The Good Shepherd

The Good Shepherd

Year: 2006

Runtime: 167 min

Language: English

DramaThriller

A man's unwavering dedication to the Central Intelligence Agency shapes his life as he rises through the ranks of the OSS and CIA during the Cold War. Matt Damon portrays Edward Wilson, whose loyalty and sense of duty demand a significant sacrifice, profoundly impacting his personal relationships and forcing him to grapple with the hidden costs of his profession amidst a climate of secrecy and suspicion.

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Timeline – The Good Shepherd (2006)

Trace every key event in The Good Shepherd (2006) 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

The Bay of Pigs Invasion

In 1961, the Bay of Pigs invasion occurs, leaving a catastrophic aftermath that haunts CIA officer Edward Wilson. The political fallout raises suspicions of a mole within the agency, setting off a chain of events that leads Wilson to question his colleagues' loyalties.

1961 Cuba
2

Rumors of Betrayal

Following the chaotic invasion, Wilson discovers suspicious audio tapes and an intimate photo of a man and woman together at home. These clues hint at deeper betrayals within the CIA, pushing Wilson to scrutinize his own inner circle for signs of disloyalty.

3

Yale University Initiation

In 1939, Wilson enters Yale University and is invited to join the elite Skull and Bones fraternity. During his initiation, he reveals a heartbreaking suicide note from his father, which has haunted him due to his father's questionable loyalty and its consequences on their family.

1939 Yale University
4

Recruitment by the FBI

FBI agent Sam Murach approaches Wilson to investigate his poetry professor, Frederick, suspected of having Nazi sympathies. After Wilson’s scrutiny leads to Frederick's resignation, it underscores the tension brewing in Europe ahead of World War II.

5

Love and Heartbreak

Wilson falls in love with Laura, a deaf fellow student at Yale, but their relationship faces trials as World War II looms. Laura desires intimacy with Wilson but pulls back, and when she learns about Wilson's impending marriage to Clover, she walks away devastated.

6

Meeting Clover

In 1940, during a party, Wilson meets Margaret 'Clover' Russell, who is charming yet aggressive. Her allure captivates Wilson despite potential familial conflicts, setting the stage for their complicated relationship amidst the backdrop of an impending war.

1940
7

A Wedding and its Aftermath

On the day of Wilson's wedding to Clover, he receives orders to report to London for intelligence duties, reflecting the tension between personal commitments and national service. This pivotal moment marks a significant shift in Wilson’s life as he navigates love and duty.

London
8

Danger in London

Upon arriving in London, Wilson meets Dr. Fredericks, who warns him about a threat within their ranks. Fredericks' eventual assassination for refusing to cooperate serves as a stark reminder of the dangers in the world of espionage.

London
9

A Bitter Reunion in Berlin

In post-war Berlin, Wilson collaborates with a Soviet agent called 'Ulysses' during a volatile scientist exchange. The discovery of Clover’s infidelity during this period adds personal strife to the already complex environment of espionage.

Berlin
10

The Formation of the CIA

By 1946, Wilson plays a crucial role in forming the CIA alongside General Sullivan and Richard Hayes. As the founding members shape the agency, Wilson faces personal turmoil back home with Clover, reflecting the dual battles of personal and professional life.

1946
11

A Son's Ambition and a Father's Regret

Years later, Edward Jr. follows his father's footsteps to Yale, expressing an interest in joining the CIA. This revelation leads to an emotional confrontation, where Wilson reluctantly admits his marriage to Clover was driven by obligation, not love.

Yale University
12

Tension with Cuba

As relations with Cuba deteriorate under Fidel Castro's regime, Wilson becomes increasingly anxious about his son’s silence over the Bay of Pigs invasion. This growing tension is emblematic of Wilson's struggles to balance family duties and national interests.

1961
13

Tragic Revelations

An investigation reveals unsettling truths about Edward Jr. that emerge from recordings made by Ulysses, leading to a shocking assassination of his girlfriend, Miriam. This layer of tragedy layers complex emotional deals into Wilson's narrative.

Léopoldville, Congo
14

A Confrontation of Truth

Amidst internal corruption, Wilson visits the new CIA headquarters, pondering the inscription that encapsulates the agency’s mission. He faces the consequences of betrayal and deception within the organization as he climbs the ranks to lead counter-intelligence.

15

Closure and Transformation

In a moment of introspection, Wilson confronts his father’s suicide note, filled with themes of betrayal and the plea for integrity. By burning the note, he signifies an end to an era and embraces his role in the counter-intelligence division, embarking on a path towards resolution.

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 14:00

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The Good Shepherd Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Good Shepherd

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