The Manhattan Project

The Manhattan Project

Year: 1986

Runtime: 117 min

Language: English

Director: Marshall Brickman

Sci-FiThriller

A brilliant but troubled man, facing a difficult truth about his health, struggles with the consequences of his choices and their impact on his loved ones. He must confront the devastating effects his decisions have on his innocent son and the lives of those closest to him, leaving a lasting impact on everyone involved.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Manhattan Project (1986)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Manhattan Project (1986). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The events of the film take place in a contemporary setting, where advancements in science and technology are at the forefront. Discussions of nuclear energy and private experimentation highlight the period's societal tensions surrounding science and ethics.

Location

Ithaca, New York

Ithaca is a picturesque town nestled in upstate New York, known for its breathtaking gorges, waterfalls, and vibrant college town atmosphere. This serene location serves as the backdrop for significant scientific discoveries and youthful ambitions, juxtaposing tranquility with high-stakes drama.

🏙️ City 🌳 Nature

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:44

Main Characters – The Manhattan Project (1986)

Meet the key characters of The Manhattan Project (1986), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Dr. John Mathewson

A driven scientist who uncovers a groundbreaking method for refining plutonium. John embodies both ambition and naivety, as his pursuit of scientific achievement blinds him to the ethical hazards lurking in his discoveries.

👨‍🔬 Scientist ⚗️ Ambitious

Paul

A teenage boy with a natural affinity for science, he is intelligent and resourceful. Paul's curiosity leads him to investigate the shadows of the laboratory, and his resolve propels the narrative, showcasing the courage of youth.

👦 Teenager 🔍 Curious

Jenny Anderman

Paul's girlfriend who aspires to be a journalist. Jenny's ambition and desire for truth complement Paul's scientific curiosity and drive their investigation forward, highlighting the theme of youthful determination.

👩‍💻 Journalist 💡 Ambitious

Lt. Colonel Conroy

A military investigator determined to uncover the truth behind the suspicious activities at the lab. Conroy represents authority and responsibility in the narrative, struggling to balance the need for security with the realities of innocent intentions.

👮 Authority ⚔️ Determined

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:44

Major Themes – The Manhattan Project (1986)

Explore the central themes of The Manhattan Project (1986), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌌 Ethics of Science

The film explores the moral implications of scientific discovery and the potential consequences of unchecked ambition. It raises questions about the responsibility of scientists in the pursuit of knowledge, particularly in sensitive domains such as nuclear energy.

🕵️‍♂️ Youthful Curiosity

The theme of youthful curiosity is embodied by Paul and Jenny, whose adventurous spirit drives them to uncover hidden truths. Their determination illustrates how the inquisitive nature of youth can challenge established norms and authority.

💣 Tension and Resolution

The escalating tension surrounding the nuclear device serves as a pivotal element in the film, culminating in a thrilling climax. The collaboration between characters in moments of crisis highlights the potential for unity in the face of danger.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:44

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies with Rogue Geniuses like The Manhattan Project

Stories where a clever individual's creation spirals into a high-stakes crisis.Explore movies like The Manhattan Project, where a brilliant character's creation leads to a dangerous situation. These similar thrillers and sci-fi stories feature smart protagonists facing the unintended consequences of their own intellect, ideal if you enjoyed the tense scientific ethics of the original film.

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Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread often begin with a breakthrough or discovery, followed by the protagonist's hubris or desperation leading them to test boundaries. This triggers a chain reaction where the invention becomes a ticking clock, compelling the creator to race against time to contain the very power they sought to harness.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared focus on the archetype of the 'rogue genius,' the tension between innovation and safety, and the moral panic that arises when knowledge outpaces responsibility. They create a cerebral yet urgent viewing experience.

Cold War Conspiracy Thrillers like The Manhattan Project

Thrillers where clandestine government projects force moral standoffs.Find more movies like The Manhattan Project that capture the tense atmosphere of Cold War secrecy. These similar thrillers involve government conspiracies, scientific ethics, and dangerous truths, perfect if you liked the clandestine, high-stakes feel of uncovering a hidden nuclear project.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves the discovery of a hidden truth about a powerful institution, leading to a cat-and-mouse game between the individual and the system. The journey is one of increasing paranoia and danger, as the protagonist's investigation forces them to confront the moral compromises and potential devastation buried within the secret.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread share a distinct mood of historical paranoia, a focus on systemic secrecy versus individual conscience, and the high-stakes tension of exposing a dangerous truth that those in power want to keep hidden.

Unlock the Full Story of The Manhattan Project

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

The Manhattan Project Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Manhattan Project, 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 Manhattan Project Summary

The Manhattan Project Timeline

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

The Manhattan Project Timeline

The Manhattan Project Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Manhattan Project 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.

The Manhattan Project Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Manhattan Project

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Manhattan Project: 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 Manhattan Project

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