Magnolia

Magnolia

Year: 1999

Runtime: 188 min

Language: English

Director: Paul Thomas Anderson

Drama

In the San Fernando Valley, several characters' lives unexpectedly converge during a single day. A troubled, dying man seeks forgiveness from his children, while a young woman grapples with a devastating loss. A prodigy struggles with newfound adulthood, a police officer finds connection, and a lost son makes a return. Their individual stories are interwoven by a strange, recurring television program, revealing unexpected connections and prompting each to confront their own vulnerabilities and search for meaning.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Magnolia (1999)

Trace every key event in Magnolia (1999) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Sir Edmund William Godfrey's Tragic End

Sir Edmund William Godfrey, a resident of Greenberry Hill in London, meets a gruesome fate at the hands of three vagrants. These criminals, intending to rob his pharmacy, share the surnames Green, Berry, and Hill, creating an eerie coincidence that highlights the intertwining nature of their fates.

Greenberry Hill, London
2

Delmer Darion's Scuba Diving Accident

Delmer Darion, a blackjack dealer from Reno, embarks on a scuba diving trip that takes a horrific turn. He is accidentally picked up by a firefighting plane but suffers a fatal heart attack while on board, a tragic irony considering he recently argued with the pilot, Craig Hansen, just two days prior.

Reno
3

Sydney Barringer's Desperate Bid for Escape

In Los Angeles, 17-year-old Sydney Barringer attempts to leap from his apartment building in a moment of despair. Unfortunately, during a heated argument between his parents, Faye accidentally fires a shotgun, inadvertently killing Sydney and ultimately leading to Faye being charged with his murder.

Los Angeles
4

Claudia's Night of Passion and Distress

In the San Fernando Valley, Claudia Wilson Gator, feeling dejected and battling her substance abuse issues, spends a night of passion with a stranger. The next morning, her father, television host Jimmy Gator, arrives with distressing news about his terminal cancer, intensifying Claudia's internal turmoil.

Present Day San Fernando Valley
5

Earl Partridge's Confession

Earl Partridge, a well-known television mogul suffering from advanced cancer, confides in Nurse Phil Parma about his estranged son, Frank. He urges Phil to locate Frank before it's too late, revealing his regrets over their broken relationship and the need for reconciliation.

6

Frank 'T.J.' Mackey's Seminar

Frank, the charismatic leader of the seminar program 'Seduce and Destroy', leads a contentious session where he teaches men to manipulate women. His encounter with reporter Gwenovier escalates as she questions his neglect of family, exposing the cracks in his confident facade.

7

Donnie's Struggle

Former child star Donnie Smith experiences a difficult phase in his life, facing dismissal from his job due to poor performance. Desperate to impress and afford actual dental braces, he reflects on the feeling of abandonment since losing his game show fame.

8

Jim Kurring's Discovery

While responding to a noise complaint, police officer Jim Kurring uncovers a dead body hidden within a woman's closet, leading him down a path of unexpected investigations. A young boy's cryptic mention of 'the Worm' adds an element of mystery to his day.

9

Stanley Spector's Pressure

Stanley Spector, a gifted child and star of 'What Do Kids Know?', is brought to the studio under the watchful eye of his overbearing father. The high-pressure environment overwhelms him, showcasing the intense expectations placed on child prodigies.

10

Claudia and Jim's Connection

As the rain begins to fall, Jim Kurring and Claudia share an undeniable connection after he responds to a noise complaint at her apartment. Claudia, trying to mask her addiction, engages positively with Jim, hinting at potential hope amidst her struggles.

Evening
11

Donnie's Despair

Later in the evening, Donnie attends a bar to drown his sorrows in alcohol while grappling with feelings of neglect from his parents. His internal battle reveals the long-lasting emotional scars from his childhood fame and subsequent downfall.

Bar
12

Linda's Emotional Turmoil

In a moment of desperation, Linda, Earl's young wife, confronts a pharmacist while dealing with her husband's terminal illness. Her emotional state teeters on the brink as she contemplates suicide but ultimately decides to return to Earl instead.

13

Frank's Confrontational Interview

Amidst the chaos, Frank's interview with Gwenovier escalates into a confrontation where he reveals the challenges of his fraught relationship with his father. This moment lays bare the complexities and unresolved issues that define their connection.

14

Extraordinary Event of Falling Frogs

The narrative reaches a surreal climax with an extraordinary event involving falling frogs, symbolizing chaos and transformation. This event intertwines the lives of the characters, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of fate and coincidence.

15

Consequences of Choices

As night gives way to dawn, each character is confronted with the consequences of their actions, from Donnie's desperate robbery attempt to Stanley's rebellious on-air defiance. These moments encapsulate the fragility of life and the connections formed through shared experiences.

Next Day

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 19:27

Unlock the Full Story of Magnolia

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Magnolia Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Magnolia, 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.

Magnolia Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Magnolia

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Magnolia. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Magnolia

More About Magnolia

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More About Magnolia

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