Envy, a powerful and often destructive emotion, has been a central theme in many crime films. These movies delve into the depths of human desire, showcasing how envy can lead to deceit, betrayal, and even murder. This curated list of ten films not only entertains but also offers a psychological insight into the consequences of unchecked envy, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in the darker aspects of human behavior.
The Killing (1956)
Description: Stanley Kubrick's early film explores the envy and desperation of a group of criminals planning a racetrack heist, each driven by their own personal desires and envy of others' lives.
Fact: The film was shot in just 19 days, and Kubrick himself did uncredited work on the screenplay.
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The Friends of Eddie Coyle (1973)
Description: Eddie Coyle, a small-time gunrunner, is driven by envy of those with power and freedom, leading him into a dangerous web of informants and betrayal.
Fact: Robert Mitchum's performance is often cited as one of his best, and the film is known for its realistic portrayal of Boston's criminal underworld.
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The Grifters (1990)
Description: Envy and mistrust run deep in this neo-noir thriller where con artists' lives intertwine, leading to a deadly game of manipulation and betrayal.
Fact: John Cusack, Anjelica Huston, and Annette Bening all received Academy Award nominations for their performances.
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The Usual Suspects (1995)
Description: The film's twist ending reveals a tale of envy and revenge, where one character's desire for recognition and power leads to an intricate web of lies and manipulation.
Fact: The famous line "The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist" was improvised by Kevin Spacey.
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A Simple Plan (1998)
Description: Three men find a crashed plane with millions in cash, and their envy and greed lead to a series of tragic events, showcasing how envy can corrupt even the most ordinary of lives.
Fact: The film was shot in chronological order to capture the actors' genuine reactions to the unfolding plot.
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The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
Description: Tom Ripley's envy of Dickie Greenleaf's lifestyle leads him down a path of deception and murder. This film explores the lengths one might go to escape their own identity and live the life they covet.
Fact: Matt Damon learned to play the piano for his role, and the film's ending was changed from the book to give it a more ambiguous and open-ended feel.
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The Ice Harvest (2005)
Description: On Christmas Eve, a mob lawyer and his partner steal a large sum of money, but their envy of each other's lives and the fear of getting caught lead to a night of chaos.
Fact: The film was originally set to be directed by Harold Ramis, but he was replaced by director Oliver Stone.
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The Departed (2006)
Description: Envy plays a subtle yet crucial role in the lives of both the undercover cop and the mole within the police force, each envious of the other's life and position, leading to a deadly game of cat and mouse.
Fact: Martin Scorsese won his first Best Director Oscar for this film, and it was a remake of the Hong Kong film "Infernal Affairs."
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The Lookout (2007)
Description: A former high school hockey star, now a bank janitor due to a brain injury, is manipulated by criminals who envy his access to the bank's vault, leading to a heist with unexpected twists.
Fact: Joseph Gordon-Levitt learned to play the piano for his role, and the film was shot in Canada to stand in for Kansas.
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The Drop (2014)
Description: Bob Saginowski, a bartender, gets entangled in a robbery and murder plot, where envy and greed among the criminals lead to a deadly conclusion.
Fact: The film is based on a short story by Dennis Lehane, who also wrote the screenplay, and it was the last film role for actor James Gandolfini.
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