What Goes Up

What Goes Up

Year: 2009

Language: English

Director: Jonathan Glatzer

Drama

In 1986, a cynical New York journalist is sent to cover a local hero’s welcome. He unexpectedly becomes drawn into the lives of a group of students grieving the loss of their unique and inspiring teacher. Immersing himself in their world, he finds himself caught in a complex situation involving hidden truths and intense emotions. The students look to him as a potential replacement for their mentor, leading him down a path of unexpected challenges and personal transformation.

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Timeline & Setting – What Goes Up (2009)

Explore the full timeline and setting of What Goes Up (2009). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1986

The film is set in 1986, a year marked by significant cultural and historical events, including the excitement surrounding space exploration. This time period also experienced vivid changes in social dynamics and youth culture, influencing the characters' interactions and struggles as they navigate their complex emotions and relationships.

Location

New Hampshire

New Hampshire is known for its picturesque landscapes and small-town charm. It serves as the backdrop for the film, adding a sense of intimacy and depth to the emotional struggles faced by the characters. The town's quaintness contrasts sharply with the underlying turmoil surrounding the tragic events that unfold.

🌳 Location 📚 Education

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:55

Main Characters – What Goes Up (2009)

Meet the key characters of What Goes Up (2009), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Campbell Babbitt

Campbell is a morally conflicted reporter from New York, haunted by his past choices and emotions. His journey to cover a civic event leads him to encounter profound grief and unexpected mentorship opportunities with his subjects. As he grapples with his own vulnerabilities, Campbell's character experiences significant transformation throughout the narrative.

📰 Reporter 😞 Troubled

Molly Shannon's Character

Molly's character serves as a protective figure in the film, attempting to shield her students and the community from the scandal that arises after the teacher's suicide. Her dedication to her role reflects the complexities of educational responsibility and the impact of adult decisions on youth. She embodies the struggle to maintain integrity in a challenging environment.

👩‍🏫 Teacher ☔ Protective

Hilary Duff's Character

Portraying a narcissistic temptress, Hilary's character embodies the complexities of teenage identity and the longing for validation. Her actions and motivations reveal the tumultuous landscape of adolescence, as she grapples with her desires amidst the chaos of grief. The complexity of her character adds depth to the film's exploration of youth struggles.

👗 Temptress 😈 Complex

Josh Peck's Character

Josh's character is portrayed as a repressed voyeur, providing a unique perspective on the emotional turmoil experienced by students. His quiet observation becomes a form of coping, demonstrating the varied responses to the grief surrounding their teacher's death. The complexity of his persona offers a deeper insight into teenage challenges and desires.

👀 Voyeur 🦸‍♂️ Observer

Olivia Thirlby's Character

As a scheming pregnant teenager, Olivia's character highlights teenage struggles with responsibility and the consequences of actions. Her situation serves as a catalyst for discussions about the implications of personal choices in the midst of family and societal pressures. This adds a layer of complexity to the group dynamic of misfits and outcasts.

👶 Pregnant 🚼 Schemer

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:55

Major Themes – What Goes Up (2009)

Explore the central themes of What Goes Up (2009), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Loss

The theme of loss permeates the film as characters grapple with the tragic suicide of a beloved teacher. It explores how grief affects both students and adults alike, revealing the different ways individuals process their emotions. The film emphasizes the importance of connection and understanding in the face of profound loss.

🔄 Mentorship

What Goes Up challenges traditional notions of mentorship, as the boundaries blur between the reporter and the students. Campbell Babbitt's evolving relationship with the students illustrates the mutual impact they have on one another, forcing him to confront his vulnerabilities while they seek guidance amidst their chaos. This role reversal allows for a rich exploration of personal growth.

⚖️ Morality

The film delves into the murky waters of morality as Campbell navigates his professional missteps and emotional conflicts. He faces dilemmas that question his ethical boundaries as he builds relationships with the students. This exploration prompts audiences to reflect on the complexities of right and wrong in personal and professional realms.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:55

Unlock the Full Story of What Goes Up

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What Goes Up Summary

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What Goes Up Summary

What Goes Up Timeline

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What Goes Up Timeline

More About What Goes Up

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More About What Goes Up

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