King of the Mountain

King of the Mountain

Year: 1981

Runtime: 90 min

Language: English

Director: Noel Nosseck

Drama

Against the backdrop of Los Angeles's Mulholland Drive, a mechanic, a songwriter, and a music producer find themselves drawn together by a shared passion for high-performance cars. They engage in a thrilling competition, pushing their skills and the limits of their vehicles in a test of speed, precision, and the bonds of camaraderie. The intense rivalry unfolds as the sun sets over the city, revealing unexpected connections and challenging their individual pursuits.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – King of the Mountain (1981)

Explore the full timeline and setting of King of the Mountain (1981). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie unfolds in a contemporary setting where street racing culture thrives, encapsulating the adrenaline and competition of the era. The juxtaposition of daily life and nighttime thrills creates a unique atmosphere that defines the characters' pursuits.

Location

San Fernando Valley, Mulholland Drive

The San Fernando Valley is a sprawling region in Los Angeles, known for its diverse communities and scenic views. Mulholland Drive, in particular, is famed for its winding roads and breathtaking vistas, making it a hotspot for car enthusiasts and street racers. These locations set the backdrop for thrilling races and intense rivalries.

🏙️ Cityscape 🏎️ Racing

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:27

Main Characters – King of the Mountain (1981)

Meet the key characters of King of the Mountain (1981), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Steve (Harry Hamlin)

Steve, known as the 'King of The Mountain,' is a passionate street racer who thrives on adrenaline and competition. His deep obsession with racing not only defines his identity but also propels his desire for recognition and success. As he navigates the challenges of his racing life, he grapples with personal desires and the need for human connection.

👑 King 🏎️ Racer 💔 Passionate

Buddy (Joseph Bottoms)

Buddy is one of Steve's close friends who shifts his focus from racing to pursuing a music career. His character represents the balance between passion for competition and a quest for creative fulfillment. Although he distances himself from the racing world, his friendship with Steve remains pivotal to the storyline.

🎶 Musician 🤝 Friend 🎤 Aspiring

Cal (Dennis Hopper)

Cal is a former racing champion and Steve's mentor, embodying the fierce desire to reclaim past glory. His influence on Steve fuels the competitive spirit, while his struggles with nostalgia and ambition connect their intertwined fates. Cal's character challenges the notion of legacy in the world of racing.

🏆 Champion 🔄 Mentor 🎭 Nostalgic

Tina (Deborah Van Valkenburgh)

Tina is a talented young singer who captivates Steve with her charm but chooses not to engage in his high-octane lifestyle. Her character symbolizes the opportunity for a life outside of dangerous pursuits, highlighting the tension between Steve's racing ambitions and personal connections.

🎤 Singer 🌟 Alluring 🚫 Indifferent

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:27

Major Themes – King of the Mountain (1981)

Explore the central themes of King of the Mountain (1981), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🏁 Competition

The theme of competition pervades the film, showcasing the intense rivalries among racers. Steve's obsession with speed and his desire to dominate the tracks highlight the lengths individuals go to establish their supremacy. This competitive spirit not only propels the story forward but also influences the characters' personal trajectories.

❤️ Desire

Desire plays a crucial role in shaping the characters’ lives, especially Steve's longing for Tina and the thrill of racing. Despite his ambitions, he grapples with the pull between reckless pursuits and a yearning for a deeper connection. This internal conflict adds layers to his character and drives the narrative tension.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:27

Unlock the Full Story of King of the Mountain

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

King of the Mountain Summary

Read a complete plot summary of King of the Mountain, 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.

King of the Mountain Summary

King of the Mountain Timeline

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

King of the Mountain Timeline

More About King of the Mountain

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about King of the Mountain: 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 King of the Mountain

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Discover movies like King of the Mountain that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.

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