Woodstock

Woodstock

Year: 1970

Runtime: 184 min

Language: English

Director: Michael Wadleigh

HistoryMusicDocumentary

In 1969, a sprawling music festival took place on a farm in upstate New York, becoming a pivotal moment in cultural history. The Woodstock Music & Art Fair attracted over half a million people seeking freedom and self-expression through music. Despite challenging weather conditions, the event showcased a diverse lineup of legendary performers and fostered a sense of unity and shared experience that resonated deeply with a generation. A dedicated camera crew documented the three days, preserving the spirit of the festival and its enduring legacy.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Woodstock (1970)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Woodstock (1970). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

August 1969

August 1969 was a significant month in American history, marked by the Woodstock Music and Art Fair, which symbolized the counterculture movement. It was a time characterized by anti-war sentiments, social upheaval, and a quest for peace and love. The festival became an iconic moment reflecting the hopes and challenges of a generation.

Location

Bethel, New York

Bethel, New York, is known for hosting the historic Woodstock Music and Art Fair in August 1969. The area transformed into a vibrant temporary community for over 400,000 attendees, highlighting the cultural shift of the time. The lush landscape became a backdrop for peace, love, and the exhilarating spirit of music.

📍 Location 🎶 Music Festival

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:26

Main Characters – Woodstock (1970)

Meet the key characters of Woodstock (1970), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Crosby, Stills & Nash

Crosby, Stills & Nash were a dynamic folk rock trio who opened the festival with their captivating melodies. Their harmonious voices added depth to the event's emotional tapestry, representing the peace and love ethos of the 1960s. Their presence set the tone for what would become an iconic musical gathering.

🎶 Band 🌟 Iconic Performers

Richie Havens

Richie Havens was a renowned singer-songwriter and the first performer at Woodstock, whose soulful energy ignited the festival. His improvisational style and heartfelt lyrics resonated deeply with the audience, symbolizing the yearning for social change and connection. Havens became an emblematic figure of the peace movement.

🎸 Musician ✊ Activist

Joan Baez

Joan Baez is a legendary folk singer known for her powerful voice and commitment to social justice. Her performance at Woodstock highlighted the intersection of music and activism, as she brought attention to causes such as civil rights and anti-war sentiments. Her presence embodied the spirit of the era.

🎤 Singer 💖 Activist

Joe Cocker

Joe Cocker was celebrated for his soulful and gritty vocal style, which captured the emotional essence of the Woodstock audience. His vibrant performance left a lasting impact, symbolizing the raw energy of the festival. Cocker's music often conveyed themes of love and social reflection.

🎵 Singer 🕊️ Peace Advocate

Max Yasgur

Max Yasgur was the local farmer who made the bold decision to host the Woodstock festival on his land, facing both support and opposition from the community. His willingness to embrace this transformative event marked him as a key figure in its history, representing openness and hospitality.

🌾 Farmer 🤝 Community Figure

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:26

Major Themes – Woodstock (1970)

Explore the central themes of Woodstock (1970), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

✌️ Peace & Love

The theme of peace and love resonates throughout the Woodstock festival, as it brought together diverse individuals seeking solace in music and community. The event became a symbol of the counterculture movement, highlighting the desires for harmony amid societal turbulence. It captured the spirit of unity and collective joy amidst chaos.

🎤 Music

Music serves as the heartbeat of the Woodstock festival, showcasing legendary performances from iconic artists of the time. The festival illustrated how music could foster connection and provide a voice for social change. The diverse lineup encouraged collaboration and celebrated the transformative power of live performances.

🌧️ Nature's Chaos

The unpredictable weather during the festival influenced the experience for both attendees and performers. The rain transformed the festival ground into a muddy haven, shifting the atmosphere yet enriching the communal spirit. Surprising moments of joy, like mud-sliding contests, depicted resilience amidst nature's chaos.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:26

Unlock the Full Story of Woodstock

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

Woodstock Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Woodstock, 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.

Woodstock Summary

Woodstock Timeline

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

Woodstock Timeline

More About Woodstock

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