Charly

Charly

Year: 1968

Runtime: 103 min

Language: French

Sci-FiDramaRomance

A man with a developmental disability is chosen for an experimental procedure designed to drastically increase his intelligence. As his mental capacity grows, he experiences the world in a completely new way, grappling with complex ideas and challenging relationships. He seeks knowledge and understanding, but also confronts painful truths about his past and the complexities of human connection, ultimately questioning the true meaning of happiness and fulfillment.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Charly (1968)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Charly (1968). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film does not specify a precise time period, allowing audiences to interpret Charly's story in various contemporary contexts. It reflects on themes of intellectual growth and social attitudes towards mental disabilities, which resonate with ongoing discussions about education and empathy in society.

Location

Playground, Bakery, Clinic, Local Bar

The movie takes place in various urban settings, including a playground where Charly finds joy in interacting with children, and a bakery where he works and faces juvenile pranks from his co-workers. The clinic serves as a pivotal place for Charly's transformation, where he undergoes evaluations and receives groundbreaking treatment. Additionally, a local bar becomes a social hub where Charly's friends support him through his journey.

🏙️ Urban 🍞 Bakery 🏥 Healthcare 🍻 Entertainment

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:05

Main Characters – Charly (1968)

Meet the key characters of Charly (1968), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Charly Gordon (Cliff Robertson)

Charly is an intellectually challenged adult, characterized by his innocent joy and eagerness to learn. His journey is marked by profound transformation as he undergoes a groundbreaking surgery to enhance his intelligence. As he matures, he grapples with complex emotions, including love, jealousy, and ultimately, heartbreak.

👨‍🎓 Protagonist 🌱 Growth ❤️ Love

Mrs. Alice Kinnian (Claire Bloom)

Alice is Charly's compassionate teacher who believes in his potential. Her nurturing nature and emotional connection with Charly deeply influence his journey. However, as Charly's intellect grows, she faces her own conflicts about their evolving relationship and her feelings for him.

👩‍🏫 Teacher 💞 Love Interest 🤔 Conflict

Mrs. Apple (Ruth White)

Mrs. Apple is Charly's watchful landlady who offers him a sense of stability in his life. Her maternal instincts encourage Charly's journey, providing him with support as he navigates his transformation. She symbolizes nurturing and care amidst the chaos of Charly's experiences.

👩‍👧 Caregiver ☺️ Support 🏡 Home

Dr. Straus (Lilia Skala)

Dr. Straus is the psychologist who evaluates Charly for the experimental surgery. She is a voice of reason and compassion, advocating for Charly's potential despite initial skepticism from the medical team. Her belief in Charly's abilities plays a crucial role in his journey.

👩‍⚕️ Psychologist 🎓 Advocate 🤝 Support

Dr. Nemur (Leon Janney)

Dr. Nemur is the surgeon responsible for Charly's operation. He initially doubts Charly's suitability for the experimental procedure, representing the scientific skepticism surrounding unconventional treatments. His character embodies the challenges faced in the pursuit of medical innovation.

👨‍⚕️ Surgeon 🔬 Skepticism 📉 Challenges

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:05

Major Themes – Charly (1968)

Explore the central themes of Charly (1968), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🧠 Intelligence

Charly's journey revolves around the pursuit of intelligence, exploring the emotional highs and lows that accompany his transformation. The film raises questions about the nature of intelligence and its impact on personal relationships. As Charly becomes more intelligent, his connection with Alice deepens, yet the burden of knowledge complicates their dynamic.

💔 Heartbreak

The story captures the heartbreaking reality of Charly's fleeting intelligence and its effects on those around him. As he navigates love and jealousy, the emotional turmoil culminates in a tragic realization of his inevitable decline. This theme reminds viewers of the transient nature of human experiences and relationships.

🙌 Compassion

Compassion is a recurring theme, illustrated through Charly's interactions with others and the support from his friends. His ultimate stand against the mockery of a busboy highlights an important moral lesson on kindness and empathy. The film showcases the power of compassion in connecting with others and understanding their struggles.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:05

Unlock the Full Story of Charly

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

Charly Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Charly, 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.

Charly Summary

Charly Timeline

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

Charly Timeline

More About Charly

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

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