The Lathe of Heaven

Year: 1980

Runtime: 105 mins

Language: English

Directors: Fred Barzyk, David R. Loxton

FantasyThrillerDrama

Ursula K. Le Guin’s science‑fiction masterpiece follows George Orr, a man whose dreams reshape waking reality. He tries to curb this volatile gift with medication, but his psychiatrist, Dr. Haber, discovers its truth. Obsessed with “improving” the world, Haber coaxes Orr to alter events, leading to bizarre and frightening consequences for humanity.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Lathe of Heaven 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 Lathe of Heaven (1980)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Lathe of Heaven (1980). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:01

Main Characters – The Lathe of Heaven (1980)

Meet the key characters of The Lathe of Heaven (1980), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:01

Major Themes – The Lathe of Heaven (1980)

Explore the central themes of The Lathe of Heaven (1980), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:01

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Ethical Nightmares Like in The Lathe of Heaven

Stories of dangerous ambition and the catastrophic consequences of meddling with forces beyond control.If you liked The Lathe of Heaven's exploration of the dangers of playing god, you'll find similar movies here. These science fiction and thriller stories focus on characters who manipulate reality, nature, or society with disastrous results, leading to heavy, thought-provoking narratives about the ethics of power.

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Narrative Summary

Narratives typically follow a well-intentioned but dangerously ambitious protagonist or antagonist who gains a powerful ability or technology. Their attempts to 'improve' the world lead to a series of escalating, unforeseen disasters, forcing a confrontation with the moral collapse their actions have caused.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared thematic core: a deep skepticism toward technological or psychological utopianism and a focus on the personal and societal cost of wielding ultimate power. They create a consistent mood of intellectual dread and moral unease.

Movies with Shifting Reality Like The Lathe of Heaven

Psychological journeys where the line between dreams, memory, and the real world dissolves.Find movies like The Lathe of Heaven that explore the terrifying fragility of reality. These films often blend psychological thriller and science fiction elements, using dreams, altered states, or existential paradoxes to create a pervasive sense of anxiety and existential dread for the protagonist.

dreamlikeparanoidunsettlingexistential dreaddisorientinganxiousreflectivemelancholic

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a protagonist who is unsure of what is real. Reality is fluid, manipulated by external forces or internal psychology. The plot unfolds as a mystery where the protagonist must navigate this instability, often leading to a revelation that recontextualizes everything that came before.

Why These Movies?

They are united by a core experiential quality: the feeling of existential vertigo. The shared mood is one of paranoia, disorientation, and a deep-seated anxiety about the nature of identity and existence when the ground beneath one's feet is constantly shifting.

Unlock the Full Story of The Lathe of Heaven

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Lathe of Heaven 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 Lathe of Heaven is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Lathe of Heaven Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Lathe of Heaven, 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 Lathe of Heaven Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Lathe of Heaven with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Lathe of Heaven Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Lathe of Heaven that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

More About The Lathe of Heaven

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Lathe of Heaven: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

Similar Movies to The Lathe of Heaven

Discover movies like The Lathe of Heaven 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.