Lipstick

Lipstick

Year: 1976

Runtime: 89 min

Language: English

Director: Lamont Johnson

DramaThrillerCrime

Driven by a thirst for revenge, a scorned woman meticulously plots to dismantle the life of a seemingly perfect couple, weaving a web of deceit and danger that threatens to unravel their happiness.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Lipstick (1976)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Lipstick (1976). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film unfolds in a contemporary setting, reflective of the societal issues surrounding sexual assault and justice during its release period. It highlights the struggles of women navigating both their personal traumas and public perceptions in an era where such discussions were beginning to emerge.

Location

Beach, Apartment, Private Catholic School, Mall Complex, Sub-Basement Tunnel

The movie takes place in various locations, including a serene beach setting where Chris works as a model. Their apartment serves as a personal refuge for the sisters, while a private Catholic school represents the aspirations of the younger sibling, Kathy. A mall complex becomes a pivotal site of tension, with its unfinished spaces creating an eerie atmosphere that mirrors the film's darker themes.

🏖️ Beach 🏢 Apartment 🎒 School 🏬 Mall 🕳️ Tunnel

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:10

Main Characters – Lipstick (1976)
Meet the key characters of Lipstick (1976), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Chris McCormick (Margaux Hemingway)

Chris is a 21-year-old model whose life spirals after a traumatic assault by her music teacher. Protective and determined, she grapples with the dualities of pursuing her career while seeking justice. Her character arc reflects resilience in the face of adversity, showcasing her struggle for empowerment and personal agency.

👩‍🎤 Model 💔 Survivor ⚔️ Resilient

Kathy (Mariel Hemingway)

Kathy is Chris's younger sister, navigating adolescence while coping with the fallout from their parents' tragic death and the subsequent horror that unfolds. Her innocence contrasts sharply with the dark events surrounding her, showcasing her vulnerability and growth as she seeks to protect her sister. Kathy serves as the emotional anchor throughout the story.

👧 Sister 💖 Innocence 🌱 Growth

Gordon Stuart (Chris Sarandon)

Gordon is a charming yet deeply manipulative music teacher whose predatory behavior leads to catastrophic consequences. Initially portrayed as a promising figure, his true nature is unveiled through violent actions. The complexity of his character serves to challenge societal perceptions of trust and authority, highlighting the insidious nature of abuse.

🎶 Music Teacher 😈 Manipulative ⚠️ Predator

Steve Edison (Perry King)

Steve is Chris's boyfriend, who struggles to support her amidst the chaos that ensues from the assault. His character represents the challenges faced by loved ones in understanding and navigating the repercussions of trauma. While he often encourages Chris's modeling career, his conflict emerges from his protective instincts and fear of repercussions.

💕 Boyfriend 🤔 Conflicted 📉 Supportive

Carla Bondi (Anne Bancroft)

Carla is the district attorney who represents Chris in her quest for justice. She embodies the legal challenges faced by victims and serves as a nurturing figure through the tumultuous court process. Carla's commitment to seeing true justice is pivotal in the narrative, advocating for Chris despite the hurdles posed by societal norms.

⚖️ District Attorney 🦸‍♀️ Advocate 🗣️ Fierce

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:10

Major Themes – Lipstick (1976)
Explore the central themes of Lipstick (1976), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Justice

Justice is a central theme as Chris battles the odds to confront the legal system following her assault. The film explores the complexities of seeking accountability in the face of societal biases, raising questions about the effectiveness of justice for victims. It ultimately showcases the importance of speaking out and the challenges that come with pursuing the truth.

💔 Trauma

The characters endure profound trauma stemming from violence and betrayal. Chris's experience not only changes her but also impacts her relationship with her sister, Kathy. The portrayal of trauma highlights the long-lasting emotional scars and the struggle to reclaim one’s identity in the aftermath of horrific events.

👩‍👧 Sisterhood

The bond between Chris and Kathy underscores themes of sisterhood and familial responsibility. Their relationship demonstrates the protective instinct that arises after trauma, as each sister navigates her challenges while supporting one another. This connection becomes pivotal as they face the repercussions of Gordon's actions together.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:10

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