Shock Treatment

Shock Treatment

Year: 1981

Runtime: 94 min

Language: English

Director: Jim Sharman

ComedyMusical

In this outrageous comedy, Brad and Janet's mundane lives take a wild detour when they're thrust into the twisted world of "Marriage Maze," a wacky TV game show where relationships are put to the test. Will they survive the chaos or emerge as winners?

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

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