The Projectionist

The Projectionist

Year: 2019

Runtime: 94 mins

Language: Spanish

Director: José María Cabral

ThrillerMysteryDrama

A solitary projectionist finds comfort and connection with a woman he observes in a film reel. When the reel is lost, he embarks on a journey across the Dominican Republic, traveling to remote and impoverished areas in a desperate search to find her. His quest takes him through challenging landscapes and introduces him to the lives of those living there.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Projectionist yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – The Projectionist (2019)

Trace every key event in The Projectionist (2019) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Projection Booth Opening

Chuck McCann is seen operating the projection booth equipment as the opening credits of The Projectionist roll. This scene introduces the main setting of the Midtown Theater and Chuck's role as a projectionist. The atmosphere hints at his loneliness and routine-filled life.

Midtown Theater
2

Renaldi's Management

Renaldi, the theater manager, is introduced as a stern and insulting figure who berates his employees, including Chuck and Harry. This establishes the oppressive environment of the theater and the tension between staff and management.

Midtown Theater
3

Chuck's Imagination as Captain Flash

While spending hours in the projection booth, Chuck fantasizes about himself as a superhero called Captain Flash. His imagination provides an escape from the dull reality and reflects his desire for excitement and heroism.

Projection booth
4

Harry Complains

Harry, an usher, enters the projection booth to complain about Renaldi. Chuck, in his fantasy world, describes a beautiful woman he saw earlier, calling her 'The Girl,' adding to his romantic fantasies.

Projection booth
5

Renaldi Confronts Chuck

Renaldi enters the booth and criticizes Chuck for leaving a cigarette butt on the floor, showing the ongoing tension between management and staff. This moment underscores the oppressive atmosphere in the theater.

Projection booth
6

Rewinding the Film and Radio Broadcast

Chuck starts rewinding a film reel and listens to a radio broadcast discussing a bleak outlook on the future, mentioning dehumanization, racial hatred, and total holocaust, setting a dark tone and hinting at themes of despair.

Projection booth
7

Screen Trailer and Broadcast

The TV trailer plays, warning of the horrors of science and war with vivid imagery, while the radio continues its bleak commentary, emphasizing a worldview filled with chaos and destruction.

Projection booth
8

Chuck's Film Icon Imitations

At the end of his day, Chuck looks at star photographs and begins impersonating famous actors like Humphrey Bogart, Wallace Beery, and Clark Gable, mimicking their voices and dialogue, showcasing his love for classic cinema.

Projection booth
9

Laurel and Hardy Tribute

Chuck recreates the voices of Laurel and Hardy, recalling a TV show he hosted, and concludes his impersonations with a Bogart quote, revealing his nostalgia and fondness for old comedy and film legends.

Projection booth
10

Fantasizing Heroic Adventures

Bored with his mundane life, Chuck imagines himself as Captain Flash and envisions Renaldi as The Bat, a villain with henchmen seeking to possess a powerful X-ray device and threaten the world.

Projection booth
11

Kidnapping and Ultimate Battle

In Chuck's fantasy, The Bat kidnaps a scientist's daughter, but she reveals her karate skills and, alongside Captain Flash, defeats The Bat in a spectacular showdown, ending with a musical dance sequence.

Fictional battleground / fantasy

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:12

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Unlock the Full Story of The Projectionist

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The Projectionist Summary

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The Projectionist Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Projectionist

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Projectionist

The Projectionist Spoiler-Free Summary

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The Projectionist Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Projectionist

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