Mister America 2019
Directed by
Eric Notarnicola
Made by
Magnolia Pictures
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Mister America (2019). 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 Tim Heidecker ventures into the unpredictable world of electoral politics, he is accompanied by his campaign manager, Toni Newman. Amidst the chaos, the boundaries between reality and illusion begin to blur. Just recently acquitted of murder charges due to a hung jury linked to a tragic incident at one of his music festivals, Heidecker sets his ambitions on the district attorney’s office in San Bernardino County. His motivation: a burning desire for revenge against Vincent Rosetti, the prosecutor who had relentlessly pursued him.
The film begins with a small crew shadowing Heidecker as he undertakes the task of door-to-door canvassing to collect signatures vital for qualifying as a third-party candidate. Despite his trademark humor and engaging personality, there’s an underlying desperation that he struggles to conceal.
As the campaign gains momentum, it quickly starts to stumble. Newman’s attempts to generate excitement and attract media attention end in disappointment. The situation worsens when a hastily arranged debate results in neither of Heidecker’s opponents showing up, leading his close collaborator, Gregg Turkington, to reflect on the seeming futility of their ambitions. As pressure escalates and Heidecker’s grip on his sanity begins to wane, he turns to the destructive habits he once indulged in, consuming excessive amounts of alcohol and THC vape—habits that had previously played a role in the devastating calamity at his music festival.
Sadly, Newman’s determined efforts to revive the floundering campaign fall short, culminating in Heidecker’s name being omitted from the ballot entirely. In a particularly distressing moment, Heidecker makes a call to Rosetti from the cramped space of his hotel room, intended as a courteous concession but eventually spiraling into a barrage of insults and thinly veiled threats. In the aftermath, Heidecker finds himself enveloped in shame and sorrow, which prompts him to set up an impromptu memorial at the site of the condemned music festival, honoring the young lives lost due to his own recklessness.
Timeline
Track the key events of Mister America (2019) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Heidecker's Acquittal
Tim Heidecker is recently acquitted of murder charges that were tied to a tragic incident at one of his music festivals. The acquittal is due to a hung jury, and it marks a significant turning point in his life as he shifts his focus to a new career path in politics.
Ambition for Revenge
After his acquittal, Heidecker harbors a burning desire for revenge against Vincent Rosetti, the prosecutor who relentlessly pursued him. This motivation drives him to run for the district attorney's office in San Bernardino County.
Campaign Manager Introduced
Heidecker teams up with his campaign manager, Toni Newman, who navigates the chaotic world of electoral politics with him. Together, they embark on a mission to bring Heidecker's vision to the public, although underlying tensions become evident.
Door-to-Door Canvassing
The campaign kicks off as Heidecker and his small crew engage in door-to-door canvassing to gather signatures essential for him to qualify as a third-party candidate. Despite his usual humor, there is a palpable sense of desperation in his approach.
Momentum Stumbles
As the campaign progresses, Newman struggles to generate excitement and garner media attention. Their efforts lead to disappointing outcomes, setting a troubling tone for the future of Heidecker's political aspirations.
Failed Debate
A hastily arranged debate results in neither of Heidecker's opponents showing up, causing further embarrassment for his campaign. This incident sparks a moment of reflection for Gregg Turkington, who recognizes the futility of their ambitions.
Descent into Old Habits
Faced with mounting pressure and his sanity slipping, Heidecker turns back to destructive habits he previously indulged in, consuming large amounts of alcohol and THC vape. These choices serve as a troubling reminder of his past mistakes connected to the music festival tragedy.
Omission from the Ballot
Despite Newman's relentless efforts to revitalize the campaign, Heidecker's name is ultimately omitted from the ballot. This exclusion marks a devastating blow not only to his ambitions but also to his sense of self-worth.
Confrontation with Rosetti
In a tense moment, Heidecker attempts to call Rosetti from his hotel room, intending to make a courteous concession. However, the call devolves into an angry exchange filled with insults and thinly veiled threats, revealing the depths of his frustration.
Coping with Shame
After the confrontation with Rosetti, Heidecker is overwhelmed by feelings of shame and despair. This emotional turmoil compels him to visit the site of the condemned music festival, where he attempts to reconcile his past mistakes.
Impromptu Memorial
In a poignant act of remembrance, Heidecker sets up an impromptu memorial at the site of his music festival. He honors the young lives lost due to his recklessness, seeking some measure of redemption for his past actions.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Mister America (2019) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Tim Heidecker
Tim Heidecker is a charismatic yet troubled character whose foray into politics reveals his deep-seated vulnerabilities. Acquitted of murder but haunted by past mistakes, he displays a mix of humor and desperation as he canvasses for support. His internal struggles with alcohol and personal loss further paint a picture of a man wrestling with the consequences of his actions.
Toni Newman
Toni Newman serves as Tim's dedicated campaign manager, displaying unwavering determination despite the challenges of the campaign. Her efforts to revive the floundering initiative highlight her commitment to the cause, even as the situation spirals out of control. Newman embodies resilience but also bears the weight of disappointment as she navigates the chaotic world of electoral politics.
Judge Edward Szymczyk
Judge Edward Szymczyk represents the legal authority in the unfolding drama, overseeing the judicial context surrounding Heidecker's past. His character serves as a symbol of the justice system's complexities and the implications of its decisions on personal lives and political ambitions. His role adds institutional weight to the narrative's exploration of accountability.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Mister America (2019), 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 during a contemporary political campaign context, reflecting the modern struggles of candidates in an increasingly unpredictable electoral landscape. The protagonist's recent acquittal and subsequent actions provide a glimpse into the tumultuous world of personal and political redemption.
Location
San Bernardino County
San Bernardino County is located in Southern California and is known for its diverse landscapes and vibrant communities. The area serves as a significant political battleground and is home to numerous local governance and electoral activities. Its involvement in electoral politics adds a layer of complexity to the film's narrative.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Mister America (2019). 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
The theme of identity is prevalent as Tim Heidecker navigates the blurred lines between his public persona and private struggles. As he campaigns, his true self is often masked by humor and bravado, revealing deeper insecurities and desperation. The exploration of ambition and self-destruction showcases the complexity of his character.
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Justice
The quest for justice underpins the narrative, particularly through Heidecker's desire for revenge against Vincent Rosetti. The nuances of the legal system and personal vendettas interlace, highlighting the flawed nature of seeking retribution within a flawed judicial system. The film critiques the often-complex relationship between individual actions and their societal repercussions.
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Failure
Failure is woven throughout the story as Heidecker's campaign faces significant setbacks. From disappointing media coverage to absent opponents during debates, the theme reflects the harsh realities of political ambitions. The psychological toll of these failures culminates in a personal crisis, emphasizing the fragility of hopes and aspirations.
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