Directed by
Dante Ariola
Made by
Cinedigm Entertainment Group
Discover the intricate plot of Arthur Newman (2013). 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.
As Wallace Avery (played by Colin Firth) grapples with a life filled with monotony and despair, the burden of his depression intensifies, suffocating any glimmer of hope. Once a professional golfer, he now finds himself ensnared in a lifeless FedEx job in Florida, grappling with the aftermath of a failed first marriage and an unsatisfying relationship with his girlfriend, Mina. These aspects serve as constant reminders of his stagnant existence, compounded by the emotional distance from his teenage son, Kevin. In a moment of desperation, Wallace hatches a bold plan to reinvent himself.
He assumes the identity of “Arthur Newman,” fabricating a new persona complete with a false passport and a fresh start. With aspirations to leave his past behind, he sets off for Terre Haute, Indiana, aiming to reclaim his identity as a golf pro at a local country club. On his journey, he encounters Charlotte Fitzgerald (played by Emily Blunt), a young woman with a troubled past and a hidden agenda. Charlotte cleverly navigates under the guise of her twin sister, Michaela (known as Mike), who struggles with paranoid schizophrenia.
As Arthur and Mike embark on their escapade toward Indiana, they form an unexpected alliance. Mike introduces Arthur to a peculiar game in which they impersonate interesting couples, infiltrating their homes to don their attire. However, unbeknownst to Arthur, Mike has a penchant for collecting mementos from each home they visit. Back in Florida, Kevin finds solace in an unlikely friendship with Mina, both of them trying to come to terms with the absence of the man who left them behind.
As their journey unfolds, Arthur’s feelings for Mike evolve. Despite the complexity of their dual identities, their emotional connection deepens, largely revealed through their candid conversations as Charlotte and Wallace. It becomes evident that Arthur is irresistibly drawn to Mike. Nevertheless, the shadows of her insecurities create tension between them.
Before reaching Terre Haute, Arthur proposes a future together, only for Mike to voice her profound fears of potentially succumbing to the same fate as her mother and sister, both plagued by paranoid schizophrenia. Guided by compassion, Arthur acknowledges the weight of her concerns.
Upon arriving at the Terre Haute Country Club, Chuck Willoughby, the owner, becomes suspicious of Arthur’s fabricated golf persona after praising his supposed skills. Just as Chuck threatens to notify the authorities, he can’t help but laugh off the charade, leaving Mike and Arthur at a crossroads, contemplating their next steps.
The following morning brings a harsh reality: Arthur awakens to find Mike gone and their shared funds missing. Instead of fleeing the scene, Arthur, burdened by a sense of emptiness, opts to stay behind. His decision leads to an unexpected summons to the police station, where officers inform him that Mike has been apprehended. Shockingly, Mike has confessed to stealing Arthur’s money, and he’s prompted to decide whether to file charges. In an unexpected twist, Arthur crafts a lie, insisting he willingly gave Mike the money, revealing his affection for her. The officers, however, disclose that Mike is a kleptomaniac, showcasing stolen items, including the wallet belonging to Beauregard Tully.
Arthur’s heart drops as he recognizes the photograph inside the wallet of the man he attempted to save at the bus station, where Mike stayed by his side as he passed. He could easily have chosen to walk away from Mike, but instead, Arthur decides to bail her out, concealing Beauregard’s wallet in his pocket. Released into Arthur’s care, Mike steps back into his life.
As they leave the station, the unique pair reflects on the John Doe whose life had ended where their paths first crossed. Their journey continues to Virginia with the intent of returning Beauregard’s belongings to his wife, Rosita, and their two sons. Along the way, they indulge in whimsical role-playing games as a way to escape the burdens of their tumultuous lives. Yet, as they confront their own challenges, Arthur resolves to return home to reconnect with Kevin, while Mike realizes the importance of reuniting with her sister.
The next day, Wallace sets off to drive Charlotte back to her hometown, where she can care for her ill twin sister. He assures her that he knows exactly where to find her and embarks on the journey to mend his relationship with Kevin. In a bittersweet conclusion, Charlotte reunites with the true Michaela, while Wallace stands at his son’s doorstep, signaling the hopeful beginning of a new chapter for both of them.
Track the key events of Arthur Newman (2013) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Wallace's Despair
Wallace Avery, once a promising professional golfer, is now trapped in a mundane FedEx job in Florida. His life is overshadowed by depression stemming from a failed marriage and a distant relationship with his teenage son, Kevin.
The Bold Plan
In a moment of desperation, Wallace concocts a plan to reinvent himself by assuming a new identity. He fabricates a persona named 'Arthur Newman' to escape the monotony of his current life.
Journey to Terre Haute
Wallace, now Arthur, sets off for Terre Haute, Indiana with the intention of reclaiming his identity as a golf pro. He hopes that this fresh start will help him leave behind his troubled past.
Encounter with Charlotte
During his journey, Arthur meets Charlotte Fitzgerald, a young woman with her own troubled history. She is initially disguised as her twin sister, Michaela, who suffers from paranoid schizophrenia.
Formation of an Alliance
Arthur and Charlotte, under the guise of Mike, embark on an unexpected adventure together. They bond over their shared desire to escape their pasts and form a peculiar alliance, impersonating various couples.
The Game of Impersonation
As part of their escapade, Arthur and Mike infiltrate the homes of unsuspecting couples, pretending to be them. This game reveals their creativity, but also Mike's tendency to collect mementos from each place they visit.
Unlikely Bonds
While navigating their complicated identities, Arthur finds himself developing deeper feelings for Mike. Their relationship evolves through intimate conversations, revealing emotional vulnerabilities they both carry.
A Proposal for the Future
As they approach Terre Haute, Arthur expresses his desire for a future with Mike. However, Mike reveals her fears about her family history of mental illness, worried that she might inherit the same fate.
Arrival at the Country Club
Upon reaching the Terre Haute Country Club, Arthur's fabricated golf persona raises suspicions with Chuck Willoughby, the club's owner. Tensions rise as Chuck threatens to expose Arthur's lies, yet he ultimately finds the situation humorous.
Morning After Revelations
Arthur awakens to find Mike gone and the money they shared missing. Instead of fleeing, he resolves to stay, leading to a surprising turn of events that land him at the police station.
Shock at the Police Station
At the police station, Arthur learns that Mike has been apprehended for stealing their funds. Surprisingly, he chooses to cover for her, claiming he willingly gave her the money, showcasing his deepening affection.
A Painful Recognition
While at the police station, Arthur discovers a wallet belonging to a man he had earlier tried to help, Beauregard Tully. This painful reminder makes him realize the impact of their intertwined lives and decisions.
Bailing Mike Out
Despite the risk, Arthur decides to bail Mike out of jail, cementing their bond. He hides Beauregard's wallet in his pocket, unwilling to let go of the connection they share.
Journey to Return Belongings
Arthur and Mike set off to visit Beauregard's family in Virginia, aiming to return his belongings. Their journey serves as a transformative experience, filled with whimsical role-playing to escape their troubles.
Reconnecting with Loved Ones
In the end, Arthur drives Charlotte back to care for her sister, Michaela, while he prepares to reconnect with his son, Kevin. Their respective journeys signal a hopeful new beginning for both Arthur and Charlotte.
Meet the characters that bring Arthur Newman (2013) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Wallace Avery
Wallace excels in his role as the protagonist, feeling trapped in a life devoid of joy and purpose. His journey from a once-promising golfer to a despondent FedEx employee highlights his deep-seated struggles with identity and depression. As he transforms into Arthur Newman, he seeks not only escape but also genuine connection, demonstrating a profound emotional depth.
Charlotte Fitzgerald
Charlotte, also known as Mike, is a complex character with a troubled past, crafting a dual identity to navigate her struggles. Her keen intelligence and vulnerability are at odds with her secretive tendencies, particularly her kleptomania. Her relationship with Arthur reveals her desire for connection and healing, challenging societal perceptions of mental health.
Uncover the settings of Arthur Newman (2013), 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 film's events unfold in a contemporary setting, reflecting modern societal challenges such as identity crisis, mental health struggles, and complex interpersonal relationships. The characters navigate their realities with an absence of traditional storytelling timeframes, emphasizing a fluidity in their personal growth and emotional connections.
Location
Florida, Terre Haute, Indiana, Virginia
The film begins in Florida, a state known for its sunny weather and vibrant lifestyle, but for Wallace Avery, it symbolizes monotony and despair. The journey leads him to Terre Haute, Indiana, where he aims to reclaim his identity as a golf pro, set against the backdrop of picturesque country clubs. Their travels also take them to Virginia, a state rich in history, where the protagonists seek to return personal mementos to a grieving family.
Explore the core themes of Arthur Newman (2013). 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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Identity
Wallace Avery's attempt to reinvent himself as Arthur Newman underscores the theme of identity and the lengths one might go to escape their past. Through his journey with Charlotte, the film explores the complexities of self-discovery and the desire to connect emotionally while grappling with secrets and dual identities.
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Mental Health
The film sheds light on mental health issues, particularly through Charlotte's character and her struggles with paranoid schizophrenia. It highlights the stigma surrounding mental health and the importance of understanding and supporting those who suffer from it, as seen in the evolving relationship between Arthur and Mike.
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Connection
The unexpected bond formed between Arthur and Mike illustrates the theme of emotional connection amidst chaos. Their shared experiences and heartfelt conversations reveal their vulnerabilities, showing that true connection often comes from navigating shared struggles and supporting one another through life's difficulties.
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