Shock Treatment

Shock Treatment

Year: 1981

Runtime: 94 min

Language: English

Director: Jim Sharman

ComedyMusical

Brad and Janet find their ordinary existence disrupted when they are unexpectedly forced to participate in "Marriage Maze," a bizarre television game show. The show subjects couples to unusual and challenging situations, testing the limits of their relationship. As they navigate the increasingly strange and twisted environment, they must confront unexpected obstacles and fight to maintain their sanity and emerge victorious from the televised ordeal.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Shock Treatment (1981)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Shock Treatment (1981). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film captures a modern era saturated with media and entertainment influences, illustrating the cultural shifts brought on by television. It reflects a time when reality television started to distort perceptions of reality and normalize unconventional narratives in society.

Location

Denton, Dentonvale

Denton is a town that serves as the backdrop for the movie, characterized by its quirky and surreal environment, largely influenced by the realities of television production. The town transforms into a live reality show setting, with its residents becoming enthusiastic participants. Dentonvale, the mental health facility, represents the darker underbelly of this seemingly joyful reality, where characters undergo bizarre experiences under the guise of care.

📺 Television 🏥 Mental Health Facility

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:11

Main Characters – Shock Treatment (1981)

Meet the key characters of Shock Treatment (1981), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Farley Flavors (Cliff De Young)

Farley Flavors is the shadowy executive behind the transformative reality show and embodies the manipulative forces of media. His relentless pursuit of fame and control contributes to the unsettling atmosphere of Denton, driving the plot forward through his plans. Although he appears charismatic, his true intentions are dubious, making him a pivotal antagonist in the story.

🧑‍💼 Executive 🎭 Manipulative

Janet (Jessica Harper)

Janet is a conflicted character who oscillates between loyalty to her husband, Brad, and the allure of newfound fame. Her journey reflects the pressures of societal expectations and personal desires, leading her to make a controversial decision that impacts her relationship. Despite her initial optimism, Janet's character evolves as she grapples with the consequences of her choices.

👩‍❤️‍👨 Wife 🌟 Fame

Brad Majors (Cliff De Young)

Brad is portrayed as the neurotic husband who struggles to adapt to the rapid changes in his hometown. His character represents the everyman caught in the throes of an overwhelming media experience, leading to a sense of vulnerability and isolation. Throughout the film, Brad's objections against the bizarre events highlight his quest for autonomy.

🧑‍⚕️ Husband 🌪️ Vulnerability

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:11

Major Themes – Shock Treatment (1981)

Explore the central themes of Shock Treatment (1981), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎭 Reality vs. Illusion

The movie explores the theme of reality versus illusion, highlighting how the characters become increasingly trapped in the fabricated world of television. As the line blurs between the authentic and the staged, viewers witness the consequences of living under a constant media gaze and the challenges that arise from seeking true connection amid superficiality.

🗝️ Freedom and Control

Themes of freedom and control are central to the narrative, as characters grapple with external constraints imposed by societal norms and media manipulation. The protagonists' struggle to escape the clutches of Denton's oppressive reality show symbolizes a broader desire for personal liberation amidst a controlled environment.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:11

Unlock the Full Story of Shock Treatment

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

Shock Treatment Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Shock Treatment, 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.

Shock Treatment Summary

Shock Treatment Timeline

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

Shock Treatment Timeline

More About Shock Treatment

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Shock Treatment: 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 Shock Treatment

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