Tin Men

Tin Men

Year: 1987

Runtime: 112 min

Language: English

Director: Barry Levinson

DramaComedy

Two rival aluminum siding salesmen, B.B. and Doug, find themselves embroiled in a fierce competition for sales and dominance. Their relentless one-upmanship takes a dramatic turn after a seemingly insignificant car accident. As their rivalry intensifies, personal vendettas surface, leading to increasingly hostile actions and a provocative betrayal that jeopardizes the other man’s reputation and livelihood.

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Timeline & Setting – Tin Men (1987)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Tin Men (1987). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1963

The year 1963 was marked by significant social and political changes in the United States. The civil rights movement was gaining momentum, and the country was teetering on the brink of transformative shifts. The backdrop of this era adds depth to the individual struggles and rivalry depicted in the film.

Location

Baltimore

Baltimore is a vibrant city known for its rich history, diverse neighborhoods, and significant contributions to American culture. In the summer of 1963, the city becomes a battleground for the rivalry between two salesmen. The intense heat of the season adds to the conflict and drama of their encounters.

🏙️ City ☀️ Summer

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:24

Main Characters – Tin Men (1987)

Meet the key characters of Tin Men (1987), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Ernest Tilley (Richard Dreyfuss)

Ernest Tilley is a door-to-door aluminum siding salesman struggling with his own shortcomings in both personal and professional realms. His gambling addiction and floundering marriage weigh heavily on him, reflecting his insecurities and vulnerabilities. As the film progresses, Tilley's character displays resilience amid chaos, leading to unexpected growth.

💼 Salesman 💔 Vulnerability 🌪️ Struggles

Bill "BB" Babowsky (Danny DeVito)

BB Babowsky is a charismatic and unscrupulous salesman whose charm often translates into deception. His rivalry with Tilley is driven by competitive fervor, but beneath that facade lies a man grappling with personal issues and a desire for genuine connection. Over the course of the film, BB's character evolves from a ruthless competitor to a sympathetic figure willing to extend kindness.

💼 Salesman 😏 Charm 🤔 Growth

Moe Adams (Richard Portnow)

Moe Adams serves as a mentor to BB and represents the more traditional values of salesmanship. His illness in the film brings a sense of urgency and emotional depth, showing the personal toll that business can create. Moe's character highlights the generational shifts within the sales industry and the impact of health crises on professional lives.

🧔 Mentor 🤒 Illness 📈 Tradition

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:24

Major Themes – Tin Men (1987)

Explore the central themes of Tin Men (1987), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Rivalry

The theme of rivalry is central to the film, manifested in the contentious relationship between Tilley and BB. Their competition drives the plot, showcasing the extremes people will go to in pursuit of victory. The escalating antics highlight the absurdity of their feud while simultaneously reflecting deeper issues of ambition and personal loss.

🤝 Friendship

Amidst rivalry, the theme of unexpected friendship emerges. As the story progresses, both men move from adversaries to allies, discovering shared experiences that foster camaraderie. This transformation illustrates how genuine connection can arise from conflict, ultimately leading to personal growth and cooperation.

🎭 Deception

Deception plays a crucial role in the tactics employed by the characters, especially BB, whose charm is often veiled in trickery. This theme highlights the moral ambiguities of salesmanship and the various ways individuals manipulate truth for personal gain, raising questions about integrity and authenticity in interpersonal relationships.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:24

Unlock the Full Story of Tin Men

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

Tin Men Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Tin Men, 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.

Tin Men Summary

Tin Men Timeline

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

Tin Men Timeline

More About Tin Men

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Tin Men: 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 Tin Men

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