Catch-22

Catch-22

Year: 1970

Runtime: 122 min

Language: English

Director: Mike Nichols

DramaComedyWar

During World War II, Captain John Yossarian flies bombing missions over the Mediterranean, struggling to cope with the absurdity and danger of war. Driven to desperation, he seeks ways to avoid further combat, encountering eccentric military officers and the increasingly amoral Lt. Milo Minderbinder along the way. Yossarian’s attempts to escape the escalating chaos lead him on a darkly comedic and increasingly surreal journey through the realities of armed conflict.

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Timeline & Setting – Catch-22 (1970)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Catch-22 (1970). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

World War II

World War II was a global conflict that lasted from 1939 to 1945, involving vast military engagements across Europe, Asia, and the Pacific. The war was marked by significant events, including the rise of totalitarian regimes, widespread atrocities, and technological advancements in warfare, leading to one of the deadliest conflicts in human history.

Location

Pianosa, Mediterranean

Pianosa is a small island located in the Mediterranean Sea, known for its strategic military importance during World War II. The isolated beauty of the island contrasts sharply with the chaos of war, serving as a backdrop for absurdity and tragedy in the lives of the stationed soldiers.

🌊 Coastal 🎖️ Military

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:09

Main Characters – Catch-22 (1970)

Meet the key characters of Catch-22 (1970), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Captain John Yossarian (Alan Arkin)

Captain Yossarian is a B-25 bombardier who struggles against the oppressive and absurd military bureaucracy. His primary motivation is to survive the war and escape the relentless demands placed upon him, showcasing his deep humanity amidst the madness of combat.

🪂 Protagonist 💔 Trauma 🕊️ Antihero

Colonel Chuck Cathcart (Martin Balsam)

Colonel Cathcart is the ambitious and self-serving commander of the squadron who continually raises the number of missions required for rotation. His obsession with recognition often results in unnecessary peril for the soldiers, embodying the absurdity of military hierarchy.

🎖️ Authority 😤 Ambition 👮‍♂️ Antagonist

Dr. 'Doc' Daneeka (Jack Gilford)

Dr. Daneeka is the squadron flight surgeon who embodies the catch-22 of military service. His cynical outlook on the war and the absurdity of the bureaucratic system provides a critical perspective on the dehumanizing aspects of conflict.

🩺 Medical 😒 Cynical 🎭 Comic Relief

Major Major Major (Bob Newhart)

Major Major is a character who becomes squadron commander without ever having flown. His promotion exemplifies the absurdities of military rank and the blind bureaucratic system, as he struggles to find his place amid the chaos.

🤵 Incompetence 🎭 Comic Relief 📜 Bureaucracy

1st Lt. Milo Minderbinder (Jon Voight)

Milo is a mess officer who transforms into a capitalist tycoon, illustrating the theme of commerce intertwined with war. His schemes and black-market dealings reflect the bizarre nature of profit-making even in dire circumstances, complicating the moral landscape of survival.

💰 Capitalism 👔 Schemer 🌍 Opportunistic

Captain 'Aarfy' Aardvark (Charles Grodin)

Captain Aardvark is a navigator whose actions lead to serious consequences. His character showcases the dark side of the war, revealing how individuals can spiral into chaos and morality can become blurred in extreme situations.

🌪️ Chaos 💀 Darkness 🎭 Antagonist

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:09

Major Themes – Catch-22 (1970)

Explore the central themes of Catch-22 (1970), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💼 Absurdity

The theme of absurdity pervades 'Catch-22', highlighting the irrational logic of military bureaucracy and the trivial yet tragic experiences of soldiers. Characters are often caught in paradoxical situations that reflect the futility of their circumstances, demonstrating how institutional rules can trap individuals in dire predicaments.

✈️ Survival

Survival is a primary theme, as characters grapple with the dangers of war and the desperate measures they take to stay alive. Yossarian's continual attempts to escape the menacing structure of military orders serve as a commentary on the instinct to survive amidst chaos and absurdity.

💔 Loss

Loss is a recurring theme, epitomized by the death of friends and the emotional toll it takes on soldiers. Characters like Yossarian are haunted by their comrades' fates, revealing a deeper exploration of grief and the psychological scars left by combat.

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:09

Unlock the Full Story of Catch-22

Don't stop at just watching — explore Catch-22 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 Catch-22 is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Catch-22 Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Catch-22, 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.

Catch-22 Summary

Catch-22 Timeline

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Catch-22 Timeline

More About Catch-22

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