The Big Year

The Big Year

Year: 2011

Language: English

Director: David Frankel

Comedy

Three men facing different life challenges—midlife doubts, professional stagnation, and a sense of emptiness—decide to pursue a unique quest for revitalization. They compete to identify the greatest number of bird species across North America in a single year. This ambitious goal sparks a hilarious and unpredictable journey of self-discovery and unexpected camaraderie as they navigate the continent and confront their personal struggles.

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Timeline & Setting – The Big Year (2011)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Big Year (2011). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie unfolds in contemporary times, reflective of modern day society's challenges and aspirations. It captures the essence of individuals seeking fulfillment and connection during a significant annual event in their lives—the Big Year for birdwatching.

Location

Baltimore, New York, Lansdowne, Rocky Mountains, China

The film traverses a variety of locations, from the bustling urban environment of Baltimore to the vibrant competitiveness of New York City. Lansdowne serves as a backdrop for personal transformation and growth. The breathtaking Rocky Mountains symbolize a reconnection with nature, while China provides a moment of introspection for a character absorbed in his thoughts.

🏙️ City 🌲 Nature 🏞️ Mountains 🌏 International

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:39

Main Characters – The Big Year (2011)

Meet the key characters of The Big Year (2011), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Brad Harris

Brad Harris is a dedicated and talented birder looking to find his purpose following a failed marriage and career struggles. His journey throughout the Big Year serves as a chance for redemption and self-acceptance, showcasing his growth as he develops meaningful relationships and embraces the beauty of nature.

👨‍💻 Programmer 🦜 Birdwatcher 🌱 Self-discovery

Stu Preissler

Stu Preissler is a successful entrepreneur on the brink of retirement, driven to pursue his passion for birdwatching. His supportive nature and wisdom shine through as he mentors Brad and navigates the challenges of balancing ambition while cherishing family moments, ultimately finding peace in his achievements.

💼 Entrepreneur 🦅 Mentor 👴 Family man

Kenny Bostick

Kenny Bostick is a fiercely competitive birdwatcher whose obsession with records strains his personal life. A reigning champion, his cutthroat tactics and relentless pursuit of the Big Year title cast a shadow over his happiness, reflecting the toll that ambition can take on relationships.

🏅 Champion 🐦 Competitor 💔 Isolated

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:39

Major Themes – The Big Year (2011)

Explore the central themes of The Big Year (2011), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🦜 Passion

The theme of passion permeates the story as the characters immerse themselves in birdwatching, showcasing their dedication to ornithology. This shared enthusiasm drives their competitive spirit while also fostering camaraderie and personal growth. It reflects how pursuing one's interests can lead to friendship and self-discovery.

🌱 Relationships

The complexities of relationships play a significant role in the narrative, illustrated through the dynamics of friendship, competition, and familial bonds. Characters navigate their personal connections, revealing the strains that ambition can impose. Ultimately, the film emphasizes the importance of human connections, love, and support in achieving one's dreams.

🏆 Competition

Competition is a driving force in the film, particularly evident in the exhilarating quest to document the most bird sightings. Each character approaches the challenge differently, highlighting the impact of rivalry on personal ambition and interpersonal relationships. The story portrays how the quest for achievement can lead to both fulfillment and solitude.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:39

Unlock the Full Story of The Big Year

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

The Big Year Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Big Year, 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.

The Big Year Summary

The Big Year Timeline

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

The Big Year Timeline

More About The Big Year

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Big Year: 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 The Big Year

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