Modern Problems

Modern Problems

Year: 1981

Runtime: 93 min

Language: English

Director: Ken Shapiro

Sci-FiFantasyComedy

Driven to the edge by the pressures of his job, air traffic controller Max experiences a bizarre accident that grants him telekinetic powers. Determined to win back his estranged girlfriend, Darcy, he uses his abilities to influence events and disrupt her budding relationships. However, their planned weekend getaway to a beach house unleashes a darker side within him, putting everything he cares about at risk and threatening to spiral out of control.

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Timeline & Setting – Modern Problems (1981)

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

Time period

Location

New York's Kennedy International Airport, Lower Manhattan

The movie is primarily set in the bustling metropolis of New York City, specifically at the iconic Kennedy International Airport, known for its critical role in global travel. Lower Manhattan provides a vivid backdrop, featuring a nightclub that surprises Max with its unexpected atmosphere, highlighting the city's diverse social scene.

🏙️ City ✈️ Transportation

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:44

Main Characters – Modern Problems (1981)

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

Max Fiedler (Chevy Chase)

Max Fiedler is a disheartened air traffic controller struggling with professional and personal turmoil after his girlfriend leaves him. His journey is marked by jealousy, insecurity, and a transformative encounter that grants him telekinetic powers. Over time, Max learns to confront his challenges, strive for self-improvement, and rediscover love.

👨‍✈️ Air Traffic Controller 💔 Heartbroken

Darcy

Darcy is Max's ex-girlfriend, whose departure significantly impacts Max's emotional state. She represents both Max's longing for love and the challenges he faces in reclaiming it. Throughout the film, her understanding nature gradually unveils the depth of her feelings, leading to her eventual forgiveness of Max's past actions.

💔 Heartbreak 💖 Understanding

Mark Winslow (Dabney Coleman)

Mark Winslow is a self-styled confidence guru who embodies arrogance and skepticism. His attempts to undermine Max's claims of telekinesis serve as both an external challenge and a source of comedic conflict. Winslow's character represents the societal pressures that can diminish self-worth and confidence.

🔍 Skepticism 👨‍🎤 Arrogance

Dorita (Nell Carter)

Dorita is a voodoo-practicing maid who inadvertently acquires Max's telekinetic powers during a lightning strike. Her character adds a supernatural layer to the narrative, symbolizing the unpredictability of life and how powers can shift unexpectedly. She serves as a representation of resilience and the ancient wisdom of her practice.

🔮 Voodoo ✨ Mystical

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:44

Major Themes – Modern Problems (1981)

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

💔 Heartbreak

The theme of heartbreak plays a significant role in the narrative, primarily through Max's emotional journey after his breakup with Darcy. His jealousy and negative outlook not only affect his professional life but also hinder his personal growth. Throughout the film, these feelings are contrasted with moments of humor and self-discovery.

⚡ Empowerment

Max's accidental acquisition of telekinetic powers serves as a metaphor for empowerment and self-esteem. Initially using his newfound abilities to sabotage Barry, he eventually learns to embrace them, leading to personal growth and a renewed chance for love with Darcy. His journey highlights the importance of self-belief in overcoming adversity.

🤔 Skepticism

The skepticism toward Max's telekinetic abilities reflects broader themes of belief and doubt. Characters like Mark Winslow challenge Max's transformation, illustrating how external criticism can impact confidence. This theme culminates in a dramatic confrontation that forces Max to confront his insecurities.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:44

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Modern Problems Summary

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Modern Problems Summary

Modern Problems Timeline

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Modern Problems Timeline

Modern Problems Spoiler-Free Summary

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Modern Problems Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Modern Problems

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