Tesla

Tesla

Year: 2020

Runtime: 102 min

Language: English

Director: Michael Almereyda

BiographyDrama

This electrifying biopic portrays visionary Nikola Tesla (Ethan Hawke) as he strives to realize his revolutionary electrical system. He faces considerable obstacles while pursuing a future where energy is accessible to all. The film explores his complex relationship with Thomas Edison (Kyle MacLachlan) and a captivating romance with Anne, the daughter of J.P. Morgan (Jim Gaffigan), as Tesla's personal struggles intertwine with his groundbreaking innovations.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Tesla (2020)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Tesla (2020). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1856-1901

The movie spans from Tesla's birth in 1856 to 1901, encapsulating a transformative period in electrical engineering and innovation. This era is marked by fierce rivalries among inventors and significant advancements in technology, notably Tesla's contributions to alternating current. The backdrop of personal tragedies and scientific achievements portrays the struggle between idealism and capitalism in a rapidly changing world.

Location

New York City, Croatia, Chicago, Niagara Falls

The story begins in New York City, a bustling hub of innovation in the late 19th century, where Tesla worked under the famous inventor Thomas Edison. Tesla's early life takes root in a humble Croatian village, reflecting his modest beginnings. The film culminates at the World's Fair in Chicago, a significant event showcasing technological advancements to the public, and later highlights the powerful Niagara Falls hydroelectric power plant, symbolizing Tesla's ambitions in energy.

🏙️ City 🇭🇷 Country 🌊 Nature

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:38

Main Characters – Tesla (2020)

Meet the key characters of Tesla (2020), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Nikola Tesla

Tesla is portrayed as a brilliant yet tormented inventor driven by an insatiable quest for understanding and innovation. His character reflects a blend of genius and vulnerability, often struggling with the societal implications of his work. Despite the advancements he pioneers, he is haunted by isolation and unfulfilled relationships.

⚡ Inventor 💡 Genius 🤔 Visionary

Anne Morgan

Anne Morgan is depicted as a sophisticated and compassionate woman caught between her affections for Tesla and the harsh realities of his solitude. She embodies the struggle to reach out to Tesla, revealing the complexities of emotional connections with someone so consumed by ambition. Despite her desire to support him, she ultimately seeks a different life.

💔 Love Interest 🌟 Supportive 🤝 Connected

Thomas Edison

Edison is characterized as a brilliant but deeply flawed inventor, grappling with personal loss and a fierce need to dominate the energy sector. His conflicting motivations lead him to dismiss Tesla’s groundbreaking ideas, and his rivalry with Tesla showcases the darker side of ambition and competition among inventors.

⚡ Rival 🔦 Innovator 🌪️ Ambitious

George Westinghouse

Westinghouse is portrayed as a savvy businessman who recognizes Tesla's potential and supports his vision. His character represents the capitalist side of innovation, willing to bet on Tesla's patents to challenge Edison’s reign. This alliance is pivotal in advancing alternating current technologies.

💼 Businessman ⚡ Supporter ⚔️ Rival

Mina Edison

Mina Edison stands as a pivotal figure in Thomas Edison's life, representing both a source of his emotional struggles and a glimpse into his more personal side. Her presence in the film highlights Edison's dual nature as a genius and a man grappling with personal tragedies.

💔 Spouse 🕊️ Loss 🌹 Memorial

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:38

Major Themes – Tesla (2020)

Explore the central themes of Tesla (2020), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚡ Innovation

At its core, the film depicts the theme of innovation through Tesla's groundbreaking ideas and technologies. His relentless pursuit of knowledge often clashes with the commercial interests of his contemporaries like Edison. The narrative emphasizes the importance of visionaries who strive to advance society despite facing adversity and opposition.

💔 Isolation

Tesla's journey encapsulates the theme of isolation, as his genius distances him from personal relationships. While he forges a deep bond with Anne Morgan, his obsession with innovation keeps him emotionally distant. The film poignantly highlights his solitude as he achieved greatness in a world that didn't fully understand him.

🏆 Legacy

The theme of legacy is woven throughout Tesla's life and struggles, showcasing how his inventions have profoundly shaped the modern world. Despite facing setbacks and societal rejection, his work continues to influence countless aspects of technology today. The film leaves viewers contemplating the enduring impact of visionaries like Tesla.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:38

Unlock the Full Story of Tesla

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

Tesla Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Tesla, 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.

Tesla Summary

Tesla Timeline

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

Tesla Timeline

More About Tesla

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Tesla: 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 Tesla