Clay Pigeons Poster

Clay Pigeons 1998

★ 6.2136 votes104 min📅 1998-09-25

"Lester Long never forgets a friend."

In Clay Pigeons (1998), David Dobkin crafts a darkly comedic yet unsettling crime drama set against the quiet backdrop of a small American town.

Director: David Dobkin

Cast

Joaquin Phoenix
Joaquin Phoenix
Clay Bidwell
Vince Vaughn
Vince Vaughn
Lester Long
Janeane Garofalo
Janeane Garofalo
Agent Dale Shelby
Scott Wilson
Scott Wilson
Sheriff Dan Mooney
Gregory Sporleder
Gregory Sporleder
Earl
Georgina Cates
Georgina Cates
Amanda
Vince Vieluf
Vince Vieluf
Deputy Barney
Joseph D. Reitman
Joseph D. Reitman
Glen
Nicole Arlyn
Nicole Arlyn
Gloria Collins
Wayne Brennan
Minister

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Clay Pigeons (1998) about?

Clay Pigeons follows a young man named Clay whose life unravels after his affair with his friend's wife leads to a devastating suicide. Caught in a cycle of guilt and manipulation, Clay befriends a charismatic serial killer who believes he's 'helping' by eliminating those Clay cares about. The film weaves crime, dark comedy, and psychological drama into a twisted small-town tale.

Who directed Clay Pigeons?

Clay Pigeons was directed by David Dobkin, known for his work on films like Wedding Crashers and The Judge, which showcase his knack for blending humor with darker themes.

Who stars in Clay Pigeons?

The cast of Clay Pigeons includes Joaquin Phoenix, Vince Vaughn, Janeane Garofalo, Scott Wilson, and Georgina Cates, each bringing depth to this unconventional crime drama.

Is Clay Pigeons (1998) worth watching?

Clay Pigeons (1998) is a hidden gem for fans of offbeat crime thrillers, offering a unique mix of dark humor and psychological tension. While it may not be as widely known as some of its contemporaries, the standout performances and unpredictable plot make it a rewarding watch for those who enjoy subversive storytelling.

How long is Clay Pigeons?

Clay Pigeons (1998) has a runtime of 104 minutes, making it a tight, engaging ride through its twisted narrative.

🎥 Trailer

About Clay Pigeons (1998) — A Darkly Funny Crime Thriller with Joaquin Phoenix and Vince Vaughn

In Clay Pigeons (1998), David Dobkin crafts a darkly comedic yet unsettling crime drama set against the quiet backdrop of a small American town. The story follows Clay, a troubled young man whose life spirals when he becomes entangled in a web of guilt after witnessing his friend Earl's tragic suicide—driven by Clay's affair with Earl's wife, Amanda. Haunted by remorse, Clay tries to distance himself from Amanda, only to cross paths with Lester Long, a charismatic yet menacing serial killer who manipulates Clay's guilt into a twisted friendship. As Lester's violent tendencies escalate, Clay finds himself drawn deeper into a deadly game where nothing is as it seems.

With sharp dialogue and a bleakly humorous tone, Clay Pigeons (1998) blends crime, romance, and psychological tension, exploring themes of guilt, manipulation, and the fragility of human connections. Joaquin Phoenix delivers a standout performance as the conflicted Clay, while Vince Vaughn steals scenes as the chillingly charming Lester Long. The film's moody atmosphere and unpredictable plot make it a cult classic for fans of offbeat thrillers.