Promised Land

Promised Land

Year: 2012

Runtime: 106 min

Language: English

Director: Gus Van Sant

Drama

Two sales representatives travel to a rural town to secure a lucrative deal for a natural gas company. They encounter unexpected opposition from a dedicated schoolteacher and a passionate community leader who are committed to safeguarding their town's environment and way of life. As the sales team faces growing resistance, they are forced to confront the ethical implications of their work and the true cost of progress.

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Timeline & Setting – Promised Land (2012)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Promised Land (2012). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The events of the film depict contemporary challenges facing rural American communities, particularly regarding the implications of fracking and land use. It navigates the intersection of traditional farming values and modern industrial practices in today's socio-economic climate.

Location

Pennsylvania farming community

The movie takes place in a small farming community in Pennsylvania, characterized by its picturesque landscapes and close-knit families who have deep roots in agriculture. This area is known for its rich history of family farming, which has been passed down through generations, along with the challenges farmers face in modern times, such as economic pressures and environmental concerns.

🏡 Rural 🌽 Agriculture

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:50

Main Characters – Promised Land (2012)

Meet the key characters of Promised Land (2012), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Steve Butler (Matt Damon)

Steve Butler is a skilled salesman working for Global Cross Power Solutions, tasked with securing contracts for natural gas extraction. Initially confident and motivated by profit, he gradually becomes conflicted as he witnesses the impact of his company's practices on the community and the environment, forcing him to confront his values.

💼 Salesman 🏆 Ambitious 🤔 Conflicted

Sue Thomason (Frances McDormand)

Sue Thomason is Butler's partner, who shares his initial enthusiasm for the company’s plans. As events unfold, she becomes more entrenched in the corporate mindset, creating tension in her relationship with Butler, who begins to question the ethics of their mission.

👩‍💼 Professional 🔄 Transformed 🤷‍♀️ Pragmatic

Dustin Noble (John Krasinski)

Dustin Noble is an environmental activist who challenges Butler and the company's agenda. Committed to protecting the community, he plays a crucial role in rallying local support against corporate exploitation, revealing the emotional stakes involved.

🌱 Activist 🔊 Vocal 🌟 Inspirational

Frank Yates (Hal Holbrook)

Frank Yates is a local high school science teacher who represents the voice of concern regarding fracking. His articulate arguments and community support position him as a key figure in the opposition against Global, highlighting the importance of education and awareness.

👨‍🏫 Educator 📢 Advocate 🌍 Concerned

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:50

Major Themes – Promised Land (2012)

Explore the central themes of Promised Land (2012), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Community vs. Profit

The central theme revolves around the conflict between community interests and corporate profit. The character of Steve Butler navigates his loyalty to his company while facing the moral dilemmas presented by the local community, emphasizing the struggle between preserving local heritage and the allure of financial gain.

🌍 Environmental Concerns

The movie tackles the theme of environmental impact, particularly through the lens of fracking. Through characters like Dustin Noble, it highlights community fears about the dangers of corporate practices and the potential destruction of their land and local ecosystem.

🤝 Integrity and Choices

The film also explores the theme of integrity and the consequences of one's choices. Butler's journey illustrates the internal conflict between personal ambition and social responsibility, leading to pivotal moments that challenge his sense of right and wrong.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:50

Unlock the Full Story of Promised Land

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

Promised Land Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Promised Land, 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.

Promised Land Summary

Promised Land Timeline

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

Promised Land Timeline

More About Promised Land

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Promised Land: 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 Promised Land

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