Rifkin's Festival

Rifkin's Festival

Year: 2022

Runtime: 88 min

Language: English

ComedyRomance

Retired professor Mort Rifkin attends the San Sebastian Film Festival with his wife, a publicist, and finds himself increasingly drawn to a connection with fellow cinema enthusiast Jo Rojas. While the festival offers a backdrop of glamour and film discussions, Mort grapples with concerns about his marriage and his own artistic aspirations. He must also confront the complexities of love, aging, and the allure of a younger filmmaker, Philippe.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Rifkin's Festival (2022)

Trace every key event in Rifkin's Festival (2022) 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

Mort's Therapy Sessions

Mort Rifkin, a seasoned film critic, begins to lay bare his emotional struggles during therapy sessions. He reflects on his life, illustrating the complexities of his feelings about love and cinema.

New York
2

Arrival at San Sebastián

Mort accompanies his younger wife, Sue, to the prestigious San Sebastián film festival, where she serves as a press agent for renowned French director Philippe. The festival is an important event that sets the stage for the unraveling of Mort's emotional hardships.

San Sebastián
3

Tension Over Philippe's Film

As the festival unfolds, Mort expresses disdain for Philippe's new film, which he finds overly sentimental and derivative. This critique strains his relationship with Sue, who is deeply invested in promoting the film.

San Sebastián
4

Growing Jealousy

Amidst the festivities, Mort becomes increasingly aware of the chemistry between Sue and Philippe. His jealousy and insecurity grow, driving a wedge between him and Sue as he fears the loss of their marriage.

San Sebastián
5

Nightmares and Cinematic Reflections

Mort begins to experience haunting nightmares, drawing inspiration from iconic films like 'Citizen Kane' and 'Persona'. These dreams reflect his inner turmoil and highlight his fears concerning love and betrayal.

6

Nostalgic Reflection

As he wanders through the festival, Mort feels nostalgic, recalling his fulfilling days as a film instructor. However, this reflection is clouded by his anxiety about Sue's growing affection for another man.

San Sebastián
7

Seeking Help from Dr. Jo Rojas

In a misguided attempt to win back Sue, Mort pretends to be suffering from various ailments to consult Dr. Jo Rojas, a Spanish physician. They discover a shared understanding of emotional turmoil stemming from troubled marriages.

San Sebastián
8

A Scenic Drive and Unexpected Interruptions

Mort and Jo take a picturesque drive through the countryside, enjoying deep conversation. Their outing is cut short by a flat tire, leading them to Jo's home where they face an unexpected situation involving her husband.

Countryside near San Sebastián
9

Mort Offers Solace

After discovering her husband's infidelity, Jo feels distraught. Mort steps in, providing comfort and support, highlighting the connection they've forged amidst personal chaos.

Jo's home
10

Confrontation with Sue

Sue finally confronts Mort, declaring her desire to leave him for Philippe. This weighs heavily on Mort, exacerbating his feelings of inadequacy and fear of abandonment.

San Sebastián
11

Heartbroken Attempts

The day after their confrontation, Mort reaches out to Jo, hoping to rekindle their budding connection before leaving San Sebastián. Although she declines his invitation, there remains an unresolved tension between them.

San Sebastián
12

Surreal Encounter with Death

As the festival nears its conclusion, Mort experiences a surreal encounter on a chessboard with Death, reminiscent of 'The Seventh Seal'. This existential confrontation forces Mort to ponder life's meaning and mortality.

Otherworldly chessboard
13

Wisdom from Death

During his encounter with Death, Mort receives unexpected wisdom regarding the significance of life, emphasizing the importance of healthy choices. This leads Mort to reflect on his own life decisions, recognizing areas for growth.

Otherworldly chessboard
14

Reflecting on Transformation

As the festival comes to an end, Mort contemplates a transformative shift in perspective about his life and marriage. He considers the possibility of rekindling his passion for teaching and the arts.

San Sebastián
15

Returning to New York

Back in New York, Mort seeks further guidance from his therapist on how to navigate the complexities of his emotions and relationships. He aims to find a path that extends his journey in life and enrich his future.

New York

Last Updated: November 22, 2024 at 14:23

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Rifkin's Festival Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Rifkin's Festival

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