A Futile and Stupid Gesture

A Futile and Stupid Gesture

Year: 2018

Runtime: 101 min

Language: English

Echo Score: 72

Budget: $30M

BiographyComedy

During the early 1970s, writer Doug Kenney plays a pivotal role in the creation of the satirical magazine National Lampoon. The story follows his journey as he helps build the publication, witnessing its rise to prominence and its significant influence on American humor. Kenney's comedic talent and unconventional approach contribute to the magazine's success and lasting legacy.

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Timeline & Setting – A Futile and Stupid Gesture (2018)

Explore the full timeline and setting of A Futile and Stupid Gesture (2018). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1964-1980

The time period is marked by significant cultural shifts and the rise of new media forms. This era witnesses profound changes in comedy, epitomized by the emergence of *National Lampoon*, which challenges societal norms through satire and parody.

Location

Harvard, Hawai'i

Harvard is a prestigious university known for its rich history and academic excellence, serving as the backdrop for the birth of comedic revolution in *National Lampoon*. Hawai'i, celebrated for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture, becomes a locale of profound significance as it serves as the setting for Kenney's tragic journey and final moments.

🏛️ University 🏖️ Beach

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:48

Main Characters – A Futile and Stupid Gesture (2018)

Meet the key characters of A Futile and Stupid Gesture (2018), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Douglas Kenney

Douglas Kenney is a complex yet vibrant character whose quest for creative fulfillment leads him down both triumphant and tragic paths. His brilliant comedic voice becomes overshadowed as he grapples with his addiction, ultimately highlighting his vulnerability beneath the surface of success.

👨‍🎤 Comedian 🎤 Writer 🚬 Addict

Henry Beard

Henry Beard is an astute businessman and a loyal friend to Kenney. His sharp instincts and dedication to the magazine's success bolster Kenney's creativity, yet he also grapples with the weight of Kenney’s struggles, showcasing his own internal conflicts as they transform from carefree college days to chaotic adulthood.

📊 Businessman 🤝 Friend

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:48

Major Themes – A Futile and Stupid Gesture (2018)

Explore the central themes of A Futile and Stupid Gesture (2018), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎭 Comedy and Tragedy

The film explores the duality of comedy intertwined with personal tragedy, showcasing how humor served as both a coping mechanism and a creative outlet. As Kenney's laughter fades into despair, the story emphasizes the thin line between success and destruction, and the burdens that fame can wield.

💔 Addiction

Addiction serves as a central theme, illustrating the devastating impact it has on creativity and relationships. Kenney's battle with cocaine highlights the fragility of success, reminding audiences that personal demons often overshadow professional achievements.

🌊 Legacy

The theme of legacy is prevalent as Kenney's life and work continue to influence comedic storytelling long after his demise. It prompts reflection on how individuals are ultimately remembered—not just for their successes, but also for their struggles and contributions to culture.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:48

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Movies about the tragic cost of creative genius like A Futile and Stupid Gesture

Stories of brilliant creators whose success is shadowed by personal collapse.Discover more movies like A Futile and Stupid Gesture that explore the lives of brilliant creators. These films blend high creative energy with the heavy emotional weight of personal downfall, addiction, and the bittersweet legacy left behind.

tragiccreativesomberenergeticnostalgicirreverentbittersweet

Narrative Summary

These narratives typically follow a 'rise and fall' structure, charting the protagonist's ascent to the peak of their creative field. The conflict arises not just from external challenges, but from the internal demons—often addiction, ego, or mental health—that are exacerbated by the pressures of success, leading to a poignant or tragic conclusion.

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Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on the duality of creation and destruction within a single life. They balance an energetic, often irreverent tone with a deeply somber and tragic undercurrent, creating a uniquely bittersweet and heavy viewing experience.

Bittersweet chronicles of cultural revolutions like A Futile and Stupid Gesture

Energetic stories about rebellious movements that leave a complicated legacy.If you liked the story of National Lampoon in A Futile and Stupid Gesture, you'll enjoy these movies about similar cultural shifts. They capture the energetic, satirical spirit of an era while exploring the legacy and personal toll on those who shaped it.

satiricalnostalgicenergeticirreverentsombercreativetragic

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a group of unconventional talents coming together to challenge the status quo. The plot follows their successes and internal dynamics, celebrating their cultural impact. However, the story is often tinged with melancholy, reflecting on the passage of time, the dissolution of the group, or the personal price paid by its key figures.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by a specific tonal mix: the high-energy, satirical joy of creation is consistently balanced with a reflective, often somber look back. The pacing is steady, covering a significant time period to show both the explosive rise and the lasting, complicated legacy.

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A Futile and Stupid Gesture Summary

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A Futile and Stupid Gesture Summary

A Futile and Stupid Gesture Timeline

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A Futile and Stupid Gesture Timeline

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A Futile and Stupid Gesture Spoiler-Free Summary

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