The Cable Guy

The Cable Guy

Year: 1996

Runtime: 96 min

Language: English

DramaThrillerComedy

While installing cable for his neighbor Steve, Chip becomes increasingly obsessed with forming a friendship, offering him a wide array of premium television channels. When Steve declines Chip’s unwanted attention, the initially helpful installer’s behavior turns sinister. Chip’s persistent advances escalate into a dangerous obsession, and as Steve tries to alert others to the threat, Chip’s descent into madness accelerates, creating a truly warped and unsettling situation.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Cable Guy (1996)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Cable Guy (1996). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie is set in an undefined present-day context, typical of a 1990s setting characterized by cultural references and societal norms of that era. This period highlights a growing fascination with cable television and the influence of media on personal relationships.

Location

City, Medieval Times

The movie primarily takes place in a bustling city, showcasing various urban settings that reflect the chaos and vibrancy of modern life. Notably, Medieval Times serves as a comedic backdrop for a pivotal jousting scene, blending historical themes with contemporary humor. This unique venue is known for its dinner shows and knightly battles, offering an escape into a fantastical world.

🏙️ City 🎭 Medieval Times

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:43

Main Characters – The Cable Guy (1996)

Meet the key characters of The Cable Guy (1996), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Steven Kovacs (Matthew Broderick)

Steven is a well-meaning architect struggling with personal relationships after a failed engagement. His journey through friendship with Chip is marked by moments of vulnerability and self-discovery, as he learns to navigate conflict and betrayal. Steven's character embodies the everyman caught in bizarre circumstances, showcasing resilience amid chaos.

🏗️ Architect 💔 Heartbroken

Chip Douglas (Jim Carrey)

Chip is an eccentric cable installer whose desperate need for friendship leads to increasingly erratic and obsessive behavior. Raised largely by television, he struggles to understand social boundaries and the consequences of his actions, making him a tragically comedic figure. His character arc reflects the darker side of loneliness and the consequences of unhealthy attachments.

📺 Cable Installer 🤪 Eccentric

Robin Harris (Leslie Mann)

Robin is Steven's girlfriend, whose influence plays a critical role in the development of Steven's storyline. Her character reflects the pressures of relationships and the complexities of heartache. Through her interactions with Steven and Chip, Robin becomes a catalyst for conflict and change.

👩‍❤️‍👨 Girlfriend 🤔 Conflicted

Rick (Jack Black)

Rick is Steven’s reckless friend who tries to offer support while unintentionally steering Steven into chaos. His carefree attitude contrasts sharply with the serious consequences that unfold, providing comic relief yet also highlighting the impact of friendship choices.

🌀 Reckless Friend 😂 Comic Relief

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:43

Major Themes – The Cable Guy (1996)

Explore the central themes of The Cable Guy (1996), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🤝 Friendship

The film explores the complexities of friendship, particularly the fine line between companionship and obsession. Chip's desperate attempts to bond with Steven lead to comedic moments but also reveal darker undertones of dependency and social boundary violations. The deterioration of their relationship underscores the importance of healthy friendships.

📺 Media Influence

Media plays a crucial role in shaping the characters' lives, especially for Chip, who was raised by television. The pervasive influence of media leads to blurring the lines between reality and fiction. This theme invites viewers to reflect on their own media consumption and its impact on personal identity and relationships.

💔 Betrayal

Betrayal emerges as a central theme, particularly in the dynamic between Steven and Chip. What starts as a seemingly innocent friendship devolves into manipulation, leading to feelings of betrayal and mistrust. The illusion of camaraderie is shattered as Chip's obsessive behavior puts everyone around him in jeopardy.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:43

Unlock the Full Story of The Cable Guy

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

The Cable Guy Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Cable Guy, 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 Cable Guy Summary

The Cable Guy Timeline

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

The Cable Guy Timeline

More About The Cable Guy

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Cable Guy: 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 Cable Guy

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