The Disappearance

The Disappearance

Year: 1981

Runtime: 91 min

Language: english

Director: Stuart Cooper

DramaThriller

As a ruthless contract killer, his world crumbles when his wife vanishes without a trace. Now, embroiled in a deadly game of cat and mouse, he must navigate a web of deceit to uncover the truth behind her disappearance, all while confronting the darkness within himself and the sinister forces driving him to eliminate a target with a chilling connection to his own lost loved one.

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Timeline & Setting – The Disappearance (1981)
Explore the full timeline and setting of The Disappearance (1981). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The events unfold in a contemporary setting, marked by urban crime and personal betrayal. The winter season adds a layer of desolation, enhancing the emotional weight of Mallory's journey. The themes of love, trust, and deception resonate strongly in this modern era of crime and moral ambiguity.

Location

Montréal, Suffolk, London

Montréal serves as the icy backdrop of Jay Mallory's harrowing tale, known for its vibrant culture and tumultuous weather. The serene countryside of Suffolk contrasts the urban chaos, providing a deceptive calmness that hides dark intentions. London, with its sprawling architecture and rich history, becomes the stage for the intersecting lives and betrayal in the shadows of the criminal underworld.

🏙️ City 🌳 Countryside 🇬🇧 England

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:29

Main Characters – The Disappearance (1981)
Meet the key characters of The Disappearance (1981), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Jay Mallory (Donald Sutherland)

Jay Mallory is a complex protagonist, a contract killer navigating a treacherous world. His passion and despair over his wife's disappearance drive him deeper into a web of deception. Despite his hardened exterior, he reveals vulnerability in his quest for truth and emotional reconciliation, ultimately facing a tragic end.

🔍 Detective 💔 Heartbroken 😠 Betrayed

Celandine Mallory (Francine Racette)

Celandine is a manipulative figure, embodying the themes of betrayal and desire for freedom. Her affair and subsequent actions lead her husband into a deadly game, showcasing a cold pragmatism masked by love. Her calm demeanor at the film's conclusion leaves her character shrouded in ambiguity.

💔 Unfaithful 🕵️ Seductive 🎭 Mysterious

Burbank (David Warner)

Burbank serves as Mallory's connection to the Organization, representing the often treacherous nature of the criminal underworld. His advice and subsequent disappearance adds layers of intrigue, positioning him as a catalyst for Mallory's fateful decisions. His character encapsulates the notion of trust being a dangerous gamble.

🕵️‍♂️ Informant 🔑 Key Player 🧩 Manipulator

Deverell (Christopher Plummer)

Deverell is the enigmatic leader of the Organization and the target of Mallory’s assignment. His calm demeanor and underlying ruthlessness reveal the darker side of power. His actions serve as a grim reminder of the fragility of trust and the violent undercurrents in the world Mallory inhabits.

👤 Antagonist 🔫 Powerful 🗝️ Mysterious

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:29

Major Themes – The Disappearance (1981)
Explore the central themes of The Disappearance (1981), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Betrayal

Betrayal is a central theme in 'The Disappearance', where personal relationships intertwine with the dark dealings of the crime syndicate. Mallory’s wife's infidelity and manipulation lay the groundwork for the tragic events that unfold, highlighting how trust can be shattered. The unexpected turns in loyalty lead to fatal consequences, leaving the audience questioning the true nature of commitment.

🔫 Crime

The underbelly of international crime is intricately woven into the fabric of the narrative. Mallory, as a contract killer, navigates a world where morality is compromised for survival. The shady dealings and plots of the Organization reveal a chilling reality where life is expendable, and betrayal is a common currency.

❄️ Isolation

Isolation permeates the storyline, reflecting both Mallory's physical surroundings and emotional state. The frigid landscape of Montréal symbolizes the coldness of his relationships, particularly with Celandine. As he grapples with his wife's disappearance and the treachery surrounding him, the sense of solitude amplifies the film's tension and urgency.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:29

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