My One and Only (2009) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The story begins in New York City, where Ann Devereaux makes her bold decision to leave her husband. From there, she takes her sons on a road trip across America in a classic Cadillac, visiting various locations as she searches for love and a new life. The road trip setting allows the film to showcase different American cities and towns as backdrops for their journey.

Foreshadowing: The iconic scenes of Ann driving her Cadillac through New York City immediately establish the journey motif that defines the entire film.

• new york city
• road trip
• setting
• locations
• america

The movie is set in 1953, during the post-war era. This time period is significant because it captures a transitional moment in American society where traditional values clash with emerging ideas about women's independence and self-fulfillment.

• 1953
• time period
• era
• 1950s
• historical context

The 1953 setting is crucial because it frames Ann's quest for independence within a society that still expects women to conform to traditional roles. Her pursuit of love and personal happiness challenges the era's expectations, making her journey both aspirational and socially provocative for the time.

• 1950s gender roles
• women independence
• post-war society
• social context

The film explores three interconnected themes: Hope & Resilience, as Ann persistently pursues a better life despite setbacks; Family Dynamics, particularly the complex relationships between Ann and her sons George and Robbie; and Self-Discovery, as Ann learns who she is apart from her failed marriage while her sons also grow and reflect on their experiences.

• hope
• resilience
• family dynamics
• self-discovery
• themes

Hope and Resilience represent Ann's unwavering determination to create a better life for herself and her sons. Despite facing divorce, financial struggles, and failed romances, she never abandons her optimism. The theme underscores that the journey itself, filled with both hardship and joy, reveals the family's inner strength and capacity to overcome adversity together.

• hope
• resilience
• optimism
• adversity
• determination

Family dynamics are central to the narrative, with the relationships between Ann and her two sons forming the emotional core. George provides cynical, observant commentary as an aspiring writer, while Robbie brings flamboyant energy and dreams of stardom. Their contrasting personalities create both tension and humor, ultimately highlighting how familial love supports them through turbulent times.

• family
• sons
• relationships
• mother sons
• dynamic

Ann Devereaux is the protagonist, a stunning and unpredictable woman who leaves her unfaithful husband and takes her teenage sons on a road trip to find love and stability. Her vibrant, impulsive personality drives the story as she pursues happiness with relentless optimism. Through her journey, she learns valuable lessons about self-worth and discovers her own strength as a mother.

• ann devereaux
• protagonist
• mother
• renee zellweger
• road trip

George Devereaux is Ann's more cynical and observant teenage son, portrayed by Logan Lerman. As an aspiring writer, he documents the family's misadventures through careful observation and note-taking. His introspective nature provides the audience with reflective perspectives on his mother's motivations and the lessons learned throughout their journey.

• george devereaux
• logan lerman
• writer
• son
• observer

Robbie Devereaux is Ann's flamboyant older son, played by Mark Rendall, who dreams of the spotlight and craves acceptance. His dramatic flair and sense of humor provide levity throughout the road trip, balancing the family's more challenging moments. Robbie's desire for self-expression and validation drives much of his character arc.

• robbie devereaux
• mark rendall
• flamboyant
• son
• dreamer

Dan Devereaux, played by Kevin Bacon, is Ann's unfaithful husband whose infidelity sets the entire story in motion. As a society bandleader, he represents the conventional family life Ann is leaving behind. Though he appears less frequently, his actions profoundly impact Ann's decision to embark on her journey of self-discovery.

• dan devereaux
• kevin bacon
• husband
• bandleader
• infidelity

The film maintains a bittersweet tone, blending emotional moments, divorce, financial decline, and failed romances, with significant levity from quirky characters and comedic situations. This balance prevents the heavy subject of family breakdown from becoming overwhelming, ultimately concluding on a hopeful note of self-reliance and family unity.

• tone
• bittersweet
• comedy
• drama
• emotional

The road trip serves as both a literal journey and metaphor for the family's emotional journey. It forces Ann, George, and Robbie to navigate unexpected challenges together while visiting new places and meeting different people. This shared adventure strengthens their family bonds and provides the backdrop for each character's personal growth and self-discovery.

• road trip
• journey
• growth
• adventure
• family bonding