Outbreak

Outbreak

Year: 1995

Runtime: 127 min

Language: English

Director: Wolfgang Petersen

ActionDramaThriller

As a deadly virus spreads panic across a California town, a team of medical experts must race against time to contain the outbreak. Led by a renowned contagious disease expert (Dustin Hoffman) and his estranged wife (Rene Russo), they confront the Army's aggressive tactics in a desperate bid to save lives and preserve civilization.

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Timeline & Setting – Outbreak (1995)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Outbreak (1995). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1967, 1995

The movie traverses two crucial years, the late 60s and the mid-90s. In 1967, the discovery of the Motaba virus sets off a military cover-up, underscoring the tensions between public health and military objectives. By 1995, technological advances have not prevented a resurgence of the virus, highlighting society's vulnerabilities to biological threats.

Location

African jungle, Zaire, Cedar Creek, California

The African jungle is a dense and vibrant ecosystem, often seen as a symbol of untouched wilderness. Zaire, now the Democratic Republic of Congo, is rich in biodiversity but has faced significant health crises due to its tropical climate. Cedar Creek, California, serves as a pivotal setting for the outbreak, illustrating the clash between nature and urban life as a deadly virus begins to wreak havoc.

🌍 Locations 🏞️ Nature 🏙️ Urban

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:15

Main Characters – Outbreak (1995)
Meet the key characters of Outbreak (1995), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Colonel Sam Daniels (Morgan Freeman)

Colonel Sam Daniels is a dedicated virologist from USAMRIID, showcasing determination and intelligence in the face of a deadly outbreak. He is characterized by his commitment to public health and his desire to find a cure, often clashing with military directives. As the protagonist, his journey reflects both personal and professional stakes as he seeks not only to save lives but also to expose the truth.

🧪 Science 🦸‍♂️ Hero 💔 Personal Struggles

Roberta Keough (Rene Russo)

Roberta Keough is a skilled leader at the CDC, struggling with her role amid a crisis and her personal history with Daniels. Her character adds emotional depth, grappling with the urgency of the outbreak while trying to maintain professional integrity. Her collaboration with Daniels exemplifies the blend of personal and crucible-driven motivations in seeking solutions.

🌡️ Medicine 💼 Leadership 🌪️ Crisis

General William Ford (Morgan Freeman)

General William Ford represents the military's influence in the outbreak's response, often prioritizing secrecy and control over public safety. He embodies the tension between military protocol and humanitarian responsibility, making complex decisions that impact the lives of many. His character arc reflects the internal struggle between duty and the greater good.

🎖️ Authority 🛡️ Defense ⚔️ Conflict

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:15

Major Themes – Outbreak (1995)
Explore the central themes of Outbreak (1995), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🦠 Epidemics

The film explores the theme of epidemics through the emergence of a deadly virus that poses a global threat. It emphasizes the urgent need for effective response and cooperation among health officials, military personnel, and scientists to combat the outbreak. As fear and panic escalate, the narrative showcases how deeply intertwined human lives can be affected by biological crises.

🤝 Cooperation

Cooperation emerges as a central theme as various characters must work together to confront the crisis brought on by the virus. Daniels and Keough's reconciliation symbolizes personal and professional partnerships essential in times of disaster. The successful resolution illustrates the necessity of collaborative efforts in the face of potentially catastrophic events.

⚖️ Ethics

The ethical implications of using biological warfare and military intervention form a significant part of the narrative. Decisions made by military leaders provoke questions about the morality of sacrificing lives for overarching state interests. The conflict between doing what is right for the public and following orders reflects the complex nature of ethics in crisis management.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:15

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