACKMAN) enters the picture. One of the two best hackers on the planet, Stanley has been forbidden to get within 50 yards of the nearest electronics store after doing time for wreaking havoc on the FBI's controversial high-tech cyber surveillance operations. Now Stanley is living out his life in a broken-down trailer, penniless, alone and without the one thing that gives his life meaning - his daughter Holly, whom he lost in a divorce.
Gabriel and his beautiful partner Ginger (HALLE BERRY) lure Stanley into their clandestine world, baiting him with the one thing he can't have - a chance to reunite with Holly and start a new life. But once Stanley enters their world, he realizes that nothing in this operation is what it seems and he has become a pawn in a plot that's a lot more sinister than a high-tech bank heist.
From producer JOEL SILVER, who has brought to the screen some of today's most successful and acclaimed films, including the Oscar-winning smash Matrix, the (1999) and from JONATHAN D. KRANE, whose roster of over 40 films began 20 years ago with the two "Pink Panther" movies and continues with the recent critically acclaimed box office hits Phenomenon (1996), Face/Off (1997) and General's Daughter, the (1999) comes a dark counter-espionage action thriller about power, money, sacrifice and 21st-century breaking and entering.
Academy Award-nominated superstar John Travolta (Pulp Fiction (1994), Get Shorty (1995)), Hugh Jackman (X-Men (2000) and Halle Berry (X-Men (2000), Golden Globe Award winner for "Introducing Dorothy Dandridge") star in Swordfish (2001), directed by DOMINIC SENA, who helmed the fast-paced action thriller Gone In 60 Seconds (2000). The film is written by SKIP WOODS (Thursday (1998)), who also serves as co-producer.
The film also stars DON CHEADLE (Traffic (2000), the upcoming Ocean's 11 (2001)), VINNIE JONES (Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998) Snatch (1999)) and award-winning writer, director, producer and actor SAM SHEPARD (All the Pretty Horses (2000), Pledge, the (2001)), as well as newcomer CAMRYN GRIMES ("The Young & the Restless") and ZACH GRENIER (Donnie Brasco (1997)). DAN CRACCHIOLO (Romeo Must Die (2000), Exit Wounds (2001)) co-produces the film.
The distinguished behind-the-scenes team is led by director of photography PAUL CAMERON (Gone in 60 Seconds (2000)), production designer JEFF MANN (Gone in 60 Seconds (2000)) and special effects coordinator Michael Meinardus (Gone in 60 Seconds (2000)). Stephen E. Rivkin, A. C. E. (Hurricane, THE (1999) is the editor. The music is composed by CHRISTOPHER YOUNG (Sweet November (2001), Wonder Boys (2000)) and Paul Oakenfold (TV's "Big Brother").
Warner Bros. Pictures presents, in association with Village Roadshow Pictures and NPV Entertainment, a Silver Pictures/Jonathan D. Krane production, starring JOHN TRAVOLTA, HUGH JACKMAN, HALLE BERRY, DON CHEADLE, VINNIE JONES and SAM SHEPARD. The film is directed by DOMINIC SENA, written by SKIP WOODS, produced by JOEL SILVER and JONATHAN D. KRANE, and co-produced by DAN CRACCHIOLO and Skip Woods. PAUL CAMERON is the director of photography; JEFF MANN is the production designer; Stephen E. Rivkin, A. C. E. is the editor; and the music is composed by CHRISTOPHER YOUNG and Paul Oakenfold.
"Swordfish" is a Silver Pictures/Jonathan D. Krane/ Village Roadshow production to be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures and, in select territories, by Village Roadshow Pictures.
