Is the movie Amsterdam based on a true story? Ending Explained
by Hemalatha R
Updated Apr 24, 2023
Amsterdam Plot
The movie Amsterdam is a political thriller directed by David O. Russell that revolves around a conspiracy to overthrow US President Franklin D. Roosevelt and install a fascist dictator in his place. The story is inspired by the Business Plot of 1933, which was a real-life attempt by wealthy businessmen to topple the US government and place a retired Marine Corps Major General, Smedley Butler, as the dictator.
The movie begins in World War I France, where Burt Berendsen, an American soldier, and Harold Woodman, an African-American soldier, befriend each other. Later, they are both cared for by Valerie Bandenberg, an eccentric nurse who becomes their close friend. After the war, the three move to Amsterdam, where they live together for some time until Burt and Harold leave for New York City. Fifteen years later, Burt is a doctor, Harold a lawyer, and Valerie's whereabouts are unknown.
Burt and Harold are asked by Elizabeth, the daughter of Bill Meekins, a senator who served as their regiment's commander during the war, to perform an autopsy on her father. They discover that Meekins was poisoned and are framed for Elizabeth's murder by a hitman. They investigate Elizabeth's reasons for hiring them, which leads them to Tom Voze, a wealthy textile heir, his wife Libby, and Valerie.
They discover that the Committee of the Five, a group of industry leaders who are obsessed with fascism and idolize Mussolini and Hitler, is behind the murder of Meekins and the plot to overthrow the government. Burt, Harold, and Valerie seek the help of General Gil Dillenbeck, a famous veteran, to foil the plot. The General agrees to speak at a reunion gala that Burt and Harold are hosting, which is where the Committee of the Five plan to make their move.
The General reads his own speech instead of the one he was paid to deliver, and the hitman is thwarted by Harold and Valerie. The Committee of the Five is exposed and arrested, but they slander General Dillenbeck in the press. In the end, Harold and Valerie leave the country since they cannot be together in the United States, while Burt plans to reopen his medical practice and pursue a relationship with Irma, a medical examiner who helped him perform the autopsy. The film brings to light a little-known aspect of history while creating a thrilling fictional story around it.
Is the movie Amsterdam based on a true story?
Amsterdam, the movie by David O. Russell, is based on a political conspiracy known as the Business Plot of 1933. This plot aimed to remove President Franklin D. Roosevelt from his position and establish a fascist dictatorship in America. The plan was to be led by wealthy businessmen who wanted fascism, and veterans were meant to carry out the coup.
The retired Marine Corps Major General Smedley Butler, played by Robert De Niro's character General Gil Dillenbeck, was supposed to be the dictator. However, he testified against the businessmen in front of a special committee serving under the US House of Representatives. The coup was planned, but none of the wealthy businessmen involved were prosecuted.
Despite the confirmation that a fascist plot existed, General Smedley Butler's accusations were dismissed. This aspect of history is not widely known, but Russell's film gives it new life. The movie also draws inspiration from the true story of the 1939 Nazi-affiliated rally held at Madison Square Garden, where veterans were present.
Amsterdam sheds light on a little-known part of American history and brings to light the danger posed by wealthy businessmen and their pursuit of power. The film highlights the importance of speaking up against fascism and political corruption, even if it means going against powerful figures in society. While Amsterdam is not entirely based on a true story, it draws inspiration from real events and reminds us of the dangers of extremism and the importance of vigilance.
Amsterdam Ending Explained
Directed by David O. Russell, Amsterdam is a 2022 Drama Thriller film that follows the story of three friends, Burt, Harold, and Valerie, investigating the murder of a US senator in the 1930s. The trio believes that the Committee of Five was involved in the senator’s death and decides to draw them out by convincing General Gil Dillenbeck to speak at their veteran reunion.
The Committee of Five confronts Gil at the reunion, and with his help, the trio thwarts their plans to overthrow President Franklin D. Roosevelt and install a dictator. The assassin is eventually detained, and the members of the Committee of Five are revealed. Tom Voze, Valerie's brother, is arrested on charges of conspiracy and attempted assassination but is later released.
However, the political plan he had hatched is over, and as revenge, he and his friends smear the name of General Dillenbeck, leading to his court-martial. Harold and Valerie decide to return to Amsterdam, but they realize that American society is not yet ready to accept a Black man and a white, affluent woman as lovers.
They plan to move to Europe, possibly England but are convinced by two spies not to return to the Netherlands, which would soon be infiltrated by the Nazi government. Burt decides not to go along and stays back to serve American veterans and start a new life with the nurse Irma St. Clair, after giving up on his marriage with Beatrice. Despite its political twists and murder plots, Amsterdam is primarily about human emotions and realizations.
However, it falls short in this aspect, with the actors seeming unconvincing in this shaky film that elaborates more than necessary. The three lead characters whisper the word Amsterdam as if creating a magical charm, but it seems rather silly at times and fails to work any magic at all. Amsterdam is a drama thriller film that highlights the consequences of political conspiracies and human emotions. However, the film lacks conviction in its actors and an over-elaborate plot.
Amsterdam Review
The movie Amsterdam, directed by David O. Russell, is a blend of conspiracy thriller, period drama, comic caper, and social satire. The film, set in 1933 New York, is inspired by the Business Plot, which was an alleged attempt to install a military dictator in the White House in place of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It stars Christian Bale, Margot Robbie, and John David Washington, among others.
The story follows war veteran and experimental doctor Burt, who meets fellow soldier Harold Woodman and the unconventional nurse Valerie Voze in 1918 Europe. The three become close friends and move to Amsterdam, where Valerie and Woodman start a relationship while Burt holds a candle for his estranged wife Beatrice. After a series of events, the trio uncovers a massive global conspiracy.
The film's strength lies in its ensemble cast, including Bale, Robbie, and Washington, as well as Robert De Niro, Rami Malek, Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Rock, Zoe Saldaña, and Timothy Olyphant. The movie's period details are also commendable, with Michael Myers and Michael Shannon adding comic relief as part-time glass eye manufacturers and ornithologists who are full-time spies. While some have criticized the movie's plot for being too busy and trying to do too much, Amsterdam's charm lies in its everything, everywhere, all at once vibe. It is currently streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.
Is the movie Amsterdam based on a true story? - FAQs
Amsterdam is a conspiracy thriller/period drama/comic caper/social satire set in 1933 New York. It is based on the alleged Business Plot, a bid to put a military dictator in the White House in place of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
The ensemble cast of Amsterdam includes Christian Bale, Margot Robbie, John David Washington, Robert De Niro, Rami Malek, Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Rock, Zoe Saldaña, Timothy Olyphant, Michael Myers, Michael Shannon, Alessandro Nivola, and Matthias Schoenaerts.
David O. Russell, the director behind critical and commercial successes including The Fighter, Silver Linings Playbook, and American Hustle, directed Amsterdam.
Amsterdam is set in 1933 New York and takes place over a span of fifteen years.
As of the time of writing, Amsterdam is currently streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.