Smithereens

Year: 1982

Runtime: 89 min

Language: English

Director: Susan Seidelman

DramaMusic

Seeking a life beyond her ordinary suburban existence, a rebellious teenager named Wren embraces the punk rock scene. She becomes entangled with Eric, a captivating musician poised for a major breakthrough. Their connection leads to a journey to Los Angeles, but their relationship soon reveals a darker side, exploring themes of unwavering loyalty and the difficult realities of chasing fame.

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Timeline & Setting – Smithereens (1982)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Smithereens (1982). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:39

Main Characters – Smithereens (1982)

Meet the key characters of Smithereens (1982), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:39

Major Themes – Smithereens (1982)

Explore the central themes of Smithereens (1982), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:39

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Movies about urban alienation like Smithereens

Character studies of individuals lost and searching for meaning in the city.If you liked the raw, lonely vibe of Smithereens, explore more films about urban alienation. These movies feature characters lost in the city, grappling with identity, survival, and the harsh reality of chasing dreams without a safety net, capturing a similar feeling of disillusionment.

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Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread typically follow a protagonist, often young and rootless, as they navigate the harsh landscape of a city. The plot is less about grand events and more about a series of small-scale struggles—finding a place to sleep, a person to trust, a purpose to live for—that collectively chart a path of gradual disillusionment or desperate survival.

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Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on the emotional and psychological experience of being alone in a crowd. They share a melancholic tone, a steady, observational pacing, and a heavy emotional weight derived from themes of homelessness, exploitation, and the erosion of self-worth within an urban environment.

Bleak movies about chasing fame like Smithereens

Stories where the desperate quest for stardom leads to a harsh downfall.For viewers who appreciated Smithereens' harsh look at the music scene, this list features similar movies about the bleak pursuit of fame. These stories follow ambitious characters whose dreams are shattered by the difficult realities of their industries, resulting in heavy, emotionally charged dramas.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a protagonist drawn to the allure of a glamorous world—music, art, film—only to discover its exploitative and unforgiving nature. The journey is typically a downward spiral, where initial hope is systematically eroded by rejection, poor choices, and toxic relationships, culminating in a bleak ending that underscores the loss of innocence and self.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their critical perspective on fame and their unflinching portrayal of its costs. They share a melancholic or bleak tone, a steady pacing that builds a sense of inevitable decline, and a heavy emotional weight. The central theme of a dream turning into a survival nightmare creates a cohesive viewing experience.

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Smithereens Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Smithereens, 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.

Smithereens Timeline

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

Smithereens Spoiler-Free Summary

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More About Smithereens

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Discover movies like Smithereens 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.