Night on Earth

Night on Earth

Year: 1991

Runtime: 129 min

Language: English

Director: Jim Jarmusch

DramaComedy

As darkness descends on five cities – Los Angeles, Paris, Rome, Berlin, and Tokyo – a series of captivating cab rides reveal unexpected moments and the diverse nature of human experience. Each story offers a glimpse into the lives of both the drivers and their passengers, from a determined Los Angeles driver navigating Hollywood’s underbelly to a charming Italian cabbie sharing personal stories. These encounters highlight the beauty and unexpected connections found in a world of strangers.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Night on Earth (1991)

Trace every key event in Night on Earth (1991) 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

Corky's Evening Shift Begins

As the sun sets over Los Angeles, Corky, the spirited cab driver, begins her night shift. She picks up Victoria Snelling from the airport, sparking the beginning of an unexpected relationship between them.

Los Angeles
2

Victoria's Business Calls

During the ride, Corky listens to Victoria as she juggles several important business calls. This glimpse into Victoria's glamorous life highlights the stark differences in their social standings.

Los Angeles
3

Victoria Sees Potential in Corky

As they converse, Victoria identifies Corky's potential for a role in her upcoming film. Despite the exciting opportunity, Corky remains steadfast in her aspirations to become a mechanic and declines the offer.

Los Angeles
4

Helmut's Night Begins in New York

Meanwhile, in New York, Helmut Grokenberger, an East German immigrant and taxi driver, starts his evening shift. He picks up YoYo, a bold and street-smart individual who offers to help with driving.

New York
5

YoYo's Sister-in-Law Joins the Ride

Helmut and YoYo make a stop to fetch YoYo's feisty sister-in-law Angela. Her lively conversation adds a spirited dynamic to the ride, showcasing the vibrant culture of New York.

Brooklyn, New York
6

Cultural Exchange in Paris

In Paris, a blind woman engages in a ride with a driver from the Ivory Coast. Their exchange delves into perceptions of blindness and cultural differences, highlighting the complexities of understanding each other.

Paris
7

The Ironic Twist

After dropping off the blind woman, the driver becomes so enchanted that he looks back at her. This distraction leads to an accident when he collides with another vehicle, creating tension in an otherwise poignant moment.

Paris
8

A Confession in Rome

In Rome, an unconventional taxi driver picks up a distressed priest. The cab driver shares humorous and explicit details about his life, leading to a surprising and surreal confession.

Rome
9

A Shocking Turn of Events

As the cab driver continues to divulge personal stories, the priest, already in poor health, suffers a fatal heart attack. This shocking turn leaves the driver in a bewildering situation, reflecting the absurdities of life.

Rome
10

Three Workers in Helsinki

Finally, in Helsinki, three workers who have faced various misfortunes hop into a cab driven by Mika. Their discussions reveal their struggles, particularly focusing on a friend dealing with divorce and unemployment.

Helsinki
11

A Heart-Wrenching Story

Mika attempts to lighten the mood by sharing a poignant story of his own. The tale unexpectedly connects the three workers, emphasizing the shared struggles of life and the effects of misfortune.

Helsinki
12

Dawn Breaks

As dawn breaks, the atmosphere changes for the group in Helsinki. They reflect on how the struggles of life continue to affect their lives while their drunken companion remains oblivious to the conversations around him.

Helsinki

Last Updated: November 04, 2024 at 00:35

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Night on Earth Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Night on Earth, 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.

Night on Earth Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Night on Earth

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Night on Earth

More About Night on Earth

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More About Night on Earth

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