The Dish

The Dish

Year: 2001

Runtime: 101 min

Language: English

Director: Rob Sitch

DramaComedy

In this offbeat drama, a quirky team of Aussie scientists, led by Cliff Buxton (Sam Neill), finds itself at the forefront of history as they receive the world's first moon landing images. Housed in an unlikely Australian sheep farm setting, their unconventional approach to space-age communication is put to the test amidst a series of hilarious mishaps and unexpected surprises.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Dish yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – The Dish (2001)
Explore the full timeline and setting of The Dish (2001). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1969

The late 1960s marked a transformative period in human history with the Space Race reaching its pinnacle. Following the Apollo 11 mission, live broadcasts allowed the world to witness historic moments, fostering a sense of global unity and wonder. This era was also characterized by the rapid advancement of technology and shifting societal attitudes toward exploration and science.

Location

Parkes, Australia

Parkes is a small town in New South Wales, known for its iconic radio telescope that played a crucial role in communications during significant space events, such as the moon landing. The dish, surrounded by picturesque sheep paddocks, symbolizes the intersection of nature and technology. Its contribution to science and broadcasting has established Parkes as a notable location in the narrative of space exploration.

🇦🇺 Australia 🌌 Space 📡 Technology

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:29

Main Characters – The Dish (2001)
Meet the key characters of The Dish (2001), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Cliff Buxton

Cliff Buxton is the dedicated chief scientific supervisor at the satellite station, embodying leadership and emotional depth as he recalls memories of his late wife. He navigates the pressures of the NASA takeover, balancing his team’s morale and the importance of their mission. His personal reflections highlight the human side of scientific achievement, making him a relatable character who carries the weight of legacy on his shoulders.

🧑‍🔬 Scientist 💔 Grief 🎖️ Leadership

Bob McIntyre

Bob McIntyre serves as the Mayor of Parkes, eager to elevate his town's status during this historical event. His enthusiasm and ambition are palpable as he seeks to showcase Parkes to important guests. His interactions with family members demonstrate a mix of pride and the pressures of political representation, offering a humorous yet poignant insight into leadership.

🏛️ Mayor 🌟 Ambition 😂 Humor

Rudi

Rudi is the lighthearted character who provides comic relief amid the tense environment. Assigned security duties, he uses humor and playful antics to boost morale among the staff. His dynamic with his sister adds a relatable family aspect to the story, making him a vital part of the film’s positive energy.

😂 Comedian 🔒 Security 👨‍👧 Sibling Relationship

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:29

Major Themes – The Dish (2001)
Explore the central themes of The Dish (2001), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌌 Exploration

The theme of exploration is central to the movie, encapsulating the human spirit's drive to push boundaries and achieve the impossible. The film highlights the collective efforts of individuals working together to broadcast one of humanity's most significant achievements—the moon landing. It showcases how exploration transcends mere scientific pursuit, impacting communities and lives worldwide.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Dynamics

The film delves into family dynamics amidst historical events, revealing the interplay of personal and communal experiences. Humor and tension arise from the interactions within the McIntyre family as they prepare for the momentous occasion, showcasing how such large events can bring families together while also creating challenges. This theme underscores the importance of support and understanding in times of stress and ambition.

⚠️ Crisis Management

Crisis management emerges as a key theme, exploring how teams navigate unexpected challenges during critical moments. The film illustrates the pressure faced by Cliff and his team as they deal with technical failures and environmental threats while striving to accomplish their mission. Their ability to adapt under stress emphasizes resilience and teamwork in the face of adversity.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:29

Similar Movies to The Dish
Discover movies like The Dish that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.