Paranoid Park

Paranoid Park

Year: 2008

Runtime: 85 min

Language: English

Director: Gus Van Sant

DramaSportMysteryThrillerCrime

A murder at Portland’s notorious skate park sparks a series of difficult choices and moments of self-discovery for a group of young people. One skater is forced to face the repercussions of his actions as he grapples with the challenges of growing up and the feelings of loneliness that accompany it. The film explores themes of youthful struggle and the possibility of redemption within a complex and troubled environment.

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Timeline – Paranoid Park (2008)

Trace every key event in Paranoid Park (2008) 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

Alex hops on a freight train

At the Eastside Skatepark, known as Paranoid Park, 16-year-old Alex meets a stranger named Scratch. Seeking adventure, Alex clandestinely decides to hop on a freight train with Scratch, marking the beginning of a reckless and dangerous escapade.

Eastside Skatepark
2

The chase begins

As Alex and Scratch enjoy their ride, a vigilant security guard spots them. This leads to a frantic chase that escalates quickly, leaving Alex anxious and concerned about the consequences of their decision.

3

The guard confronts them

In a tense moment, the security guard confronts Alex and Scratch. As he swings his flashlight in an attempt to control the situation, he accidentally strikes Scratch, igniting chaos.

4

The tragic accident

During the ensuing chaos, Alex swings his skateboard with the intention to help, but it inadvertently causes the guard to lose his balance. This tragic miscalculation leads the guard to fall onto the train tracks just as an oncoming freight train approaches.

5

Guilt consumes Alex

After witnessing the horrifying accident, Alex is consumed by guilt. In an effort to sever any connection to the incident, he throws his skateboard into the Willamette River from the Steel Bridge, hoping to erase the evidence.

Steel Bridge
6

Seeking refuge with Jared

In his desperation to escape the reality of that night, Alex visits his friend Jared. He tries to wash away the trauma by showering and discarding the clothes he wore during the incident, but the guilt lingers.

7

Interrogation at school

As the investigation into the guard's death deepens, Alex faces interrogation at school by Detective Richard Lu. He sits alongside his peers who were skateboarding that fateful night, all trying to piece together what happened.

School
8

Skateboard linked to the incident

During the investigation, police recover Alex's skateboard, which contains DNA evidence linking it to the chaotic scene. Although authorities have not yet made a connection to Alex, the tension is palpable as he grapples with his fear of being discovered.

9

Isolation and breakup

Throughout this trying period, Alex chooses to keep his secret bottled up, leading to emotional isolation. After a detached encounter with his girlfriend Jennifer, he decides to end their relationship, believing it's for the best.

10

Macy suggests writing

Alex's friend Macy recognizes the turmoil he is in and encourages him to express his feelings through writing. Initially resistant to the idea, Alex ultimately decides to put his emotional struggles on paper as a form of catharsis.

11

The act of destruction

In a desperate attempt to rid himself of the haunting memories, Alex sets fire to his written account. This act symbolizes his wish to cleanse himself of the past and the guilt that has been overwhelming him.

12

Confronting the aftermath

In the wake of the fire and the guilt, Alex is left to confront the devastating aftermath of his actions. Each decision he makes weighs heavily on him as he navigates the consequences of that dark night at Paranoid Park.

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 11:14

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Paranoid Park Summary

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Paranoid Park Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Paranoid Park

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Paranoid Park

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