71 Fragments of a Chronology of Chance 2005
Directed by
Michael Haneke
Made by
Kino International
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of 71 Fragments of a Chronology of Chance (2005). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
The film begins with impactful intertitles that detail a horrific mass killing. It then unfolds through flashbacks over the preceding months, illustrating the lives of various individuals in Vienna. One poignant story follows a young Romanian boy who daringly crosses the border under the cover of night, navigating a treacherous swamp and concealing himself within a truck. Upon reaching Vienna, he finds himself living on the streets, begging to survive.
Among the other characters, we see a security worker making routine pickups at a bank, where tensions run high at home as he argues with his wife and spends countless hours in prayer. There’s also a young man engaged in criminal activities, stealing weapons from a military armory. In a lighter, yet risky twist, a college student spends time with friends playing games where they bet against each other; in one round, he stakes his watch against a stolen pistol. Meanwhile, a retired man fills his days watching television and sharing conversation with his daughter, who is too occupied to give him her full attention. Another subplot involves a married couple striving to adopt a young girl, showcasing their hopes and challenges.
As the Romanian boy’s story garners media attention, he is eventually taken in by the couple looking to adopt. On one fateful day, while the wife runs errands, she leaves him in the car outside the bank. Coincidentally, the retired man visits the same bank, initially under the pretense of collecting his pension, but is primarily there to see his daughter who works at that location.
Tension escalates as the college student makes a stop for gas. Finding himself low on cash and frustrated at an out-of-order ATM, he becomes impatient in a crowded bank. In a moment of rashness, he attempts to jump to the front of the line only to be confronted aggressively by another customer. Overcome with stress, he exits the bank, retrieves a gun from his car, and returns to the bank in a tragic turn of events. What follows is a devastating eruption of violence as he begins firing indiscriminately at the patrons inside, leading to a heart-wrenching conclusion when he then takes his own life.
Timeline
Track the key events of 71 Fragments of a Chronology of Chance (2005) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Mass Killing Disclosure
The film opens with impactful intertitles that describe a horrific mass killing, setting a grim tone for the unfolding narrative. This shocking event serves as a backdrop for the stories that follow, highlighting the intertwined fates of various characters in Vienna.
Romanian Boy's Escape
A young Romanian boy bravely decides to flee his home country, crossing the border under the cover of night. His journey is treacherous as he navigates a muddy swamp and hides within a truck to reach Vienna, showcasing his desperate will to find safety and a new life.
Struggles on the Streets
Upon arriving in Vienna, the Romanian boy finds himself homeless and must beg to survive on the bustling streets. His situation highlights the harsh realities faced by many who seek refuge in a foreign land, emphasizing his vulnerability and resilience.
Security Worker’s Tensions
Meanwhile, a security worker goes about his routine bank pickups, but his home life is fraught with tension. Arguments with his wife increase his stress, and he seeks solace in prayer, illustrating the personal struggles that individuals face amid their daily lives.
Young Man's Criminal Activities
In another part of the city, a young man engages in criminal activities, specifically stealing weapons from a military armory. This subplot delves into the active underbelly of urban life, showing how some individuals resort to crime for survival or excitement.
College Student’s Game Night
A college student spends time with friends playing games that involve betting against one another, adding a layer of camaraderie mixed with risk. During one round, he stakes his watch against a stolen pistol, demonstrating both the reckless youth culture and the thrill of danger among friends.
Retired Man’s Loneliness
A retired man fills his days mostly watching television, feeling the weight of loneliness as he attempts to engage with his daughter. She is often too distracted with her own life, highlighting the isolation that can come with aging and familial disconnect.
Couple's Adoption Journey
A married couple longs to adopt a young girl, showcasing their challenges and the hope they carry. Their subplot touches on the themes of family, desire, and the obstacles they face in the pursuit of parenthood amid social unrest.
Media Attention for the Boy
As the Romanian boy's plight gains media attention, he is taken in by the couple looking to adopt him. This shift in his fortune represents a glimmer of hope amid despair and signifies the power of compassion and societal awareness.
Day at the Bank
On an unfortunate day, the wife of the adopting couple runs errands and leaves the boy in the car outside the bank. Coincidentally, the retired man, visiting the bank to see his daughter, is pulled into the path of a tragic turn of events about to unfold.
College Student's Frustration
Meanwhile, the college student stops for gas and finds himself frustrated by an out-of-order ATM that leaves him low on cash. His impatience grows as he heads into a crowded bank, where the tension of the environment begins to escalate.
Violent Confrontation
After a heated confrontation with another customer in the bank, the college student's stress boils over. Overcome with anger and desperation, he exits to retrieve a gun from his car, marking a pivotal decision that will have catastrophic consequences.
Tragic Shooting
In a heartbreaking chain of events, the college student returns to the bank and opens fire on the patrons, creating chaos and terror. This eruption of violence results in a devastating impact on the lives of all involved, underscoring the tragic consequences of anger and isolation.
Final Act of Despair
Amidst the shooting chaos, the situation culminates in a harrowing conclusion when the college student takes his own life. This act serves as a tragic commentary on the depth of despair that can engulf individuals, leaving a lasting impact on the witnesses and those affected.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring 71 Fragments of a Chronology of Chance (2005) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Romanian Boy
A brave young boy who undertakes a perilous journey to escape his circumstances. His determination to reach Vienna and the challenges he faces highlight themes of resilience and survival. The boy's story serves as both a catalyst for change and a symbol of hope amid chaos.
Security Worker
A conflicted individual grappling with personal and professional tensions. His frustrations at home compound his already stressful job, showcasing the struggle between family obligations and workplace responsibilities. His faith and routine provide a glimpse into his character's attempt to find solace amid turmoil.
College Student
A young man caught between youthful recklessness and the weight of peer pressure. Engaging in risky behavior with friends, he ultimately faces dire consequences for his impulsive decisions. His journey exemplifies the thin line between innocence and the potential for violence.
Retired Man
A lonely figure longing for connection in his twilight years. His attempts to engage with family amid feelings of neglect speak to the broader issues of aging and isolation. His character adds depth to the narrative by illustrating both the fragility of life and the yearning for belonging.
Married Couple
A couple navigating the complexities of hope and aspiration as they pursue the adoption of a child. Their narrative adds warmth and depth to the film, contrasting the chaos surrounding them with their quest for a family, demonstrating love's transformative power.
Setting
Uncover the settings of 71 Fragments of a Chronology of Chance (2005), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The movie unfolds in a contemporary setting, illustrating the everyday struggles and societal issues faced by individuals in modern-day Vienna. Through a series of flashbacks, it captures the lead-up to a tragic event, highlighting the interconnectedness of seemingly disparate lives.
Location
Vienna
Vienna, the capital of Austria, is known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. This vibrant city is famous for its stunning architecture, classical music, and as the former center of the Habsburg Empire. In the film, Vienna serves as a backdrop for the intertwining lives of its residents, revealing the complexities of urban existence.
Themes
Explore the core themes of 71 Fragments of a Chronology of Chance (2005). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Tragedy
The film accentuates tragic events and their ripple effects on individual lives and society. It illustrates how ordinary people can be caught in the crossfire of violence and despair, often driven by desperation or challenging circumstances. The heartbreaking culmination of these intertwined stories evokes a sense of sorrow and contemplation.
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Hope and Adoption
Amid the ensuing tragedy, themes of hope and adoption emerge through the subplot of a couple wishing to adopt a child. Their journey reflects both the challenges and the aspirations inherent in forming a family, underscoring the search for connection and belonging in the face of adversity.
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Violence
A central theme is the sudden eruption of violence and its devastating consequences. The film examines how pent-up emotions, frustration, and societal pressures can lead to extreme actions, leading viewers to reflect on personal and societal responsibility surrounding issues of mental health and violence.
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