An Unmarried Woman

An Unmarried Woman

Year: 1978

Runtime: 124 min

Language: English

Director: Paul Mazursky

DramaComedyRomance

A sophisticated New Yorker, Erica Benton, experiences a painful upheaval when her husband leaves her for a younger woman. Forced to confront the collapse of her seemingly perfect life, she begins a journey of self-discovery and seeks independence. During this challenging time, she finds comfort in a developing romance with a charismatic English artist. Erica must then decide if she’s ready to risk another relationship and embrace a new chapter.

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Timeline & Setting – An Unmarried Woman (1978)

Explore the full timeline and setting of An Unmarried Woman (1978). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film appears to take place in contemporary times, reflecting the social dynamics and challenges of modern relationships in a rapidly changing world. Themes of independence and personal growth are underscored by the era's evolving views on marriage and self-discovery. The juxtaposition of urban and rural settings enhances the narrative of growth against life’s pressures.

Location

Upper East Side, Vermont, Manhattan

The story unfolds in the prestigious Upper East Side of Manhattan, a neighborhood known for its affluence and luxury, where Erica struggles with her marital breakdown. Vermont serves as a contrasting setting, representing a retreat to nature and solitude as Saul invites Erica to join him during the summer. The bustling streets of Manhattan further highlight Erica's emotional journey as she navigates the complexities of her new life.

🏙️ City 🌳 Nature 🎨 Art

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:22

Main Characters – An Unmarried Woman (1978)

Meet the key characters of An Unmarried Woman (1978), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Erica Benton (Jill Clayburgh)

Erica is a complex character caught in the turmoil of her husband’s infidelity, leading her to face the harsh realities of her life. As she navigates her heartbreak, she showcases resilience and vulnerability while seeking to redefine her identity. Her journey reflects the struggles faced by women confronting societal expectations of marriage and motherhood.

👩‍🎨 Independence 💔 Heartbreak 🌼 Growth

Martin (Alan Bates)

Martin is the catalyst for Erica's transformation, a successful businessman whose affair shatters their seemingly perfect life. His character embodies the complexities of modern masculinity and the impact of personal choices on familial dynamics. As the story unfolds, his attempts at reconciliation highlight the struggle between personal desires and responsibilities.

🧔 Betrayal 🔄 Regret 💭 Complexity

Patti (Kelly Bishop)

Patti, Erica’s daughter, provides a touching perspective on the familial fallout of the divorce. She represents the younger generation's confrontation with adult issues, showcasing the tension between loyalty to her mother and the longing for a stable family unit. Her character adds depth to the theme of emotional complexity in familial relationships.

👩‍👧 Loyalty 🙁 Conflict 🌸 Adolescence

Saul (Michael Murphy)

Saul is an abstract artist who becomes a figure of intrigue in Erica’s life, encouraging her explorations of independence and self-expression. Despite his artistic charm, he symbolizes the duality of freedom and the challenges of commitment, highlighting the subtle complexities of starting anew after personal loss.

🎨 Art ❤️ Connection 🔄 Freedom

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:22

Major Themes – An Unmarried Woman (1978)

Explore the central themes of An Unmarried Woman (1978), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Betrayal

The theme of betrayal looms heavily as Erica grapples with her husband's affair, altering her perceptions of love and trust. This betrayal not only dismantles her marriage but also catalyzes her journey towards self-discovery and empowerment. It illustrates the profound impact one person's choices can have on another's life.

🌱 Self-Discovery

Erica’s journey is largely centered on self-discovery following her spouse's abandonment. Through her experience, she learns to reclaim her identity beyond her role as a wife and mother, fostering self-growth and resilience. The narrative emphasizes the necessity of facing one's fears and insecurity in the path toward personal freedom.

🖼️ Art and Expression

Art plays a pivotal role in Erica's emotional healing, especially through her burgeoning relationship with Saul, an abstract artist. Their interactions reflect her quest for independence and deeper understanding of herself. The inclusion of art symbolizes the blend of personal expression and emotional therapy that guides her journey forward.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:22

Unlock the Full Story of An Unmarried Woman

Don't stop at just watching — explore An Unmarried Woman 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 An Unmarried Woman is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

An Unmarried Woman Summary

Read a complete plot summary of An Unmarried Woman, 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.

An Unmarried Woman Summary

An Unmarried Woman Timeline

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

An Unmarried Woman Timeline

More About An Unmarried Woman

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about An Unmarried Woman: 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 An Unmarried Woman

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