The Good Heart

The Good Heart

Year: 2010

Runtime: 95 min

Language: English

Director: Dagur Kári

Drama

In this gritty drama, Brian Cox plays Jacques, a gruff New York bar owner who takes refuge in drink and smoke, only to find a new lease on life when he befriends Lucas, a young homeless man. As Lucas learns the rules of Jacques' male-only domain, their bond is put to the test by the arrival of April, a distraught beauty seeking shelter.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Good Heart (2010)
Trace every key event in The Good Heart (2010) 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

Jacques' Heart Attack

Jacques, a hot-tempered bartender, faces a life-changing moment when he suffers a heart attack. This incident lands him in the hospital, setting off a chain of events that will alter the paths of both him and Lucas.

Hospital
2

Meeting Lucas

While recovering in the hospital, Jacques meets Lucas, a young homeless man who has just survived a suicide attempt. Despite their differing backgrounds, a strong bond quickly forms between the two as they share their vulnerabilities.

Hospital Room
3

Jacques’ Obsession

Driven by an intense desire to help Lucas, Jacques secretly digs into his medical records. His composure gradually gives way to an obsession, as he feels responsible for helping Lucas find meaningful changes in his life.

Hospital
4

Lucas Visits the Bar

Eventually, Lucas agrees to visit Jacques’ bar, marking the beginning of his new life. Jacques offers Lucas a sparsely furnished room to stay, emphasizing his commitment to helping him recover and move forward.

Jacques' Bar
5

Bartending Training

Jacques takes the initiative to train Lucas in bartending, believing he can make him his successor. However, Lucas's inherent kindness often clashes with the abrasive nature of the bar's patrons, creating challenges in his training.

Jacques' Bar
6

Lucas and April

Lucas's life takes another turn when he welcomes April into his room. Jacques warns Lucas that he should send her away, but love develops between Lucas and April, which eventually leads to their marriage.

Lucas' Room
7

Marriage and Departure

As Lucas and April decide to leave together after their marriage, Jacques feels a mix of anxiety and concern. Although he reluctantly acknowledges Lucas’s need for independence, it unsettles him as he still wants to maintain his influence over him.

Jacques' Bar
8

Jealousy and Tension

Tensions rise as jealousy brews within Lucas regarding April's interactions with the bar's customers. This emotional turmoil ultimately leads to a heated breakup, showcasing the complexities of their relationship.

Jacques' Bar
9

Transformation

As time progresses, an unexpected change in their character arcs becomes evident. Jacques begins to soften, embracing his vulnerabilities, while Lucas hardens as he grapples with his life's challenges and disappointments.

10

Tragedy Strikes

Tragedy befalls Lucas when he is struck by a car, leading to his untimely death. This devastating event profoundly impacts Jacques, who must then confront the loss of his friend.

Street
11

Jacques Receives a Heart

In a cruel twist of fate, Jacques receives Lucas’s heart as a transplant. This moment symbolizes a deeper connection, highlighting the remarkable bond they shared and the lengths to which life can twist fate.

Hospital
12

Decision to Sell the Bar

Despite his prior convictions about never selling the bar, Jacques decides to part with it following Lucas's death. This marks a significant transition for him, showcasing his growth and the need for new beginnings.

Jacques' Bar
13

Moving to Paradise

Jacques relocates to a tropical paradise, embracing a new life filled with hope and potential. He finds solace and joy in the company of friends who care for him, representing a fresh start in his journey.

Tropical Paradise
14

Exploring Themes of Life

The story encapsulates profound themes such as friendship, loss, and the impactful nature of human connections. Through Jacques and Lucas's relationship, the narrative reveals how one life can deeply influence another, highlighting the importance of empathy.

Last Updated: November 08, 2024 at 16:24

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