The Long Goodbye

The Long Goodbye

Year: 1973

Runtime: 112 min

Language: English

Director: Robert Altman

DramaMysteryThrillerComedyCrime

As an immigrant family prepares for a wedding in their British home, a local right-wing march unexpectedly escalates into chaos. The disruption exposes underlying tensions and fractures within the community, challenging the family's sense of belonging and revealing a more complex reality beneath the surface of everyday life.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Long Goodbye 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 Long Goodbye (1973)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Long Goodbye (1973). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The events unfold in a contemporary setting that reflects the 1970s American culture, characterized by emerging social issues and a shift in traditional values. This period saw an increase in crime and disillusionment in urban life, mirrored by Marlowe's investigation and the moral complexities he faces.

Location

Los Angeles, Tijuana, Malibu Colony, Mexico City

The movie predominantly takes place in Los Angeles, known for its sprawling urban landscape and vibrant nightlife. Tijuana serves as a pivotal location for the story, representing a stark contrast to Marlowe's life in the U.S. Malibu Colony is depicted as an affluent coastal community, reflecting the characters' struggles with wealth and personal relationships. The connection to Mexico City further emphasizes the themes of crime and betrayal.

🌆 City 🌊 Beach 🇲🇽 Mexico

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:25

Main Characters – The Long Goodbye (1973)

Meet the key characters of The Long Goodbye (1973), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Philip Marlowe (Elliott Gould)

Philip Marlowe is a sharp-witted private detective with a strong moral compass, grappling with the complexities of friendship and loyalty. His tenacity drives him to seek the truth, even at great personal risk. Marlowe's character embodies the quintessential anti-hero of film noir, navigating through a dark world filled with shady dealings.

🕵️ Detective 🤔 Skeptical 🌪️ Resilient

Terry Lennox (Henry Gibson)

Terry Lennox is portrayed as a troubled friend of Marlowe, whose life spirals into chaos culminating in tragic outcomes. His distress signals Marlowe's intervention, yet his true nature remains ambiguous until the end. Lennox's complex character highlights themes of guilt and misjudgment, drawing Marlowe into a web of danger.

😔 Distressed 🥀 Tragic 👥 Ambiguous

Eileen Wade (Nina van Pallandt)

Eileen Wade is a captivating yet troubled woman, caught in a complicated marriage with Roger while entangled in a web of infidelity and jealousy. Her relationship with Marlowe adds tension as she seeks his help, revealing her vulnerabilities. Eileen personifies the conflict of love and betrayal that plays a critical role in the unfolding narrative.

💔 Vulnerable 🌧️ Jealousy 🌟 Complicated

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:25

Major Themes – The Long Goodbye (1973)

Explore the central themes of The Long Goodbye (1973), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕵️‍♂️ Mystery

The essence of the film revolves around the mystery of Terry Lennox's death and the underlying connections between the characters. Marlowe's role as an investigator highlights the pursuit of truth in a web of deception and betrayal. The narrative keeps viewers engaged through unexpected twists, challenging their perceptions of right and wrong.

💔 Betrayal

Betrayal is a core theme as Marlowe navigates relationships marred by deceit among friends and lovers. The characters' secrets unravel a tragedy that pivots on loyalty and mistrust, especially as Marlowe grapples with the shocking truths about Terry and Sylvia. This theme adds depth to the storyline, showcasing the fragility of human connections.

🍷 Destruction

Destruction manifests through both physical and emotional turmoil, particularly seen in Roger Wade's decline due to alcoholism and the violent fates met by various characters. The emotional battles faced by the characters expose the destructive nature of their pasts and choices. The imagery of a beach party and chaotic environments reflects the disarray in their lives.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:25

Unlock the Full Story of The Long Goodbye

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

The Long Goodbye Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Long Goodbye, 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 Long Goodbye Summary

The Long Goodbye Timeline

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

The Long Goodbye Timeline

More About The Long Goodbye

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

More About The Long Goodbye

Similar Movies to The Long Goodbye

Discover movies like The Long Goodbye 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.