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Directed by
Mark Pellington
Made by
Screen Gems
Discover the intricate plot of Arlington Road (1999). 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.
Michael Faraday, portrayed by Jeff Bridges, is a widowed history professor at George Washington University, navigating life with his 10-year-old son, Grant. One fateful day, a chance encounter with a severely injured boy named Brady—a neighbor to Michael—leads to an unexpected friendship between their families. Brady’s parents, Oliver and Cheryl Lang, played by Tim Robbins and Joan Cusack respectively, quickly bond with Michael, and their boys even join a scouting group together, the Discoverers.
However, beneath the surface, Michael grows increasingly uneasy with the Lang family’s peculiar behavior. During a casual gathering, Michael notices blueprints that do not align with Oliver’s claims as a structural engineer. His suspicions deepen when a misdelivered letter hints at Oliver’s deception regarding his educational background. As Michael shares his grievances about governmental indifference—stemming from his late wife’s tragic death while on duty as an FBI agent—he finds himself at odds with his girlfriend, Brooke, and his wife’s former partner, Whit Carver, who dismiss his mounting paranoia.
In a poignant moment during a class field trip to the site where his wife’s life ended, Michael passionately critiques the FBI’s reckless decisions. His students’ discomfort grows as he articulates the tragedy of a situation that could have been avoided if proper investigations were conducted. Amid this tension, the Lang family’s enigmatic nature continues to gnaw at Michael, especially after he learns that Oliver’s true identity is William Fenimore, a former delinquent with a violent past.
Digging deeper, Michael uncovers perilous secrets about Oliver’s history, including a failed bombing incident from his youth rooted in a fight against governmental injustice. This revelation shrouds their friendship in suspicion and dread. Tensions escalate further when Brooke discovers Oliver’s illicit dealings, only to meet a mysterious end that leaves Michael frantic and fearful for Grant’s safety.
Michael’s investigation leads him on a harrowing journey, culminating in a shocking revelation about a conspiracy involving the Langs and their connection to a bombing in St. Louis. As Michael races against time to save his son, he confronts Oliver, who chillingly admits to having orchestrated Brooke’s death and threatens Grant’s life if Michael pursues justice.
Despite Michael’s desperate attempts to alert the FBI, his efforts culminate in a devastating twist. Ultimately, a tragic explosion, designed to frame Michael as a terrorist seeking revenge for his wife’s death, takes place during his futile quest for truth. The aftermath sees Michael painted by the media as a dangerous enemy of the state, while his son unwittingly becomes an orphan, left to live with relatives, blind to the real circumstances behind his father’s demise.
In a haunting conclusion, the Langs, having successfully manipulated events to their advantage, prepare to disappear once again to evade scrutiny and plot their next act of terror, seeking another unsuspecting victim to bear the blame, just as they did with Michael Faraday.
Track the key events of Arlington Road (1999) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Michael's Life as a Professor
Michael Faraday, a widowed history professor at George Washington University, is trying to navigate life with his son, Grant. They attempt to establish a routine amid the challenges that come with losing a loved one.
Chance Encounter with Brady
Michael's life takes an unexpected turn when he meets Brady, a severely injured boy who lives nearby. This chance encounter leads to a budding friendship between their two families.
Bonding with the Langs
The Lang family, consisting of Oliver and Cheryl, quickly grows close to Michael after Brady's injury. Their boys join the Discoverers, a scouting group, solidifying a friendship that seems promising at first glance.
Growing Suspicion
As time passes, Michael begins to notice odd behavior from the Langs, particularly Oliver's discrepancy with his own claims as a professional. A casual gathering reveals blueprints that raise questions about Oliver's real profession.
Discovering Oliver's Deception
Michael's suspicions deepen after a misdelivered letter hints at Oliver's lies regarding his educational credentials. This fuels Michael's growing paranoia and mistrust of the Lang family.
Michael's Tragic Past
During a class field trip to the site of his wife's death, Michael expresses his disdain for the FBI's failures that led to her tragic demise. His emotional critique unsettles both his students and his peers.
Uncovering Oliver's True Identity
Michael digs deeper into Oliver's background and learns that he is actually William Fenimore, a man with a violent past and a history of delinquency. This revelation shakes the foundation of their friendship.
Secrets from the Past
As Michael uncovers the dark secrets of Oliver's history, he discovers a failed bombing incident linked to Oliver's fight against governmental injustice. This discovery casts a shadow over their friendship.
Brooke's Discovery
Brooke, Michael's girlfriend, learns about Oliver's illegal activities. Tragically, she is soon met with a mysterious fate, heightening Michael's fear for his son's safety amid the chaos.
Conspiracy Unfolds
Michael's investigation escalates as he connects the Lang family's activities to a bombing conspiracy in St. Louis. With his son Grant's life hanging in the balance, Michael races against time to confront the truth.
Confrontation with Oliver
In a tense confrontation, Oliver chillingly reveals that he orchestrated Brooke's death and threatens Grant's life if Michael pursues justice. Michael's resolve is tested under the weight of these threats.
Desperate Plea to the FBI
Michael attempts to alert the FBI about the impending danger to his son and the conspiracy at play. However, his pleas fall on deaf ears, leading him down a path of desperation and fear.
Tragic Explosion
A devastating explosion occurs, designed to frame Michael as a terrorist seeking revenge for his wife's death. This act is part of a larger scheme to discredit him and manipulate public perception.
Media Manipulation
In the aftermath of the explosion, the media paints Michael as a dangerous enemy of the state. His son, Grant, is left unaware of the true circumstances surrounding his father's tragic fate.
Langs' Escape
The Lang family successfully manipulates events to evade scrutiny, preparing to disappear once again. Their plans involve searching for another unsuspecting victim to bear the blame for their actions.
Meet the characters that bring Arlington Road (1999) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Michael Faraday (Jeff Bridges)
Michael Faraday is a widowed history professor grappling with the loss of his wife, a former FBI agent. He is depicted as intelligent and passionate but becomes consumed by paranoia as he investigates his neighbors, leading to moral complexities and a tragic downfall.
Oliver Lang (Tim Robbins)
Oliver Lang is a charismatic yet deceptive character who initially appears friendly and approachable, but harbors a dark past. His transformation into a threat showcases the duality of his persona, as he manipulates those around him to achieve his sinister objectives.
Cheryl Lang (Joan Cusack)
Cheryl Lang is a seemingly supportive partner and mother whose true motivations remain ambiguous throughout the film. Her character embodies the complexities of familial loyalty against a backdrop of danger, ultimately leading to tragic consequences.
Uncover the settings of Arlington Road (1999), 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 events in the movie seem to unfold in contemporary times, reflecting modern societal issues such as terrorism, government distrust, and the impact of personal tragedy on an individual's psyche. This allows the narrative to resonate with current real-world anxieties.
Location
George Washington University, St. Louis
George Washington University is a prestigious institution located in the heart of Washington D.C., known for its strong emphasis on history and political sciences. St. Louis, a major city in Missouri, is marked by its historical significance and was a pivotal location in the story, particularly regarding the tragic bombing incident.
Explore the core themes of Arlington Road (1999). 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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Paranoia
A central theme in the movie is paranoia, as Michael Faraday becomes increasingly suspicious of his neighbors, sparking a tense investigation into their lives. This growing distrust illustrates how personal trauma can lead someone to question the intentions of others, driving them into a spiral of fear and isolation.
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Justice
Justice plays a critical role in the narrative as Michael seeks to expose the truth behind the Lang family's actions. The film explores the idea of justice being manipulated and perverted by those in power, raising questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement in protecting citizens.
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Fatherhood
Fatherhood is a poignant theme throughout the film, as Michael navigates his responsibilities as a single parent while grappling with the fear of losing his son. His protective instincts lead him to take desperate actions in an effort to shield Grant from the dangers posed by the Lang family.
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