Lost in America

Lost in America

Year: 1985

Runtime: 91 min

Language: English

Comedy

This poignant comedy explores the multifaceted issue of homelessness, offering perspectives from individuals experiencing it firsthand, those holding positions of authority, and compassionate people striving to help. It examines the challenges and struggles faced by those living on the streets while highlighting the systemic factors at play.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Lost in America (1985)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Lost in America (1985). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1980s

The movie is set in the 1980s during a time characterized by prosperity and the rise of yuppie culture in America. This decade was marked by a quest for material success, often at the expense of personal fulfillment. The characters reflect the disillusionment that can accompany such lifestyles, leading them to seek adventure beyond the constraints of societal expectations.

Location

Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Hoover Dam, Safford, Arizona

The movie takes place in various locations across the United States, starting in Los Angeles, where the couple's unfulfilling life stems from. Las Vegas becomes a pivotal location representing temptation and loss, epitomized by Linda's gambling misfortune. The Hoover Dam serves as a significant landmark where tensions flare between David and Linda, while Safford, Arizona, represents the couple's descent into a mundane lifestyle far from their aspirations.

🏙️ City 🎰 Casino 🌉 Landmark 🏞️ Town

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:31

Main Characters – Lost in America (1985)

Meet the key characters of Lost in America (1985), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

David Howard (Albert Brooks)

David Howard is a quintessential yuppie whose life is turned upside down after losing his job. His charming yet assertive demeanor often masks his insecurities as he grapples with his identity and the societal pressures of success. Throughout the film, David's determination to seek a better life unravels as he faces challenges that expose his vulnerabilities.

🧑‍💼 Yuppie 💼 Career 🎭 Comedic

Linda Howard (Julie Hagerty)

Linda Howard embodies both the allure and the pitfalls of the yuppie lifestyle. As David's wife, she aligns with his dreams of escaping their conventional life, but her impulsiveness also leads to major setbacks. Linda's character represents the often overlooked sacrifices in pursuing freedom, navigating both excitement and regret along the way.

👩‍💻 Aspiring 🎰 Risk-taker 💔 Supportive

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:31

Major Themes – Lost in America (1985)

Explore the central themes of Lost in America (1985), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌄 Adventure

At the heart of the film is the quest for adventure and escape from a mundane existence. David and Linda's journey embodies the desire to break free from societal norms and explore what life has to offer. However, their missteps highlight that adventure can come with unforeseen challenges and consequences.

💔 Disillusionment

The film explores themes of disillusionment as the couple realizes that their pursuit of happiness and freedom may not lead to the fulfillment they expected. Their experiences serve as a commentary on the pitfalls of chasing a dream without understanding the realities that come with it.

👶 Family

By the film's conclusion, the theme of family emerges as David and Linda embrace the prospect of parenthood. Their choice to return to New York City signifies a return to stability and the acceptance of their former lives, suggesting that true happiness may be found in the bonds of family rather than in material pursuits.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:31

Unlock the Full Story of Lost in America

Don't stop at just watching — explore Lost in America 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 Lost in America is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Lost in America Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Lost in America, 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.

Lost in America Summary

Lost in America Timeline

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

Lost in America Timeline

More About Lost in America

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Lost in America: 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 Lost in America

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