The Fall of the American Empire

Is it still possible to do good in a world dominated by stupidity, greed, and corruption? This is the question Canadian director Denys Arcand raises in his satirical crime film written by himself.

Pierre-Paul Daoust, a socially awkward 36-year-old, has a doctor's degree in philosophy, but works as a courier. One day while on the job he happens upon the scene of an on-going robbery. When the shooting has stopped, two men lie dead in the street next to two bags brimming with money — mob money... After only a short moment of hesitation, Pierre-Paul decides to pick up the bags. All of a sudden he is flush with cash, but now what? The police are on his trail as well as a couple of gang members who want their money back. But Pierre-Paul finds help: in Aspasie, an escort he soon begins to consider as his girlfriend, and in Remy, a financially savvy, tough biker.