Roger Dodger

Roger Dodger

Year: 2002

Runtime: 106 min

Language: English

Director: Dylan Kidd

DramaComedy

A charismatic advertising executive, Roger Dodger, thrives on manipulating those around him, particularly women. His carefully constructed world is thrown into disarray when his affair with a colleague is abruptly ended by his boss. Seeking to pass on his skills, he takes his awkward nephew Nick under his wing, but finds his usual methods are failing him, forcing him to confront his own vulnerabilities and the complexities of genuine connection.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Roger Dodger yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Roger Dodger (2002)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Roger Dodger (2002). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film takes place in contemporary times, reflecting modern societal attitudes towards relationships and masculinity. There are no specific historical events mentioned; instead, it focuses on personal experiences and societal norms related to love and family dynamics.

Location

Columbia University, New York City

Columbia University, located in the heart of New York City, is known for its prestigious academic reputation and vibrant campus life. The city itself serves as a backdrop filled with diverse cultures, bustling activities, and significant landmarks, making it a central hub for students and professionals alike. In the movie, the longing for knowledge and connections is evident in the young character's aspirations at this iconic institution.

🏙️ Urban 🎓 Education 🌆 City Life

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:26

Main Characters – Roger Dodger (2002)

Meet the key characters of Roger Dodger (2002), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Roger Swanson (Jesse Eisenberg)

Roger is a charismatic, yet cynical advertising copywriter who embodies the archetype of a 'ladies' man.' His brash confidence often masks his insecurities, particularly regarding his relationships with women and family. Throughout the film, we see his complexity unfold as he battles between guiding his nephew and confronting his own failures.

🧑‍💼 Professional 💔 Heartbroken 🎭 Cynical

Joyce (Isabella Rossellini)

Joyce is a strong, independent woman who challenges typical gender roles, as evidenced by her decision to end things with Roger. Her character reflects empowerment and complexity, navigating her own needs and emotions while maintaining her professional life. Joyce serves as a foil to Roger's character, showcasing the disconnection in their perspectives on love.

👩‍💼 Professional 💔 Conflicted 🔥 Independent

Nick (Campbell Scott)

Nick is a teenager on the cusp of adulthood, filled with dreams and aspirations of love and independence. He represents youthful innocence and the quest for identity in a world filled with conflicting advice about relationships. Throughout the film, his endearing naiveté contrasts sharply with Roger's more jaded viewpoint, highlighting the dichotomy between youth and experience.

👦 Young Adult 💕 Innocent 🌱 Aspiring

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:26

Major Themes – Roger Dodger (2002)

Explore the central themes of Roger Dodger (2002), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Relationships

The movie explores the complexities of relationships, both romantic and familial. Roger's turbulent affair with Joyce highlights the challenges of adult relationships, while his interactions with Nick reveal the pressures of navigating youth and attraction. Throughout the film, the contrasting attitudes towards love and emotional connections are thoughtfully examined.

👨‍🎓 Coming of Age

Roger Dodger delves into the theme of coming of age through Nick's journey from naiveté to understanding the world of adult relationships. As Roger attempts to teach Nick the ways of flirting and womanizing, viewers witness the awkwardness and innocence of youth against Roger's cynical perspective. This dynamic is crucial as it reflects the struggle to forge one's identity amidst familial expectations and societal pressures.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:26

Unlock the Full Story of Roger Dodger

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

Roger Dodger Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Roger Dodger, 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.

Roger Dodger Summary

Roger Dodger Timeline

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

Roger Dodger Timeline

More About Roger Dodger

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Roger Dodger: 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 Roger Dodger

Similar Movies to Roger Dodger

Discover movies like Roger Dodger that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.