California Split

Year: 1974

Runtime: 108 min

Language: English

Director: Robert Altman

DramaComedy

A free-spirited gambler, Charlie Waters, lives a carefree life in California, sharing his existence with two prostitutes. He unexpectedly connects with Bill Denny, a more reserved gambler, and together they embark on a high-stakes betting spree. Their reckless pursuit of wealth leads to both exhilarating wins and devastating losses, testing their friendship and threatening their hedonistic lifestyle as they navigate the unpredictable world of gambling.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – California Split (1974)

Explore the full timeline and setting of California Split (1974). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:27

Main Characters – California Split (1974)

Meet the key characters of California Split (1974), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:27

Major Themes – California Split (1974)

Explore the central themes of California Split (1974), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:27

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Bittersweet Buddy Movies Like California Split

Friendships forged in fire, tested by the reality of their shared path.If you enjoyed the complex friendship in California Split, explore more movies like it about male duos on intense journeys. These films feature strong chemistry, a blend of comedy and drama, and endings that are realistic and bittersweet rather than neatly resolved.

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Narrative Summary

These narratives follow a pair of characters, often opposites, who are thrown together by circumstance or a shared pursuit. Their initial camaraderie and thrilling adventures are eventually tempered by the consequences of their actions, leading to a climax that questions the sustainability of their bond and results in a mature, ambivalent separation.

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Movies are grouped here for their central, compelling two-hander dynamic and their emotionally honest, non-saccharine conclusions. They share a tone that balances genuine humor with dramatic weight, exploring how intense experiences both build and strain relationships.

Gambling and Addiction Stories Like California Split

Capturing the exhilarating rush and the devastating crash of a compulsive vice.For viewers who liked the authentic portrayal of gambling addiction in California Split, this section collects similar movies about compulsive behavior. These stories show the thrilling highs and crushing lows of addiction, focusing on character descent and emotional toll.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a character or pair as they are seduced by a vice, experiencing moments of triumph and euphoria. This initial rush gives way to an increasing focus on the desperation and psychological toll, leading to a climax that forces a confrontation with the addiction's true cost, often resulting in a pyrrhic victory or sobering loss.

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These films are unified by their realistic, non-glamorous portrayal of addiction's cyclical nature. They share a variable pacing that mirrors the rush and crash of the experience, and a tone that is ultimately sobering, capturing the hollow feeling that lies beneath the temporary highs.

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

California Split Summary

Read a complete plot summary of California Split, 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.

California Split Timeline

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California Split Spoiler-Free Summary

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More About California Split

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

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