State and Main

State and Main

Year: 2000

Runtime: 105 min

Language: English

Director: David Mamet

DramaComedy

A film crew arrives in a quaint New England town to shoot a big-budget movie, disrupting the peaceful community and bringing unexpected chaos. As the cameras prepare to roll, clashes erupt between the crew and locals, fueled by ego, ambition, and financial temptations. Amidst the escalating tensions and power struggles, unexpected romances develop, revealing the complexities of human relationships against the backdrop of a charming, small-town setting.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen State and Main yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – State and Main (2000)

Explore the full timeline and setting of State and Main (2000). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film does not specify a distinct time period, allowing for a timeless feel that emphasizes the universal themes of creative struggle and interpersonal conflict. This ambiguity helps to focus on the characters' cinematic journey rather than the constraints of a particular era.

Location

Waterford, Vermont

Waterford is a quaint town in Vermont that serves as a picturesque backdrop for the film's chaotic production. Known for its charming community and scenic landscapes, it becomes a canvas for the disruptions caused by the film crew. The town's serene setting contrasts with the turmoil that unfolds as locals react to the film's presence.

🏞️ Town 🎥 Film Industry

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:44

Main Characters – State and Main (2000)

Meet the key characters of State and Main (2000), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Annie Black (Rebecca Pidgeon)

Annie is a thoughtful local bookseller who seeks to inspire the struggling screenwriter, Joe. Her nurturing nature and creativity offer a counterbalance to the chaotic film crew's presence. Through her interactions with Joe, she embodies the spirit of community and emotional support, pivotal for his personal and creative growth.

📚 Bookseller 🌟 Supportive

Joseph Turner White (Philip Seymour Hoffman)

Joe is an inexperienced screenwriter grappling with writer's block at a critical juncture in the production. His journey reflects the challenges of creativity and self-doubt, making him a relatable protagonist. Joe's interactions with Annie serve as both a source of inspiration and conflict as he seeks to overcome his obstacles.

✍️ Writer 🚶‍♂️ Struggling

Walt Price (William H. Macy)

Walt is the determined film director who is trying to keep the production afloat despite mounting challenges. His frustration and pragmatism represent the burdens of leadership in creative industries. As he navigates the chaos around him, he must make tough choices to ensure the film's success.

🎥 Director 💼 Leader

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:44

Major Themes – State and Main (2000)

Explore the central themes of State and Main (2000), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎬 Creative Struggle

The film explores the challenges faced by creators in the film industry, particularly through Joseph Turner's writer's block. It highlights the pressure to produce quality content amidst personal crises and external chaos. The theme resonates with anyone who has encountered hurdles in their creative endeavors.

🏡 Community Disruption

As the film crew descends on Waterford, the local community is thrown into disarray, showcasing the clash between Hollywood ambition and small-town life. Residents' frustrations with the production's impact reflect broader themes of how outsiders can disrupt a close-knit community. This theme emphasizes the importance of balancing progress with the preservation of local culture.

❤️ Unexpected Romance

Amidst the chaos, a budding romance springs between Joe and Annie, weaving personal relationships into the narrative of professional endeavors. Their connection highlights the idea that love can grow even in tumultuous circumstances, adding a layer of warmth and emotional depth to the story. This theme suggests that human connections can emerge from the strangest of situations.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:44

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies about Hollywood vs Small Town like State and Main

When the glitz of show business collides with the simplicity of a small community.If you enjoyed the chaotic charm of 'State and Main', explore other movies like it where film crews, artists, or city slickers disrupt small-town life. These similar comedies and dramas capture the humor and heart of community disruption and unexpected romance.

satiricalwhimsicalcharmingobservationalchaoticwittyculture clash

Narrative Summary

The narrative typically involves an external force (like a film crew, corporation, or group of tourists) entering a closed-off community, creating a series of escalating conflicts based on differing values. Ultimately, these conflicts lead to personal growth for both the outsiders and the locals, often resolving in a way that finds a new, humorous balance.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on the thematic and situational clash of cultures, their light, satirical tone, and the steady pace of comedic complications that arise from this specific setting dynamic.

Witty Ensemble Dramedies similar to State and Main

Stories where a diverse group of characters navigates a web of intersecting personal dilemmas.Fans of the witty banter and interconnected character arcs in 'State and Main' will enjoy these similar ensemble movies. Discover comedies and dramas with a light touch, moderate complexity, and a happy ending that focus on a group of characters navigating chaotic situations.

wittyobservationalensemblechaoticcharminganxioussatirical

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves introducing a large cast of distinct characters whose individual goals and flaws inevitably intersect. Through a series of witty exchanges and situational comedies, their stories intertwine, leading to a central conflict that forces them to confront their differences and often results in a resolution that brings the ensemble together.

Why These Movies?

This thread groups movies based on their shared use of a large ensemble cast, a light but witty tone that blends comedy and drama, a moderate level of narrative complexity from intersecting plots, and a generally positive, heartwarming resolution.

Unlock the Full Story of State and Main

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

State and Main Summary

Read a complete plot summary of State and Main, 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.

State and Main Summary

State and Main Timeline

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

State and Main Timeline

State and Main Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of State and Main that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

State and Main Spoiler-Free Summary

More About State and Main

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about State and Main: 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 State and Main

Similar Movies to State and Main

Discover movies like State and Main 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.