King of California 2007
Directed by
Mike Cahill
Made by
First Look International
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of King of California (2007). 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.
At just sixteen years old, Miranda, portrayed by Evan Rachel Wood, has faced far more than her fair share of trials and tribulations. After being abandoned by her mother, she has dropped out of school and is now trying to make ends meet by working at McDonald’s. Meanwhile, her father, Charlie, played by Michael Douglas, finds himself in a mental institution.
When Charlie is finally released and returns home, Miranda’s previously serene existence spirals into chaos. He becomes consumed by a new obsession: the belief that the lost treasure of the Spanish explorer Father Juan Florismarte Garces is buried in the vicinity of their suburban California neighborhood. With a metal detector and a mountain of treasure-hunting literature at his side, Charlie is convinced that he has pinpointed the location of the buried gold—right beneath the local Costco.
In an effort to support her father’s newfound obsession, Charlie urges Miranda to take a job at Costco, where they can formulate a plan for after-hours excavation. Although initially doubtful, Miranda gradually finds herself swept up in her father’s eccentric schemes, embracing the adventure as a chance to help him rekindle his dreams.
This tale evolves into a darkly comedic yet surprisingly hopeful exploration of the modern family dynamics and the pursuit of the American dream, as Miranda joins Charlie in a whirlwind of questionable decisions, all fueled by the hope of uncovering long-hidden treasures and restoring both their lives.
Timeline
Track the key events of King of California (2007) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Miranda's Abandonment
At just sixteen years old, Miranda faces the emotional turmoil of being abandoned by her mother. This life-altering event forces her to drop out of school and take on adult responsibilities much earlier than her peers.
Life at McDonald's
In order to survive, Miranda starts working at McDonald's. This job becomes her lifeline, helping her make ends meet while navigating the complexities of her shattered family.
Charlie's Mental Health Struggles
Miranda's father, Charlie, is revealed to be in a mental institution during her struggles. His absence and mental health woes add to the emotional strain on Miranda as she attempts to build her life.
Charlie's Return
Charlie is released from the mental institution and returns home, but his return disrupts the already fragile balance of Miranda's life. His presence brings both joy and chaos as he navigates his newfound freedom.
Obsession with Treasure
Upon returning, Charlie becomes fixated on the belief that the treasure of Father Juan Florismarte Garces is buried nearby. This obsession leads him to dig through treasure-hunting literature while ignoring the realities of their lives.
The Costco Discovery
Charlie believes that the treasure lies right beneath the local Costco. His wild ideas and passion for treasure hunting become a focal point of their lives, drawing them deeper into his fantasies.
Job at Costco
To keep her father motivated, Miranda takes a job at Costco, aligning herself with Charlie's treasure hunt ambitions. This job serves as a springboard for them to brainstorm and plan their treasure-digging endeavors.
Joining the Adventure
Initially skeptical of her father's plans, Miranda begins to embrace the adventure. She starts to see the treasure hunt as a chance to bond with her father and restore some semblance of hope in their lives.
Questionable Decisions
As the quest for treasure unfolds, Miranda and Charlie make a series of questionable decisions. These decisions drive the narrative into darkly comedic territory, highlighting the absurdities of their situation.
The Search for Hope
Throughout their exploits, Miranda finds a sense of hope and purpose. The pursuit of the American dream becomes a metaphor for their journey to heal their fractured family relationships.
Lessons in Family Dynamics
The duo's quirky treasure-hunting escapades reveal deeper themes within modern family dynamics. Their experiences serve to explore the complexities of love, support, and resilience in the face of adversity.
A New Understanding
By the end of their journey, both Miranda and Charlie gain a new understanding of themselves and each other. Their shared experiences help them confront their past, creating stronger bonds between father and daughter.
Embracing the Future
As the film concludes, Miranda looks to the future with hope. The adventure encourages her to believe in possibilities beyond treasure, symbolizing a fresh start for her and her father.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring King of California (2007) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Miranda (Evan Rachel Wood)
Miranda is a resilient teenager grappling with abandonment and the responsibilities of adulthood. Despite the chaos brought by her father's return, she shows strength and adaptability, eventually embracing his outlandish pursuits. Her journey reflects a mix of doubt and awakening, as she navigates her tumultuous relationship with Charlie.
Charlie (Michael Douglas)
Charlie is a troubled father recently released from a mental institution, whose obsession with treasure hunting drives the story. His eccentric personality and determination are traits that ultimately foster a renewed bond with his daughter. Despite his past struggles, he embodies hope and the pursuit of dreams, albeit through unconventional means.
Setting
Uncover the settings of King of California (2007), 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 takes place in contemporary times, amidst the socio-economic realities faced by many families. It highlights the struggle of a young woman navigating her responsibilities while dealing with her father's psychological challenges and obsessions.
Location
California
California is known for its diverse landscapes and vibrant culture, often associated with the pursuit of dreams. In this suburban setting, the backdrop of treasure hunting adds an unexpected twist to the normalcy of daily life. The local Costco, a significant landmark in the narrative, serves as the unlikely focal point for their adventurous escapade.
Themes
Explore the core themes of King of California (2007). 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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American Dream
The pursuit of the American dream is a central theme, explored through the characters' desires for a better life. Their treasure hunting symbolizes hope and the lengths to which they will go to reclaim their aspirations. Through eccentricity and adventure, the film delves into what it means to chase dreams and find fulfillment.
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Family Dynamics
This film explores modern family dynamics, particularly the relationship between a father and daughter. Their bond is tested and strengthened through shared experiences, highlighting themes of loyalty and the complexities of parental love. It showcases the challenges of maintaining familial relationships in the face of adversity and personal struggles.
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Dark Comedy
The movie employs dark comedic elements to explore serious themes, providing levity in difficult situations. The eccentricities of the characters and their absurd treasure-hunting schemes offer a humorous take on their desperate circumstances. This blend of humor and pathos creates a unique tone that resonates throughout the narrative.
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