A Serious Man

A Serious Man

Year: 2009

Runtime: 106 min

Language: English

Directors: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen

Drama

In 1967 Minnesota, physics professor Larry Gopnik faces a cascade of misfortunes when his wife leaves him for another man. His life descends into chaos as his unemployed brother moves in, his son rebels, and his daughter resorts to theft. Seeking guidance and a sense of balance, Larry turns to three rabbis, hoping to understand how to become a "serious man" during a time of personal upheaval and broader societal unrest.

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Timeline & Setting – A Serious Man (2009)

Explore the full timeline and setting of A Serious Man (2009). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The events of the movie unfold in contemporary times, exploring themes of family dynamics and personal crises. The bar mitzvah serves as a significant cultural milestone, set against the backdrop of modern-day challenges faced by the characters.

Location

Hebrew school, synagogue, college campus, motel

The movie takes place in various settings including a Hebrew school and a synagogue, where Danny attends lessons and prepares for his bar mitzvah. The college campus represents Larry's professional life, where he interacts with colleagues and navigates his academic responsibilities. The motel where Larry stays reflects his current unstable living situation amidst personal turmoil.

🏫 School ⛪ Place of Worship 🎓 Education 🏨 Lodging

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:25

Main Characters – A Serious Man (2009)

Meet the key characters of A Serious Man (2009), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Danny Gopnick

Danny is a young boy experiencing the transition to adulthood through his bar mitzvah. He grapples with the responsibilities that come with maturity and the pressures of his family dynamic. His character embodies innocence amidst chaos, facing fears while trying to please those around him.

👦 Young 🎉 Bar Mitzvah 😬 Anxiety

Larry Gopnick

Larry is a college professor whose life is unraveling due to his wife's desire for divorce and mounting personal pressures. He seeks approval and stability but faces trials that challenge his moral compass and emotional resilience. His character reflects the struggles of middle age and the quest for meaning.

👨‍🏫 Professor 💔 Divorce ⚖️ Struggling

Judith Gopnick

Judith is Larry's wife who expresses her unhappiness through her desire to leave the marriage. She introduces complexity to the family dynamics, especially with her new partner, Sy. Judith's character represents the quest for independence and the consequences of familial discontent.

👩‍❤️‍👨 Unfaithful 🔄 Change 😒 Discontent

Sy

Sy, Judith's new partner, serves as a contrast to Larry and represents a shift in Judith's life. His character embodies the challenges of moving on and the interpersonal tensions that arise within a fractured family. He is seen as a source of insecurity for Larry.

👨‍🤝‍👨 Rival 📈 Success 😏 Confidence

Arlen

Arlen is a colleague of Larry's who offers a moment of solidarity during the turbulent time of Danny's bar mitzvah. He serves as a reminder of the importance of cherishing family moments, yet hints at the changes on the horizon for Larry's career. His character highlights the duality of professional and personal lives.

👨‍🏫 Colleague 👏 Supportive 🤔 Insightful

Mike Fagle

Mike is a classmate of Danny's who embodies youthful nostalgia and friendship. His interactions with Danny reveal both camaraderie and the innocent complications of youth. He plays a role in highlighting Danny's struggle to balance friendship with personal growth.

👦 Friend 🎶 Music 💵 Youthful

Rabbi Marshak

Rabbi Marshak is a spiritual figure who represents tradition and guidance in Danny's life. His disorientation during their discussions underscores the struggle between faith and modern distractions, showcasing the challenges faced by religious leaders today.

⛪ Spiritual Leader 🎤 Authority 🤔 Confused

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:25

Major Themes – A Serious Man (2009)

Explore the central themes of A Serious Man (2009), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎭 Family

Family dynamics are central to the narrative, particularly during Danny's bar mitzvah, a rite of passage that brings both joy and stress. The relationships between Larry, Judith, and Danny highlight struggles, reconnections, and the impact of divorce on familial bonds.

⚖️ Justice

The theme of justice permeates through the characters' encounters with authority figures, such as the Rabbi and Larry's discussions about his tenure. These moments prompt reflections on moral decisions, the pursuit of fairness, and the personal ramifications of one's choices.

🌪️ Chaos

The looming tornado warning symbolizes the chaos in Larry's and Danny's lives, encompassing both external and internal conflicts. The tension builds as personal crises unfold, culminating in a moment where the chaotic events parallel Danny's inner turmoil.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:25

Unlock the Full Story of A Serious Man

Don't stop at just watching — explore A Serious Man in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what A Serious Man is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

A Serious Man Summary

Read a complete plot summary of A Serious Man, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

A Serious Man Summary

A Serious Man Timeline

Track the full timeline of A Serious Man with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

A Serious Man Timeline

More About A Serious Man

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about A Serious Man: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About A Serious Man

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