Of Unknown Origin

Of Unknown Origin

Year: 1983

Runtime: 89 min

Language: English

Director: George P. Cosmatos

Horror

A meticulous banker’s life is thrown into chaos when a giant rodent takes residence in his meticulously renovated Manhattan brownstone. He finds himself in a desperate battle to protect his home and livelihood as the creature causes increasing damage. As he struggles to adapt and survive, he's forced to confront deeply buried anxieties and the raw instincts that exist even in the heart of the city.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Of Unknown Origin (1983)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Of Unknown Origin (1983). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Modern Day

The movie unfolds in a contemporary setting, reflecting the pressures of modern urban life where personal and professional challenges often collide. The time is marked by increased stress and alienation due to work demands, highlighting the effects of urban living on mental health.

Location

Bart's home, Vermont

Bart's home serves as the primary setting for his psychological struggle against the invasive rat, representing his escalating personal chaos. Vermont symbolizes the family getaway he turned down, juxtaposing his intense work stress with the tranquility he missed. This contrast heightens the sense of isolation and conflict in his life.

🏠 Home 🌲 Nature

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:14

Main Characters – Of Unknown Origin (1983)

Meet the key characters of Of Unknown Origin (1983), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Bart Hughes (Peter Weller)

Bart Hughes is a diligent investment banker caught in a whirlwind of personal and professional crises. Initially appearing as an unremarkable character, his journey shows his descent into desperation as he battles with an incessant rat. He embodies the struggle between maintaining a facade of normalcy while grappling with internal chaos and pressure.

🏦 Career 😟 Struggle 🎭 Family

Meg (Jennifer Dale)

Meg is Bart's wife, whose absence during the family's planned vacation becomes a source of tension. Her return highlights the chaos Bart experienced in her absence, forcing him to face the consequences of his actions. Meg represents the familial connection that Bart yearns for amidst his turmoil.

👩‍❤️‍👨 Family 💔 Strain

Eliot Riverton (Kenneth Welsh)

Eliot is Bart's superior who pressures him to excel professionally, representing the corporate expectations weighing heavily on Bart. He serves as a counterbalance to Bart's personal struggles, reminding him of his work obligations while illustrating the disconnect between professional responsibilities and personal life.

💼 Work ⚖️ Pressure

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:14

Major Themes – Of Unknown Origin (1983)

Explore the central themes of Of Unknown Origin (1983), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🐀 Identity Crisis

Bart's struggle against the rat evolves into a larger metaphor for his inner turmoil and loss of control. As the rat disrupts his life, it symbolizes the challenges Bart faces in his career and marriage. This theme captures the conflict between personal identity and external pressures, forcing Bart to confront his fears.

🎭 Isolation

Despite being surrounded by people, Bart experiences profound isolation, accentuated by his inability to communicate his struggles. The rat, representing both a physical and psychological adversary, intensifies his solitude as he confronts issues that he feels he must face alone. This theme powerfully highlights the disconnect between Bart and his family.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:14

Unlock the Full Story of Of Unknown Origin

Don't stop at just watching — explore Of Unknown Origin in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Of Unknown Origin is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Of Unknown Origin Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Of Unknown Origin, 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.

Of Unknown Origin Summary

Of Unknown Origin Timeline

Track the full timeline of Of Unknown Origin with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Of Unknown Origin Timeline

More About Of Unknown Origin

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More About Of Unknown Origin

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