Fear and Desire

Fear and Desire

Year: 1952

Runtime: 62 mins

Language: English

Director: Stanley Kubrick

WarDramaThrillerWar and historical adventureMilitary combat and heroic soldiers

After their plane crashes behind enemy lines, four desperate soldiers struggle to survive in hostile terrain. While searching for a way back to their battalion, they encounter a mysterious half‑animal peasant girl, whose presence forces them to confront the brutal realities and moral horrors of war.

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Timeline & Setting – Fear and Desire (1952)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Fear and Desire (1952). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

World War era

The film is set during an unspecified wartime period, reflecting the chaos and brutality typically associated with mid-20th century conflicts. The timing emphasizes themes of conflict, survival, and the human cost of war, capturing a tense and uncertain historical moment.

Location

Unidentified Country, Forest, Enemy Outpost, River, Small House

The movie takes place in an unspecified war-torn country consisting of dense forests, rivers, and small military outposts. These locations emphasize the isolation and chaos of war, highlighting both natural landscapes and military infrastructure. The settings serve as a backdrop for the soldiers' harrowing experiences and moral dilemmas.

🏞️ Wilderness 🏰 War Zone 🌳 Forest 🏚️ Abandoned House

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:04

Main Characters – Fear and Desire (1952)

Meet the key characters of Fear and Desire (1952), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Fletcher / The Captain (Stephen Coit)

Fletcher is a soldier grappling with moral questions about war and his role in it. His reflections suggest a recognition of the futility and tragedy of violence, serving as a moral compass amidst chaos.

🤔 Reflective 🚶‍♂️ Leader 🎖️ Soldier

Sidney (Paul Mazursky)

Sidney is the youngest soldier, whose innocence and mental instability lead to tragic actions. His breakdown symbolizes the destructive psychological effects of war on individuals.

😰 Innocent 🌀 Delusional 🚶‍♂️ Vulnerable

Mac (Frank Silvera)

Mac is a pragmatic soldier willing to take risks, including going on a solo mission. His character highlights bravery but also the moral complexities faced in wartime decisions.

💪 Brave 🧠 Calculated ⚔️ Risk-taker

Lt. Corby / The General (Kenneth Harp)

Lt. Corby is a disciplined officer who strategizes with the others. His actions reflect military authority and the overarching structure in wartime decision-making.

🎖️ Authority 🧠 Strategic 🥾 Commanding

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:04

Major Themes – Fear and Desire (1952)

Explore the central themes of Fear and Desire (1952), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔪 Violence

Violence pervades the film, illustrating the brutal realities of war. The soldiers face moral choices involving killing or survival, highlighting the destructive impact of armed conflict on human nature and morality.

🧠 Madness

The film explores psychological breakdowns caused by war stress, as seen with Sidney’s descent into delirium and violence. The characters' mental states reflect the mental toll of combat and moral ambiguity.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:04

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Fear and Desire Summary

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Fear and Desire Summary

Fear and Desire Timeline

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Fear and Desire Timeline

Fear and Desire Spoiler-Free Summary

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Fear and Desire Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Fear and Desire

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Fear and Desire (1952) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

Fear and Desire (1952) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

Fear and Desire (1952) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow