Starting Out in the Evening

Starting Out in the Evening

Year: 2007

Runtime: 111 min

Language: English

Director: Andrew Wagner

DramaRomance

Leonard Schiller, a novelist facing a stalled career and a decade-long unfinished manuscript, finds comfort in his close relationship with his daughter, Ariel. The arrival of Heather Wolfe, an eager graduate student, offers a chance to restore his literary standing, but also disrupts his quiet life. He must then grapple with his artistic aspirations and the complexities of fame while confronting questions of identity and legacy.

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Timeline – Starting Out in the Evening (2007)

Trace every key event in Starting Out in the Evening (2007) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Leonard's Final Novel

Leonard Schiller, an aging author, is on the verge of completing his final novel. After years of not publishing anything new, he feels the weight of his previous acclaim and the pressure to finish this masterpiece.

2

Heather's Arrival

Heather, a vibrant graduate student, enters Leonard's life with the intention of studying his literary contributions for her thesis. Her admiration for Leonard’s works flattens him and sparks a new creative energy he hasn't felt in years.

3

Growing Affection

As Leonard grows accustomed to Heather's presence, he realizes that she is not just an admirer of his work but also has romantic feelings towards him. This revelation complicates their intellectual connection and deepens their bond.

4

Intimate Night

Heather's flirtations towards Leonard lead to an intimate encounter where they share a bed. This moment opens the door for a deeper emotional connection, and they awaken feeling a new comfort in their relationship.

5

Confrontation About the Past

Heather learns from an editor about Leonard's complicated marital history, prompting a confrontation. This confrontation stirs up intense emotions in Leonard, leading to a passionate kiss, which underscores their conflicting emotions.

6

Thesis Draft Rejection

After sharing her initial thesis draft with Leonard, Heather feels unsettled by the dynamic shift in their relationship. Despite his constructive feedback, she begins to place emotional distance between them, causing confusion.

7

Leonard's Stroke

Tragedy strikes when Leonard suffers a stroke, leading to an emergency hospital visit supported by Heather. This unexpected health crisis forces both Leonard and Heather to reevaluate the depth of their relationship.

Hospital
8

Recovery and Tension

After a month of recovery, Leonard is overjoyed to see Heather again. However, an emotional incident occurs when he impulsively slaps her during a tender moment, creating an air of confusion and mistrust between them.

9

Daughter's Support

In a parallel narrative, Leonard's daughter shows her support by ensuring he attends his doctor's appointments. She navigates her desires and relationship, reflecting the interconnectedness of personal struggles.

10

Trust in the Boyfriend

Leonard, recognizing his limitations, entrusts his unfinished manuscript to his daughter’s boyfriend. This action signifies both vulnerability and a bittersweet hope that his legacy may continue through someone else.

11

Reflections at the Typewriter

The film concludes with Leonard preparing for bed but finding himself drawn back to his typewriter instead. In a moment of profound reflection, he chooses to write again, symbolizing a renewed commitment to his craft amidst life's chaos.

Last Updated: November 04, 2024 at 03:02

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Starting Out in the Evening Summary

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Starting Out in the Evening Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Starting Out in the Evening

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Starting Out in the Evening

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