The Humbling

The Humbling

Year: 2015

Runtime: 112 min

Language: English

Director: Barry Levinson

DramaComedy

A celebrated stage actor, Simon Axler, finds his life disrupted by a sudden affair with a younger woman. As his professional success diminishes, he retreats to the woods seeking peace. However, the arrival of his friend's daughter throws him back into a whirlwind of chaos and long-buried secrets. Confronted with old relationships and startling revelations, Simon must face uncomfortable truths about his career and personal life, leading to a profound reckoning.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Humbling (2015)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Humbling (2015). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film unfolds in a contemporary setting, reflecting modern societal issues including mental health struggles and complex personal relationships. The characters navigate the challenges of their time, including the stigma surrounding mental illness and the shifting dynamics of sexuality and identity.

Location

Washington, D.C., Upstate New York, California, Vermont

Washington, D.C. is known for its monumental architecture and rich cultural history, serving as the backdrop for Simon's emotional downfall during his theatrical performances. Upstate New York provides a tranquil setting for Simon's rehabilitation in the psychiatric hospital, away from the pressures of his previous life. California is where his wife seeks solace, hinting at the contrast between their crumbling relationship and the sun-soaked promise of a new life. Vermont’s women’s college represents a place of academic pursuit intertwined with Pegeen's complex relationships.

🏙️ City 🏞️ Countryside 🌊 Coastal

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:34

Main Characters – The Humbling (2015)

Meet the key characters of The Humbling (2015), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Simon Axler

A celebrated stage actor, Simon grapples with deep depression following a decline in his performances. His journey through therapy and relationships reveals the fragility of his self-worth and the destructive nature of his despair.

🎭 Actor 🥀 Depressed 🚶‍♂️ Lost

Pegeen Mike Stapleford

Pegeen is an enigmatic professor torn between her past as a lesbian and her present relationship with Simon. Her emotional turmoil and quest for identity mirror Simon's struggles, intertwining their fates in a tragic love affair.

👩‍🏫 Professor 🌈 Conflicted ❤️ Romantic

Sybil Van Buren

A fellow patient, Sybil's struggles with guilt over her past and her traumatic experiences add depth to Simon's journey. Her candidness invites Simon to confront his own demons, leading to moments of connection and self-reflection.

👩‍⚕️ Survivor 😢 Guilt 💬 Honest

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:34

Major Themes – The Humbling (2015)

Explore the central themes of The Humbling (2015), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎭 Identity Crisis

Simon struggles with his identity as a once-renowned actor, facing the painful reality of his artistic decline. His journey through depression and therapy highlights the search for self amidst external and internal chaos, causing him to grapple with his value beyond performance.

💔 Love and Loss

The film explores intricate facets of love, notably through Simon and Pegeen’s tumultuous relationship. Their affair acts as a refuge from their personal struggles but ultimately leads to heartbreak, illustrating how unresolved issues can destroy connections.

🌀 Mental Health

Mental health is a central theme within the narrative as Simon's descent into depression prompts him to seek help at a psychiatric hospital. The film addresses the stigma surrounding mental illness and the impact of therapeutic journeys on individuals’ lives.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:34

Unlock the Full Story of The Humbling

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Humbling in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Humbling is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Humbling Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Humbling, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Humbling Summary

The Humbling Timeline

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The Humbling Timeline

More About The Humbling

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More About The Humbling

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