The Men Who Stare at Goats

The Men Who Stare at Goats

Year: 2009

Runtime: 94 min

Language: English

Director: Grant Heslov

Budget: $25M

ComedyWar

An ambitious reporter, Bob Wilton, investigates a clandestine US military program called the New Earth Army while teaming up with the enigmatic operative Lyn Cassady. Cassady claims the unit trains psychic soldiers with extraordinary abilities, including the power to incapacitate or even kill goats with focused stares. Their mission leads them on a bizarre journey to locate the program's elusive founder, Bill Django, uncovering unconventional training methods and unexpected consequences along the way.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Men Who Stare at Goats 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 Men Who Stare at Goats (2009)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Men Who Stare at Goats (2009). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

2003

Set during the early 2000s, the film reflects the climate of uncertainty and the psychological impact of war following the events of 9/11. This period marked a pivotal moment for the United States, with military involvement in Iraq being a central theme. The backdrop of the Iraq War underscores the absurdity of the characters' experiences.

Location

Ann Arbor, Iraq, Baghdad

The movie takes place in several significant locations, primarily Ann Arbor, Michigan, where journalist Bob Wilton begins his journey. The narrative then shifts to Iraq and ultimately Baghdad, a war-torn area where the true essence of the New Earth Army is revealed. Each location highlights the contrast between everyday life and the chaos of conflict.

🌍 Locations 📍 War Zone 🏙️ City Life

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:55

Main Characters – The Men Who Stare at Goats (2009)

Meet the key characters of The Men Who Stare at Goats (2009), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Bob Wilton

Bob is a journalist grappling with the aftermath of personal loss and aiming for a meaningful story. His initial skepticism transforms into fascination as he embarks on a surreal journey with Lynn. Bob's character embodies a blend of cynicism and curiosity, ultimately leading to profound self-reflection.

📰 Journalist 🌍 Explorer 🥴 Introspective

Lynn Cassady

Lynn is portrayed as a charismatic yet eccentric character, steeped in the mystique of the New Earth Army. His background as a Psi-warrior complicates his relationship with traditional military values and evokes empathy for his troubled past. Lynn's unique outlook on life draws Bob into a whirlwind of bizarre escapades.

🧙‍♂️ Mystic 🤪 Eccentric 🪄 Psi-warrior

Larry Hooper

Larry serves as the antagonist, representing the darker side of psychic abilities. His competitive nature drives him to use manipulative tactics against Lynn. Despite being a formidable psychic, Larry’s actions highlight the dangers of power and ambition overshadowing ethical considerations.

⚔️ Antagonist 🕵️ Competitor 🔮 Psychic

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:55

Major Themes – The Men Who Stare at Goats (2009)

Explore the central themes of The Men Who Stare at Goats (2009), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌀 Absurdity

The film explores the absurdity of war and military operations through humorous yet poignant episodes. Characters navigate bizarre situations that challenge traditional notions of combat and heroism. As they encounter eccentric philosophies, the line between sanity and insanity is humorously blurred.

🔍 Self-Discovery

Bob's journey is one of self-discovery, highlighting the importance of personal truths and perspectives. As he digresses into a world of psychic warriors, he confronts his own existential dilemmas. The experiences shared with Lynn and Bill lead him to profound realizations about courage and vulnerability.

✨ Psychic Powers

The theme of psychic abilities serves as a catalyst for character interactions, emphasizing both the potential and pitfalls of such powers. Lynn's remote viewing capabilities juxtaposed with Larry’s malevolent powers illustrate the moral complexities in the quest for control. This theme invites viewers to question reality and belief.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:55

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of The Men Who Stare at Goats

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Men Who Stare at Goats 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 Men Who Stare at Goats is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Men Who Stare at Goats Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Men Who Stare at Goats, 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 Men Who Stare at Goats Summary

The Men Who Stare at Goats Timeline

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

The Men Who Stare at Goats Timeline

The Men Who Stare at Goats Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Men Who Stare at Goats 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 Men Who Stare at Goats Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Men Who Stare at Goats

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Men Who Stare at Goats: 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 Men Who Stare at Goats

Similar Movies to The Men Who Stare at Goats

Discover movies like The Men Who Stare at Goats 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.