Grand Theft Parsons

Grand Theft Parsons

Year: 2004

Runtime: 88 min

Language: English

Director: David Caffrey

DramaComedy

Following the sudden death of country-rock pioneer Gram Parsons at the young age of 26, his close friend Phil Kaufman grapples with profound regret. Determined to honor a pact they made, Kaufman undertakes a memorable journey to scatter Parsons’ ashes in Joshua Tree National Park. Facing legal obstacles and fueled by a rebellious nature, he fights to reclaim the body, resulting in a chaotic and unforgettable farewell.

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Timeline & Setting – Grand Theft Parsons (2004)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Grand Theft Parsons (2004). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The events in the movie unfold in contemporary times, reflecting a modern era where issues of fame, legacy, and legalities surrounding death are nuanced. This period highlights the cultural attitudes toward rock music and the counterculture movements of the late 20th century, particularly concerning figures like Gram Parsons.

Location

Joshua Tree Inn, Los Angeles Airport, Desert

The movie prominently features the Joshua Tree Inn, known for its stunning desert landscapes and serene atmosphere. It serves as a backdrop for significant moments in the film, including the introduction of key characters and their motivations. The Los Angeles Airport plays a crucial role as the site where the body of Gram Parsons becomes a point of contention, while the surrounding desert symbolizes freedom and the wild, untamed nature of the characters' journey.

🏜️ Desert 🏨 Inn ✈️ Airport

Last Updated: May 20, 2025 at 06:34

Main Characters – Grand Theft Parsons (2004)

Meet the key characters of Grand Theft Parsons (2004), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Phil Kaufman

Phil Kaufman is portrayed as a devoted road manager who embodies loyalty and determination. His journey to honor Gram's final wishes reveals his deep emotional connection to the musician, as well as his willingness to confront the absurdities and challenges that arise. Phil's character reflects a blend of humor and desperation, showcasing the multifaceted nature of dealing with grief.

🎤 Music 🏍️ Adventure 🤝 Loyalty

Barbara

Barbara is depicted as a passionate and frustrated former girlfriend of Gram Parsons, driven by her desire to claim her place in his legacy. Her character struggles with her emotional attachment to Gram and the complexities of grief. Throughout the film, her determination to secure Gram's possessions highlights themes of love, loss, and the fight for recognition.

💕 Love 😠 Frustration 🚪 Determination

Larry

Larry serves as a comic relief in the narrative, characterized by his laid-back attitude and philosophical insights. His interactions with Phil illustrate the absurdities of their situation, offering a blend of humor and introspection. Larry's carefree demeanor contrasts sharply with Phil's urgency, adding depth to their dynamic and enhancing the film's exploration of friendship and camaraderie.

😂 Humor 🚀 Philosophy 🏕️ Friendship

Last Updated: May 20, 2025 at 06:34

Major Themes – Grand Theft Parsons (2004)

Explore the central themes of Grand Theft Parsons (2004), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎸 Legacy

The theme of legacy is central to 'Grand Theft Parsons,' as characters navigate their connections to the late musician Gram Parsons. Throughout the film, the importance of personal ownership and the emotional ties to Gram's possessions raise questions about what legacy truly means. The struggles between Barbara, Phil, and Stanley illustrate how individuals grapple with loss and their roles in preserving memories.

💔 Heartbreak

Heartbreak is a pervasive theme in the movie, expressed through the varied responses of characters to Gram's death. Barbara's desperation to claim what belonged to Gram showcases her emotional turmoil, while Phil's actions stem from his own grief and loyalty to his friend. The intertwining stories reveal how loss can drive people to desperate measures, resulting in chaos and a quest for closure.

🚗 Adventure

The element of adventure is captured in Phil and Larry's reckless journey across the desert. Their chaotic road trip symbolizes a quest for freedom and a break from societal constraints. The absurd situations and humorous encounters they face along the way contribute to an overarching narrative about friendship and the lengths one will go to honor a loved one, embodying the unpredictable nature of life itself.

Last Updated: May 20, 2025 at 06:34

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Narrative Summary

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Pact-driven quests against the system like Grand Theft Parsons

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a clear, motivating pact established before the story begins. The central conflict is not an internal struggle but an external one: overcoming societal rules, family objections, or literal bureaucracies to achieve a goal that is deeply meaningful to the characters but seems irrational to the outside world.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread share a focus on loyalty, legacy, and the lengths we go to for friendship. They are united by a specific plot device—the deathbed promise—and a theme of rebellion against impersonal systems, resulting in stories that are both principled and profoundly human.

Unlock the Full Story of Grand Theft Parsons

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

Grand Theft Parsons Summary

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Grand Theft Parsons Summary

Grand Theft Parsons Timeline

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Grand Theft Parsons Timeline

Grand Theft Parsons Spoiler-Free Summary

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Grand Theft Parsons Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Grand Theft Parsons

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