Alligator

Alligator

Year: 1980

Runtime: 91 min

Language: English

Director: Lewis Teague

Sci-FiThrillerHorror

In a freakish twist of fate, a scientist's carelessly discarded pet evolves into a monstrous behemoth, prompting a thrilling investigation. As a resourceful herpetologist and a seasoned detective join forces to track down the gargantuan creature, they uncover a sinister plot threatening their city.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Alligator (1980)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Alligator (1980). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Present Day, 12 years later

The narrative begins in the present day when a young girl experiences the thrill of an alligator show. Fast forwarding 12 years later, the setting shifts as we follow David Madison, a police detective confronting past traumas while dealing with the emergence of a deadly alligator in contemporary Chicago, reflecting a time where urban wildlife interactions raise new concerns.

Location

Florida, Chicago

The film takes place in sunny Florida, known for its amusement parks and vibrant wildlife, particularly the alligator shows that captivate both locals and tourists. In contrast, Chicago serves as the urban backdrop where the story unfolds, characterized by its sprawling sewer systems and a bustling city life, creating a stark juxtaposition between the vacation atmosphere and the lurking dangers beneath.

🌴 Tropical 🌆 Urban

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:09

Main Characters – Alligator (1980)
Meet the key characters of Alligator (1980), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

David Madison (Robert Forster)

David Madison is a dedicated and troubled Chicago police detective grappling with guilt from his partner's death. His determination to solve the mystery of the alligator's attacks reveals his strength, but his inner demons complicate his judgment, driving him toward a relentless quest for resolution.

👮‍♂️ Detective 🎯 Determined

Marisa Kendall (Robin Riker)

Marisa Kendall is a knowledgeable zoologist with a unique personal connection to the alligator threat. As the young girl who once owned Ramon, her early fascination now turns into a professional responsibility, showcasing her courage and intelligence as she aids Madison in confronting the danger lurking beneath the city.

🐍 Zoologist 👩‍🔬 Intelligent

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:09

Major Themes – Alligator (1980)
Explore the central themes of Alligator (1980), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Revenge

The theme of revenge is prevalent as Detective David Madison becomes consumed by his desire to confront the alligator responsible for the chaos in his life. This desire drives him to take risks, confronting the creature lurking in the sewers, and seeking justice for the losses he has suffered, ultimately blurring the lines between his duty as an officer and personal vendetta.

🧪 Corporate Malfeasance

The film addresses the theme of corporate malpractice, highlighting the unethical practices of a pharmaceutical company. Their experiments with growth hormones on animals set off a chain reaction resulting in the birth of a predator, displaying the danger of prioritizing profit over ethical responsibilities.

🐊 Survival

Survival is a paramount theme throughout the film, showcased by both the alligator and the humans trying to navigate an increasingly dangerous urban environment. The alligator's shocking growth and adaptation to its surroundings represent the primal instinct to survive, while Madison and Marisa's combative efforts illustrate the struggle to reclaim safety and control from nature's fury.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:09

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