Nothing in Common (1986) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Lorraine and Max separated after 36 years because Lorraine revealed that Max had been both unfaithful and emotionally abusive throughout their entire marriage. This revelation shocked David, as he had not understood the true dynamics of his parents' relationship. The separation forced David into the difficult role of mediator and caretaker for both his aging father and emotionally fragile mother.

Foreshadowing: Earlier scenes show the family maintaining a polite facade, hinting at underlying tensions that were not immediately visible.

• lorraine
• max
• separation
• divorce
• marriage
• infidelity
• abuse

Max was fired from his job in the garment industry. The exact reason for his dismissal is not detailed in the summary, but it occurs amid the family turmoil following the separation. This job loss adds to Max's vulnerability and increases David's financial and emotional burden as he tries to support both parents.

Foreshadowing: The job loss coincides with the family's announcement of separation, suggesting Max's personal issues were affecting his work.

• max
• job
• garment
• unemployment
• lost job
• laid off

David's mother Lorraine revealed that Max had been unfaithful and emotionally abusive throughout their 36-year marriage. This shocking revelation fundamentally changed David's understanding of his father and his parents' relationship. The discovery adds emotional complexity to David's caregiving responsibilities and his eventual reconciliation with Max.

Foreshadowing: Lorraine's emotional fragility and the tension between the parents hint at deeper problems beneath the surface of their marriage.

• lorraine
• max
• abuse
• infidelity
• marriage
• revelation
• emotional abuse

David admits to feeling like he is 'faking it' while working on an ad campaign that promotes the ideal of a loving family. The irony strikes him because his own family is falling apart, he is mediating his parents' separation while dealing with his father's job loss and health issues. This realization makes him feel detached and hypocritical about the professional work he is doing.

Foreshadowing: Earlier scenes show David promoting family-oriented advertising while his personal life deteriorates, creating an obvious contradiction.

• david
• work
• advertising
• faking
• family
• campaign
• irony

David begins a physical relationship with Cheryl Ann Wayne, the daughter of Andrew Woolridge, who is David's boss on the high-stakes Colonial Airlines project. Max disapproves of the relationship, knowing Cheryl is aware of David's frivolous and playboy reputation. The relationship complicates David's professional life and creates additional tension with his father, who sees it as another example of David's immaturity.

Foreshadowing: Max's disapproval is established early when he learns about David's reputation, foreshadowing the conflict that arises with Cheryl.

• cheryl
• woolridge
• relationship
• affair
• work
• father
• disapproval

Max is diagnosed with diabetes during a visit to the doctor after David takes him to a jazz club. The condition is severe enough that the doctor indicates Max may need an amputation. This devastating news profoundly affects David, filling him with regret for his past behavior and strengthening his commitment to care for his father.

Foreshadowing: The trip to the jazz club serves as a turning point where Max's declining health becomes undeniable, setting up the serious diagnosis.

• max
• diabetes
• health
• amputation
• diagnosis
• jazz club
• medical

David rekindles his relationship with Donna, his ex-girlfriend, because she had earlier challenged him to 'grow up' and take responsibility for his life. As David matures through caring for his father and facing the realities of adulthood, he realizes Donna's wisdom was correct. Their shared understanding of adulthood's complexities creates a foundation for genuine connection, contrasting with David's previous superficial relationships.

Foreshadowing: Donna's initial advice about growing up plants the seed for David's transformation and eventual return to her.

• donna
• david
• relationship
• rekindled
• growth
• maturity
• ex-girlfriend

By the end of the movie, David undergoes significant personal growth. He evolves from a superficial, immature playboy into a responsible adult capable of balancing career demands with family obligations. He reconciles with his father, helps Max navigate his medical challenges, and embraces maturity by pursuing a genuine relationship with Donna. His transformation is complete when he no longer feels like he is 'faking it' but genuinely engages with both his work and personal life.

Foreshadowing: David's journey from avoiding responsibility to actively caregiving for Max demonstrates his gradual transformation throughout the film.

• david
• growth
• transformation
• maturity
• father
• reconciliation
• personal development

David becomes trapped between his separated parents because both Lorraine and Max lean on him for support during the crisis. His mother needs help moving into a new apartment, while his father requires transportation to medical appointments and eventually hospitalization. Additionally, David must mediate between their conflicting emotional needs, placing him in an impossible caretaker role while also managing his demanding career.

Foreshadowing: The film establishes early on that David's professional life is already demanding, setting up the conflict when family obligations multiply.

• david
• parents
• caretaker
• conflict
• mediator
• lorraine
• max
• obligations

Andrew Woolridge insists that David accompany him to New York to unveil the new Colonial Airlines ad campaign. This creates a critical crossroads for David because it requires him to choose between his demanding career and his mounting family responsibilities. The demand forces David to reevaluate his priorities and ultimately choose his father's health over professional advancement.

Foreshadowing: The high-stakes nature of David's work is established early, making the New York demand a significant test of his values.

• woolridge
• colonial airlines
• new york
• ad campaign
• demand
• work
• carrer