Bananas

Bananas

Year: 1971

Runtime: 82 min

Language: English

Budget: $2M

Comedy

In this early Woody Allen comedy, hapless product tester Fielding Mellish finds himself embroiled in the bizarre political landscape of San Marcos. While trying to win the affection of Nancy, a captivating social activist, he inadvertently becomes a figurehead in a revolution. Fielding's misadventures lead to unexpected leadership roles and a journey of hilarious self-discovery as he navigates love, cultural clashes, and the chaotic events unfolding around him.

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Timeline & Setting – Bananas (1971)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Bananas (1971). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1970s

The film is set in the 1970s, a tumultuous time marked by political upheaval and social activism across the globe. This era saw a rise in youthful discontent, where college students rallied against oppressive regimes and societal norms, reflecting a growing demand for change. The backdrop of revolution and political engagement feeds into the film's narrative of personal and societal transformation.

Location

San Marcos, New York City

New York City serves as the bustling backdrop for Fielding Mellish's initial misadventures, showcasing the energetic urban life and diverse social issues of the 1970s. In contrast, the island Republic of San Marcos represents a chaotic and impoverished locale under a dictatorship, known for its revolutionary fervor and struggles against corrupt leadership. The stark differences between these two places highlight the film's exploration of political activism and personal growth.

🌆 City 🌍 Island

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:21

Main Characters – Bananas (1971)

Meet the key characters of Bananas (1971), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Fielding Mellish (Woody Allen)

Fielding Mellish is a disheartened product tester who seeks fulfillment in a world filled with absurdity. His journey from an aimless existence in New York to becoming involved in a revolution reveals his comedic yet complex character arc. Fielding's blend of awkwardness, idealism, and charm illustrates the struggles of finding purpose and connection amidst societal expectations.

🧑‍🔬 Product Tester 🍕 Awkwardness 🌍 Activist

Nancy (Louise Lasser)

Nancy is a passionate college activist who influences Fielding's journey towards self-discovery and political engagement. Her enthusiasm for social causes and personal growth adds depth to her character, illustrating the struggles between personal desires and societal responsibilities. Despite her strong convictions, her relationship with Fielding showcases the challenges of compatibility in the face of changing ideals.

📚 Activist 💪 Strong-willed 💔 Romantic

General Emilio M. Vargas (Carlos Montalbán)

General Vargas represents the oppressive force against which the revolutionaries fight, embodying tyranny and absurdity. His interactions with Fielding are both comical and alarming, underscoring the film's critique of authoritarianism. Vargas's character serves as a foil to Fielding, illustrating the drastic differences between ambitious individuals and those who wield power with finesse.

👮 Dictator 🎭 Antagonist 😠 Ruthless

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:21

Major Themes – Bananas (1971)

Explore the central themes of Bananas (1971), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚔️ Revolution

The theme of revolution permeates the narrative as characters like Fielding Mellish become unwittingly involved in the political struggles of San Marcos. The juxtaposition of personal growth against the backdrop of societal chaos encapsulates the notion that individual actions can inadvertently intersect with larger historical movements. Fielding's journey embodies the absurdity and unpredictability of being thrust into a struggle for freedom.

💔 Love & Identity

Fielding’s romantic endeavors with Nancy serve as a vehicle for exploring themes of love and the quest for identity. His relationships and experiences force him to confront his self-worth and aspirations, highlighting the comedic yet poignant quest for connection in a complex world. The evolution of these personal dynamics against a political backdrop accentuates the intertwined nature of personal and societal identity.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:21

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Absurdist Political Farces like Bananas

Hilarious stories where bumbling individuals are thrust into chaotic revolutions.Find more hilarious movies like Bananas where the political landscape is a stage for farce. These comedies feature ordinary people stumbling into extraordinary, absurd situations, blending satire with slapstick for a lighthearted take on power, revolution, and activism.

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Narrative Summary

Narratives typically follow a naive or neurotic protagonist whose personal life—often a romantic pursuit—unexpectedly collides with a political power struggle. Through a series of misunderstandings and mishaps, they gain influence they never sought, all while the real stakes are consistently undercut for comedic effect, leading to a humorous resolution.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared approach to politics as pure farce, a fast-paced and chaotic structure, and a central character who is an unwilling participant in events far bigger than themselves. The tone is consistently light, prioritizing laughs over genuine commentary.

Neurotic Romantic Misadventures like Bananas

Awkward heroes bumbling their way through love and life's chaos.If you liked the quirky romance in Bananas, explore more movies where a lovable neurotic's quest for love triggers a series of hilarious misadventures. These films blend romantic foibles with absurd situations, all driven by a fast-paced, character-centric comedy style.

neuroticromanticquirkyhilariouscharacter-drivenbreezyself-discovery

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern follows a highly relatable, often awkward protagonist who is motivated primarily by a romantic interest. This pursuit acts as the engine that propels them into an unexpected and chaotic adventure, forcing them to confront their anxieties in humorous ways and ultimately leading to personal revelation and romantic success.

Why These Movies?

These movies share a core focus on a specific type of comedic protagonist: the neurotic everyman. The romantic plot is deeply intertwined with the farcical events, and the pacing is brisk, creating a feeling of a charming, chaotic rollercoaster driven by the hero's insecurities and desires.

Unlock the Full Story of Bananas

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

Bananas Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Bananas, 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.

Bananas Summary

Bananas Timeline

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

Bananas Timeline

Bananas Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Bananas 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.

Bananas Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Bananas

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