Slaughterhouse-Five

Slaughterhouse-Five

Year: 1972

Runtime: 104 min

Language: English

Director: George Roy Hill

Sci-FiDramaComedyWar

In this surreal and offbeat sci-fi drama, Billy Pilgrim, a bemused optometrist from upstate New York, recounts his journey through time. Abducted by aliens, Billy becomes unstuck in time, reliving moments from his World War II captivity to his mundane life and even his bizarre future as an intergalactic zoo attraction.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Slaughterhouse-Five (1972)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Slaughterhouse-Five (1972). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

World War II

Set during World War II, this time period was marked by significant global conflict, military tactics, and humanitarian crises. The story explores both the physical battles fought on various fronts and the psychological trauma endured by soldiers. Events like the bombing of Dresden reflect the wartime atrocities that deeply affected countless lives.

Location

Ilium, New York, Belgium, Dresden, Germany

The film begins in Ilium, New York, a serene town that contrasts sharply with the chaos of war. As the narrative shifts to Belgium and then to Dresden, Germany, audiences witness the devastating impact of World War II. Dresden is notably recognized for the tragic firebombing that destroyed much of the city and resulted in immense loss of life.

🏙️ Town ⚔️ Battlefield 🔥 Historical Site

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:10

Main Characters – Slaughterhouse-Five (1972)

Meet the key characters of Slaughterhouse-Five (1972), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Billy Pilgrim

Billy Pilgrim is the protagonist whose unique ability to become 'unstuck in time' allows him to witness various moments of his life, particularly during the horrors of World War II. He embodies vulnerability and resilience, often contending with the chaotic events surrounding him. Billy's journey is one of self-discovery, as he grapples with the impact of his experiences.

👨‍🌾 Protagonist 🔄 Time Traveler 🎖️ Soldier

Paul Lazzaro

Paul Lazzaro is portrayed as a vengeful former comrade, harboring grudges against Billy throughout their ordeal. His role underscores the darker aspects of human nature, particularly the desire for revenge in the face of suffering. Lazzaro's character starkly contrasts with Billy's more introspective nature.

😠 Antagonist ⚔️ Grudge Holder 🔒 Confrontational

Edgar Derby

Edgar Derby is a wise and compassionate figure who acts as a mentor to Billy in the POW camp. His commitment to standing up for others highlights the themes of camaraderie and moral courage amidst adversity. Derby's fate serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and values in wartime.

🤝 Mentor ⛰️ Courageous 💔 Tragic

Valencia

Valencia is Billy's loving wife who offers him comfort and stability amidst chaos. She represents the normalcy and familial love that Billy yearns for after experiencing the horrors of war. Her tragic death further deepens Billy's sense of loss and solitude.

💖 Supportive 👩‍❤️‍👨 Wife 🕊️ Tragic

Montana Wildhack

Montana Wildhack is a captivating figure from the alien world of Tralfamadore, embodying love and connection in Billy's unsettling journey. Her relationship with Billy reflects the search for solace and understanding amid his trauma, offering a glimpse of hope in a surreal narrative.

🌌 Enigmatic 💘 Love Interest 🌟 Otherworldly

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:10

Major Themes – Slaughterhouse-Five (1972)

Explore the central themes of Slaughterhouse-Five (1972), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕰️ Time

The theme of time is intricately woven throughout the narrative, as Billy Pilgrim experiences life in a nonlinear fashion. His ability to traverse different moments highlights the philosophical implications of time and existence. This thematic exploration challenges viewers to contemplate the nature of destiny and free will.

💔 Loss

Loss permeates the film, from the deaths of close friends in battle to the tragic outcomes in Billy's personal life. Each character's struggle with grief emphasizes the deep scars left by war and personal tragedy. The narrative illustrates how these experiences shape one's identity and perspective on life.

👽 Survival

Survival is a prevalent theme as Billy navigates the brutal realities of war and personal loss. His journey reflects both physical endurance on the battlefield and emotional resilience in the face of tragedy. This theme is emphasized in Billy's struggle to find meaning amidst chaos and suffering.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:10

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