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.

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Timeline – Tesla (2020)

Trace every key event in Tesla (2020) 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

Introduction to Tesla

In 1893, Nikola Tesla and a female companion glide gracefully on roller skates while a narrator introduces the fascinating backstory of Tesla's life. The audience is drawn into Tesla's early inspirations, including a childhood moment with his cat and static electricity.

1893
2

Tesla's Childhood

The narration flashes back to Tesla's early life, revealing he was born in 1856 in a small Croatian village. Raised by a Serbian priest father and an exceptionally intelligent mother, Tesla's early years were rich in inspiration and education.

1856 Croatian village
3

Working with Edison

In 1884, Tesla arrives in New York City and begins working under the famous inventor Thomas Edison. Despite Tesla's brilliance, Edison dismisses many of his revolutionary ideas about alternating current, leading to Tesla's growing frustration.

1884 New York City
4

Fallout with Edison

Following a series of dismissals of his ideas, Tesla experiences the harsh realities of working with Edison. He playful moments and humor are overshadowed by Edison's refusal to adequately compensate him, culminating in Tesla's eventual departure.

5

Establishing Tesla Lighting Company

Tesla attempts to set up his own venture, the Tesla Lighting Company, but faces immediate setbacks when investors swindle him. This leads to disappointing failures, forcing him to take manual labor jobs, including digging ditches for Western Union.

6

Tesla's Patents

In 1885, Tesla pitches his magnetic induction motor to potential financial backers Alfred Brown and Siegfried Peck. This new partnership opens the door for more lucrative opportunities than his previous $15-a-month compensation under Edison.

1885
7

Meeting Anne Morgan

During his innovative journey, Tesla meets the sophisticated Anne Morgan, daughter of J.P. Morgan. Their interactions begin to unfold against the backdrop of financial investments in Edison's projects, creating a complex relationship between ambition and affection.

8

Westinghouse and Patents

Inventor George Westinghouse acquires Tesla's patents and offers him a royalty deal for every horsepower sold. This collaboration sets the stage for a fierce rivalry with Edison, who steadfastly champions direct current over Tesla's alternating current.

9

Edison's Demonstration

Edison escalates the rivalry by orchestrating a shocking public demonstration featuring the electrocuted William Kemmler. This grim event illustrates Edison's desperation to validate his approach while further vilifying alternating current.

10

World's Fair Presentation

Tesla's groundbreaking work culminates at the World's Fair in Chicago, where he showcases the safety and effectiveness of alternating current. Despite the public's fascination and acclaim, his personal relationship with Anne Morgan remains fraught with complexity.

Chicago
11

Contract Disillusions

Amid rising tensions, Westinghouse insists on a merger, prompting Tesla to renegotiate his contract. Disillusioned by what he perceives as misuse of his innovative ideas within the capitalist landscape, he symbolically tears up the contract.

12

Collaboration with Sarah Bernhardt

Tesla's path leads him to meet the glamorous actress Sarah Bernhardt, who contributes to Edison's recordings. This relationship introduces new tension into Tesla’s life as he struggles to balance his professional ambitions with personal connections.

13

Supervision of Niagara Falls

Tesla supervises the ambitious hydroelectric power plant at Niagara Falls, representing a significant achievement in his career. Meanwhile, J.P. Morgan probes Tesla about any potential romantic feelings for Anne Morgan, highlighting Tesla’s increasing solitude.

Niagara Falls
14

Pursuing Extraterrestrial Signals

By 1901, Tesla finds himself consumed with thoughts of deciphering signals he believes to be extraterrestrial. Even as Edison faces challenges in his mining ventures, Tesla remains dedicated to his vision of democratizing energy.

1901
15

Conclusion and Legacy

The film concludes with a poignant montage of Tesla's lifelong struggles and triumphs. As Anne reflects on her decision to pursue a life helping children in France, she acknowledges Tesla’s profound impact and solitary passing at the age of 87.

Last Updated: November 04, 2024 at 00:34

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Tesla Summary

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Tesla Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Tesla

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Tesla

More About Tesla

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