Source plot synopsis — includes the ending
Eli Wurman is an aging, burnt-out Jewish publicist whose best days are behind him, and he wishes to retire from his line of work, but all he knows is how to hustle, cajole, threaten and persuade. The hazy mania of his everyday life is fueled by a steady stream of prescription drugs and alcohol. One night, Eli's last remaining "big client" Cary Launer—an actor considering a campaign for political office—entreats Eli to take care of his latest publicity mess, a dangerous liaison with Jilli Hopper, a hard-shelled, quick-tongued television actress with a soft center and a taste for illegal drugs.
Jilli takes Eli to a drug and sex den that is a place to party for the rich and famous, where she claims to be looking for a toy. Jilli is escorted off the premises by security. As she demands to know where her toy is, it is given to her, and she tells the guards, "I got all of you now". Eli is too stoned to understand the exchange.
Eli takes her back to the hotel room, where he takes more pills and passes out in the bathtub after accidentally witnessing what appears to be the actress's rape and murder. But in his opiate daze, he cannot be sure. By the next morning, the memory is forgotten, and he needs to organize a charity benefit.
Eli is tempted to permanently leave New York with Victoria, his former sister-in-law and widow of his deceased brother. Victoria's feelings for Eli are mutual, and she genuinely cares about and desires him. She offers life away from his current lifestyle. However, Eli is hesitant because she is his brother's widow.
Eli's work is interrupted by the police who question him and by acquaintances trying to ascertain how much that Eli has seen and recalls. Eli finally realizes that he is involved in something politically dangerous, and powerful forces are at play to keep his mouth shut. As he strives to bring together the people who he knows—members of the Black and Jewish communities, film stars and media—for the grand fundraiser, Eli's life is in grave danger.
Eli struggles with remembering what had happened that night. Through a series of flashbacks, combined with visits from the people who he knows, it becomes apparent that Eli's life is in danger, but Eli fails to realize it. The people who Eli trusts are the people who are threatened by the photos. Eli pulls off a successful event surrounded by these individuals. The fundraiser is a success, but unfortunately, Eli is killed by the people who helped make it so.
Jilli takes Eli to a drug and sex den that is a place to party for the rich and famous, where she claims to be looking for a toy. Jilli is escorted off the premises by security. As she demands to know where her toy is, it is given to her, and she tells the guards, "I got all of you now". Eli is too stoned to understand the exchange.
Eli takes her back to the hotel room, where he takes more pills and passes out in the bathtub after accidentally witnessing what appears to be the actress's rape and murder. But in his opiate daze, he cannot be sure. By the next morning, the memory is forgotten, and he needs to organize a charity benefit.
Eli is tempted to permanently leave New York with Victoria, his former sister-in-law and widow of his deceased brother. Victoria's feelings for Eli are mutual, and she genuinely cares about and desires him. She offers life away from his current lifestyle. However, Eli is hesitant because she is his brother's widow.
Eli's work is interrupted by the police who question him and by acquaintances trying to ascertain how much that Eli has seen and recalls. Eli finally realizes that he is involved in something politically dangerous, and powerful forces are at play to keep his mouth shut. As he strives to bring together the people who he knows—members of the Black and Jewish communities, film stars and media—for the grand fundraiser, Eli's life is in grave danger.
Eli struggles with remembering what had happened that night. Through a series of flashbacks, combined with visits from the people who he knows, it becomes apparent that Eli's life is in danger, but Eli fails to realize it. The people who Eli trusts are the people who are threatened by the photos. Eli pulls off a successful event surrounded by these individuals. The fundraiser is a success, but unfortunately, Eli is killed by the people who helped make it so.
Sources and content license
Source and revision history ↗ · Adapted from Wikipedia contributors, People I Know. Section headings and formatting adjusted. · Content license