The Electrical Life of Louis Wain

The Electrical Life of Louis Wain

Year: 2021

Runtime: 111 min

Language: English

Director: Will Sharpe

BiographyDramaHistory

During the late 1800s in Britain, eccentric artist Louis Wain gains recognition for his unique and playful depictions of cats. The film follows his life through the Victorian era and into the 1930s, exploring his artistic evolution and his relationship with his wife, Emily Richardson. It reveals the story of an unconventional man whose work profoundly changed how cats were perceived and celebrated.

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Timeline – The Electrical Life of Louis Wain (2021)

Trace every key event in The Electrical Life of Louis Wain (2021) 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

Louis Becomes Family's Breadwinner

In 1881, after the death of his father, Louis Wain steps up as the primary supporter of his family. He takes on the responsibility of providing for his five sisters and mother by working part-time as an illustrator.

1881
2

Full-Time Job Offer

Editor Sir William Ingram offers Louis a full-time illustrators position at The Illustrated London News. However, Louis refuses the opportunity, hoping to pursue music and playwriting instead to support his family, which ultimately proves unsuccessful.

The Illustrated London News
3

Hiring of Emily Richardson

Louis hires Emily Richardson as the new governess for his sisters, leading to an instant attraction between them. The romance causes tension, especially with his eldest sister, Caroline, who disapproves.

4

A Night at the Theatre

Louis takes Emily and his family to see 'The Tempest' at the theatre as an educational trip. Following a distressing nightmare, Louis is comforted by Emily in a men's restroom, but this incident leads to a scandal that results in Caroline firing her.

Theatre
5

Confession of Love

Before Emily leaves, Louis confesses his love for her. Their relationship blossoms into a courtship that defies societal expectations and family norms.

6

Marriage to Emily

In 1884, Louis and Emily marry, causing another scandal due to their age difference and her social status. They settle into a new home in Hampstead as Louis continues to juggle work as a freelance artist.

1884 Hampstead
7

Emily's Illness

Tragically, Emily is diagnosed with breast cancer. In an attempt to cope with their grief, the couple decides to adopt a stray kitten named Peter, marking a turning point in their lives.

Countryside
8

Artistic Transformation

As Emily’s condition worsens, Louis starts creating more artistic representations of Peter, transitioning from realistic portrayals of the kitten to whimsical, anthropomorphic cat paintings. This shift reflects both his coping mechanism and his deeper emotional struggles.

9

Success and Loss

Despite the Christmas edition of The Illustrated London News featuring Louis's work becoming successful, the joy is short-lived as Emily passes away months later. Louis turns to his art even more as a way to process the profound loss he experiences.

10

Rise to Prominence

By 1891, Wain's cat illustrations gain immense popularity, appearing on various prints and changing public perceptions about cats as household pets. However, the financial struggles of the Wain family persist, exacerbated by Louis's failure to copyright his work.

1891
11

Family Turmoil

The family's mounting debts lead to their eviction from their home, while Marie, Louis's youngest sister, begins to exhibit signs of mental illness. Louis's struggles deepen as he navigates the chaos within his family.

12

Moving to a Smaller Home

With Sir William's help, the family finds temporary housing at one of his properties. However, further tragedy strikes as both Marie is admitted to an asylum and Peter dies, pushing Louis's mental stability to the brink.

13

Trip to New York

In 1907, Louis travels to New York, hoping to establish his career and relieve his family’s debts. His arrival is met with mixed success as he grapples with loss again when he learns of his mother’s death from influenza shortly after.

1907 New York
14

Return to England

After several years in the U.S., Louis returns to England in 1914, responding to Caroline's request. He learns that tragedy has continued to plague his family, leading to further emotional turmoil.

1914
15

Coma and Inspiration

Louis suffers a severe head injury and falls into a coma during which he experiences vivid visions. Upon awakening, he is inspired to design futuristic cat toys, believing this will be a new avenue for success, though this hope is dashed when the toys are lost.

Last Updated: December 03, 2024 at 14:27

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The Electrical Life of Louis Wain Summary

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The Electrical Life of Louis Wain Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Electrical Life of Louis Wain

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Electrical Life of Louis Wain

The Electrical Life of Louis Wain Ending Explained

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The Electrical Life of Louis Wain Ending Explained

More About The Electrical Life of Louis Wain

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