Pleasantville

Pleasantville

Year: 1998

Runtime: 124 min

Language: English

Director: Gary Ross

DramaFantasyComedy

When two 1990s siblings are magically transported into a 1950s sitcom, their arrival disrupts the idyllic, black-and-white world of Pleasantville. As the townspeople begin to experience color and emotion for the first time, they challenge the community’s rigid norms and confront uncomfortable truths. The once-perfect town spirals into unexpected chaos, forcing its residents to examine the meaning of happiness, conformity, and the complexities of human experience.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Pleasantville (1998)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Pleasantville (1998). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1998

The film transitions from the late 1990s into a nostalgic past, reflecting a time of societal norms and traditional values. During this period, the emergence of modern ideas and challenges to the status quo begin to take root as characters confront their identities and desires. Pleasantville provides a lens through which we can examine the juxtaposition of old-fashioned beliefs and the awakening of new perspectives.

Location

Pleasantville

Pleasantville is an idyllic small town depicted in black-and-white, characterized by its simplistic and conformist lifestyle. Known for its wholesome charm, where the sun shines perpetually and even fire does not exist, it represents an era of innocence before the complexities of modern life take hold. The town serves as a symbol of nostalgia, highlighting the contrast between a monochromatic existence and the vibrant realities beyond its borders.

🏡 Town 📺 Television

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:20

Main Characters – Pleasantville (1998)

Meet the key characters of Pleasantville (1998), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

David (Tobey Maguire)

David is a thoughtful and introspective teenager who finds himself thrust into the vibrant world of Pleasantville. During his adventures, he straddles his protective instincts for the town while grappling with his feelings of entrapment in a monochromatic life. His growth symbolizes the struggle between conformity and self-discovery.

👦 Teenager 🤔 Introspective 🌈 Catalyst

Jennifer (Joan Allen)

Jennifer is a rebellious spirit who seeks excitement beyond the confines of Pleasantville. Her adventurous nature leads her to challenge the town's traditional values, igniting a colorful revolution. She embodies the journey of self-exploration and the quest for freedom in both personal and societal contexts.

👩 Teenager 🌟 Rebellious 💕 Romantic

Bill Johnson (Jeff Daniels)

Bill is the owner of the local malt shop who experiences a personal crisis as he confronts his monotonous life. With David's guidance, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that leads to both artistic expression and romantic awakening. His character illustrates the struggle to break free from routine and embrace new opportunities.

👨 Adult 🎨 Artist ❤️ Romantic

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:20

Major Themes – Pleasantville (1998)

Explore the central themes of Pleasantville (1998), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Transformation

The theme of transformation is central to 'Pleasantville', as characters undergo profound changes in their perspectives and identities. The arrival of David and Jennifer leads to a colorful reawakening in the town, signifying the broader journey from innocence to experience. This evolution challenges the townsfolk to question their long-held beliefs and embrace the complexity of life's emotions.

🎨 Artistic Freedom

Artistic freedom emerges as a powerful theme, particularly through David's influence on Bill and the mural they create. This act of defiance against societal norms serves as a catalyst for change, encouraging residents to express themselves and explore their desires. The film underscores the importance of creativity in transforming lives and communities.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:20

Unlock the Full Story of Pleasantville

Don't stop at just watching — explore Pleasantville 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 Pleasantville is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Pleasantville Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Pleasantville, 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.

Pleasantville Summary

Pleasantville Timeline

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

Pleasantville Timeline

More About Pleasantville

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Pleasantville: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Pleasantville

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