Atlantic City

Atlantic City

Year: 1981

Runtime: 104 min

Language: English

Director: Louis Malle

DramaRomanceCrime

Seeking a fresh start, Sally Matthews leaves her life in Canada for the allure of Atlantic City’s gambling scene. There, she becomes entangled with Lou Pascal, a seasoned but small-time mobster with ambitions of his own. As Sally navigates the high-stakes world of casinos, her past catches up to her in the form of an ex-con husband. They forge an uneasy alliance, but their pursuit of wealth and success puts them both in grave danger.

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Timeline & Setting – Atlantic City (1981)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Atlantic City (1981). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie reflects a contemporary setting, showcasing the gritty realities of life in an urban environment. It captures the essence of a city struggling with crime and desperation, typical of late 20th century America.

Location

Atlantic City, New Jersey

Atlantic City is a resort city known for its casinos and beautiful boardwalk. It has a vibrant atmosphere filled with the noise of gambling and entertainment. The juxtaposition of marshes and industrial smokestacks highlights the blend of natural beauty and urban life.

🏖️ Beach 🎲 Casino 🌆 City

Last Updated: May 26, 2025 at 06:39

Main Characters – Atlantic City (1981)

Meet the key characters of Atlantic City (1981), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Sally (Susan Sarandon)

Sally is a young woman trying to rebuild her life while working at a casino restaurant. With dreams of becoming a blackjack dealer in Monte Carlo, she grapples with feelings of abandonment and betrayal, particularly from her estranged husband Dave. Her evolving relationship with Lou reveals her vulnerability and desire for connection, despite the chaos around her.

💔 Heartbreak 🎲 Ambition 🌊 Vulnerability

Lou (Burt Lancaster)

Lou is an aging small-time bookie whose life has been marked by missed opportunities and a sense of nostalgia. He navigates a co-dependent relationship with Grace while forming an unexpected bond with Sally. His actions lead him to confront his past and redefine his identity amidst chaos, showcasing his desire to protect and connect.

🎭 Nostalgia 🔄 Redemption 🌆 Grit

Dave

Dave is portrayed as a troubled young man involved in drug dealings, driven by desperate circumstances. His rebellious spirit sets off a chain of events that affect the lives of those around him. His character symbolizes the dangers of a life led by poor choices and the impact it has on family relationships.

💊 Drugs 🏃‍♂️ Rebellion 🎭 Consequences

Last Updated: May 26, 2025 at 06:39

Major Themes – Atlantic City (1981)

Explore the central themes of Atlantic City (1981), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Heartbreak

Heartbreak is a central theme in 'Atlantic City', illustrated through the strained relationships of the characters. Sally's feelings of abandonment by her estranged husband Dave and her complex attraction to Lou highlight the emotional turmoil they all face. The theme deepens as characters seek connection and understanding in a world marked by loss and betrayal.

💵 Desperation

Desperation drives the actions of the characters, from Dave's drug dealings to Lou's attempts to maintain a façade of success. The struggle for survival in a world filled with crime reveals the lengths people will go to for money and acceptance. This theme underscores the moral dilemmas faced by individuals entrenched in a cycle of poverty and ambition.

🔫 Violence

Violence permeates the narrative, with the characters frequently meeting aggression from the surrounding world. Lou's transformation from a passive observer to an active participant in violence underscores the film’s exploration of how circumstances can shape behavior. The brutal outcomes of desperation and revenge paint a stark picture of the consequences of crime.

Last Updated: May 26, 2025 at 06:39

Unlock the Full Story of Atlantic City

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

Atlantic City Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Atlantic City, 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.

Atlantic City Summary

Atlantic City Timeline

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

Atlantic City Timeline

Atlantic City Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Atlantic City that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Atlantic City Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Atlantic City

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Atlantic City: 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 Atlantic City

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