Great Balls of Fire!

Great Balls of Fire!

Year: 1989

Runtime: 108 min

Language: English

Director: Jim McBride

BiographyDramaMusic

In this explosive biopic, Jerry Lee Lewis's meteoric rise as a rock 'n' roll sensation is fueled by reckless passion and controversy. As he trades in his gospel roots for the devil's music, Jerry must confront the moral implications of his newfound fame and his all-consuming desire for 13-year-old Myra, threatening to destroy his chance at stardom.

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Timeline & Setting – Great Balls of Fire! (1989)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Great Balls of Fire! (1989). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1956-1958

The film is set during the transformative years of rock and roll, from 1956 to 1958, a time when youthful rebellion and new musical styles began to dominate American culture. This era saw significant social and cultural shifts, which greatly influenced artists like Jerry Lee Lewis.

Location

Mississippi, England

The movie takes place in various settings, primarily Mississippi, where Jerry Lee Lewis elopes with Myra Gale Brown, and England, where his tour leads to scandal. Mississippi is known for its rich musical heritage, particularly in rock and roll, while England serves as a backdrop to the downfall of a rock star during the late 1950s.

📍 Location 🎸 Music Scene

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:12

Main Characters – Great Balls of Fire! (1989)
Meet the key characters of Great Balls of Fire! (1989), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Jerry Lee Lewis (Dennis Quaid)

Jerry Lee Lewis is a dynamic and talented rock and roll pianist whose career is marked by both brilliance and turmoil. He is charming yet self-destructive, battling personal demons like alcoholism and the complexities of his controversial relationships. His journey reflects the quintessential struggles of fame during a transformative era in music.

🎤 Musician 🎹 Talented Performer 😔 Troubled Genius

Myra Gale Brown (Winona Ryder)

Myra Gale Brown is portrayed as a young and passionate girl who becomes entangled in a tumultuous love affair with her cousin. Despite her innocence, her relationship with Jerry Lee showcases both the excitement of young love and the severe consequences of their choices. She embodies the struggles faced by women in the shadow of powerful male figures.

❤️ Young Love 😣 Innocent Victim 🔥 Passionate

Jimmy Swagger (Alec Baldwin)

Jimmy Swagger, Jerry Lee's cousin, is a conflicted televangelist struggling to reconcile his faith with Jerry Lee's rock and roll lifestyle. His character represents the moral dilemmas faced by individuals during this period, grappling with themes of redemption and familial loyalty while disapproving of his cousin's choices.

🙏 Televangelist 🚫 Moral Compass ⚡ Tension

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:12

Major Themes – Great Balls of Fire! (1989)
Explore the central themes of Great Balls of Fire! (1989), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎹 Passion

Jerry Lee Lewis's fervent dedication to his music is a central theme. Despite his struggles with alcoholism and the fallout from his controversial personal life, his passion for performing drives him. The narrative illustrates how this fervent love for music can both elevate and destroy.

💔 Controversy

The film delves into the theme of controversy surrounding Jerry Lee’s personal life, particularly his relationship with an underage girl. This brings to light the societal standards and moral outrage of the time, contrasting the rebellious, free-spirited nature of rock and roll with the realities of public perception.

🙏 Redemption

Jerry Lee's journey is also marked by a quest for redemption, especially in his interactions with his cousin, the televangelist Jimmy Swagger. Through the highs and lows, Jerry Lee seeks forgiveness and understanding, highlighting the struggle between his musical identity and societal expectations.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:12

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