Nothing in Common

Nothing in Common

Year: 1986

Runtime: 118 min

Language: English

Director: Garry Marshall

DramaComedyRomance

A successful advertising executive's world is thrown into turmoil when his parents announce they are separating after 36 years of marriage. Forced to mediate between his parents and their conflicting needs, he finds his own carefully constructed life increasingly difficult to manage. Balancing demanding career ambitions with unexpected family obligations, David must re-evaluate his definition of success and the compromises required to maintain relationships.

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Timeline – Nothing in Common (1986)

Trace every key event in Nothing in Common (1986) 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

David Returns to Work

David Basner returns to his bustling Chicago ad agency after a vacation, coming back to the realities of his family troubles. This marks the beginning of his struggle to balance professional life with personal responsibilities.

Chicago
2

Family Separation

David's parents, Lorraine and Max, reveal their recent separation after a long 36-year marriage. This unexpected change forces David into the caretaker role for his aging father and emotionally fragile mother.

3

Max's Job Loss

Amidst the family turmoil, David learns that his father Max has lost his job in the garment industry. This news adds to the strain David feels as he grapples with his family's challenges.

4

David's Playboy Persona

Struggling with adulthood, David's superficial lifestyle as a playboy comes to the forefront. His character is challenged when his ex-girlfriend Donna suggests it may be time for him to 'grow up' and take responsibility.

5

High-Stakes Project

David becomes involved in a pivotal project for Colonial Airlines with the ruthless Andrew Woolridge. The stakes rise, adding pressure to David's already complicated life.

6

Relationship with Cheryl

While working on the project, David begins a physical relationship with Woolridge’s daughter, Cheryl Ann Wayne. This complicates his life further as he juggles multiple relationship dynamics.

7

Mother's New Apartment

As his responsibilities grow, David helps his mother move into a new apartment. This act highlights his struggle to balance care for his parents while managing the pressures from work.

8

Revelation of Abuse

In a significant emotional moment, David's mother reveals the years of infidelity and emotional abuse she suffered from Max. This revelation deepens David's understanding of his family's issues.

9

Heartfelt Confrontation

During a poignant discussion, David expresses feeling like he is 'faking it' in his professional life, especially while promoting a loving family through an ad campaign. This moment of honesty signifies a turning point for him.

10

Visit to the Jazz Club

Trying to connect with Max, David takes him to a jazz club. The outing takes a somber turn when they confront Max's severe health issues, leading to the diagnosis of diabetes.

Jazz Club
11

Diagnosing Serious Health Issues

After the jazz club visit, Max's health gets worse as the doctor reveals he may need an amputation due to his diabetes. This news hit David hard and amplifies his feelings of regret.

12

Clash with Woolridge

David faces a critical moment when Woolridge demands he travels to New York for the ad campaign launch. This demands that David reconsider his priorities in both his career and personal life.

New York
13

Rekindling with Donna

Amidst the chaos, David finds comfort in reconnecting with Donna. Their relationship begins to rekindle as they face the complexities of adulthood together, signifying David's journey toward maturity.

14

Guiding Max

As David steps up to help Max navigate the medical challenges, their relationship deepens. They share tender moments that illustrate their evolving bond, bringing warmth to their shared struggles.

Hospital
15

Commercial Production

David and Max participate in a commercial production, highlighting their unexpected partnership in overcoming life's trials. This marks a poignant moment where both find solace in their bond amidst the film industry's vibrant chaos.

Commercial Production Studio

Last Updated: November 19, 2024 at 20:31

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Nothing in Common Summary

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Nothing in Common Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Nothing in Common

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Nothing in Common

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