My Son, My Son, What Have Ye Done 2009
Directed by
Werner Herzog
Made by
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of My Son, My Son, What Have Ye Done (2009). 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 opens with Detective Havenhurst driving alongside his partner Detective Vargas. They receive an urgent call and quickly rush to the scene of a shocking murder. As they navigate through the onlookers at the crime scene, they spot Brad McCullum departing with a coffee cup in hand. Entering the residence, the detectives are confronted with the lifeless body of Mrs. McCullum, who has been brutally stabbed with an antique sword. Standing nearby are the neighbors, Mrs. Roberts and her daughter Miss Roberts, who become key witnesses in the investigation. The detectives soon realize they had just witnessed the real murderer leaving the scene.
The Roberts family uncovers that Brad had exhibited unsettling behavior following his recent trip to Peru. In a vivid flashback, we find Brad gearing up for a kayaking expedition on a treacherous river. Fast-forwarding to present day, the police learn that Brad has taken two hostages in a house across the street. As authorities encircle the location, Brad’s fiancée Ingrid arrives at the scene. Ingrid recounts to Havenhurst the tragic kayaking incident where all of Brad’s friends drowned, explaining that he opted out at the last moment, claiming he was instructed by the voice of God to stay.
As the tension escalates, more flashbacks immerse us in Brad and Ingrid’s relationship, showing intimate moments in his bedroom, shared meals, and their interactions with Mrs. McCullum. Currently, Brad demands pizza for himself and the hostages, along with an escape vehicle to Mexico. Another flashback transports us to rehearsals for a Greek tragedy under the direction of Lee Meyers, where we discover the significant role the antique sword played in the unfolding events. When the pizza arrives, it coincides with Lee’s arrival at the crime scene, where he engages in conversation with Havenhurst about Brad’s troubling past.
Further flashbacks explore Brad’s life, including a visit to Uncle Ted’s ostrich farm, where he persuades his uncle to hand over the sword that would later be involved in his crime. As rehearsals continue, we see Brad descending into chaos, ultimately resulting in his expulsion from the production. Despite this setback, he travels with Lee and his mother to Calgary for a performance, along with glimpses of his adventurous trips to both Machu Picchu and a Central Asian market.
A SWAT team is deployed to take charge of the escalating hostage crisis, as detectives converse with Ingrid and Lee about the best strategies to handle the situation. Another flashback reveals the couple’s playful outing in Tijuana, illustrating Brad’s character through various lighthearted yet peculiar encounters, such as buying pillows at a hospital gift shop and giving them away in Balboa Park.
Returning to the immediate situation, Havenhurst interviews Miss Roberts, who was a witness to the tragic murder. A flashback reveals critical moments leading up to the crime, including a coffee meeting between the Robertses and the McCullums, where a disturbing revelation comes to light: Brad attempted to smother his mother with a pillow.
Amidst the chaos, Brad confronts his hostages, who turn out to be his beloved pet flamingos. Amid negotiations, Ingrid and Lee urge Brad to release them and surrender. Ultimately, the SWAT team moves in and successfully apprehends Brad. As he is taken away, the scene contrasts with shots of running ostriches, leading to a poignant closing image in Balboa Park. Here, a young boy resembling Brad picks up a basketball, hinting at the cyclical nature of life and its unresolved mysteries.
Timeline
Track the key events of My Son, My Son, What Have Ye Done (2009) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Murder Investigation Begins
Detective Havenhurst and his partner, Detective Vargas, receive an urgent call and rush to the scene of a shocking murder. Upon arrival, they navigate through the onlookers and spot Brad McCullum leaving the area with a coffee cup, raising their suspicions about him.
Discovery of the Victim
Inside the McCullum residence, Detectives Havenhurst and Vargas discover the lifeless body of Mrs. McCullum, who has been brutally stabbed. The detectives take note of the key witnesses present, Mrs. Roberts and her daughter, as they begin piecing together the events surrounding the murder.
Unsettling Behaviors
The Roberts family learns that Brad has been acting strangely since his recent trip to Peru. This leads to flashbacks that illustrate Brad preparing for a kayaking expedition, setting the tone for his erratic behavior following a traumatic incident.
Hostage Situation Unfolds
In the present day, the police receive reports that Brad has taken two hostages in a house across the street. The escalating situation prompts the authorities to surround the location, intensifying the sense of urgency and danger.
Ingrid's Arrival
Brad's fiancée, Ingrid, arrives at the scene and reveals heartbreaking details about Brad's past. She recounts the tragic kayaking incident in which all of his friends drowned, illustrating how Brad was spared after seemingly hearing divine instructions not to participate.
Moments of Intimacy
In a series of flashbacks, the audience is taken through intimate moments shared between Brad and Ingrid, showcasing their deep relationship. These heartfelt encounters highlight the complexities of their bond against the backdrop of escalating tensions.
Demand for Pizza
Amid the hostage crisis, Brad makes an unusual demand for pizza while holding his captives, further indicating his unstable state of mind. Tension builds as he also requests an escape vehicle to Mexico, complicating matters for the authorities.
Rehearsal Flashbacks
Flashbacks take viewers to Brad's rehearsals for a Greek tragedy, where the significance of the antique sword becomes integral to the unfolding storyline. In this environment, Brad's troubled psyche is further developed, revealing his connection to the horrific events.
Visit to Uncle Ted's Farm
Another flashback reveals Brad's visit to his Uncle Ted's ostrich farm, where he persuades his uncle to give him the antique sword. This pivotal moment illustrates how the sword becomes a catalyst in the events that follow.
Brad's Downward Spiral
As rehearsals continue, Brad's downward spiral intensifies, leading to his expulsion from the production. This turning point signifies a shift in his life and foreshadows the chaotic events that will arise from his deteriorating mindset.
SWAT Team Deployment
With the hostage situation escalating, a SWAT team is called in to take control. The urgency and seriousness of the situation lead the detectives to strategize with Ingrid and Lee to ensure the safety of the hostages and bring the situation to a resolution.
Playful Moments in Tijuana
In flashbacks, the audience sees a lighter side of Brad, including a playful outing in Tijuana with Ingrid. These moments of levity juxtapose the present chaos and delve into the complexities of Brad's character, showcasing layers beyond his current turmoil.
Witness Interview
Detective Havenhurst conducts an interview with Miss Roberts, a witness to the murder. Through her account, flashbacks reveal unsettling moments leading up to the crime, including a disturbing incident where Brad attempted to smother his mother with a pillow, hinting at his troubled state.
Confrontation with Hostages
In a moment of dark humor, Brad confronts his hostages, who are actually his beloved pet flamingos. The bizarre situation underscores his instability as negotiators attempt to convince him to surrender and release the birds.
Brad's Arrest
The SWAT team successfully apprehends Brad, bringing the hostage crisis to an end. As he is taken away, the film contrasts this moment with shots of running ostriches, culminating in a poignant closing image that reflects the cyclical nature of life.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring My Son, My Son, What Have Ye Done (2009) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Detective Havenhurst
Detective Havenhurst is a dedicated investigator navigating the chaos of the murder case. His determination to uncover the truth drives the narrative as he confronts emotional challenges and complex interactions with witnesses. He embodies the perseverance of law enforcement in facing dire situations.
Brad McCullum
Brad McCullum is the troubled protagonist whose actions set off a series of dramatic events. Struggling with mental health issues, his backstory reveals deep-seated trauma connected to friendship and loss. As he descends into chaos, Brad's character is marked by conflicting emotions of love, guilt, and despair.
Ingrid
Ingrid is Brad's fiancée, who provides a compassionate perspective on his troubled life. Her attempts to reach Brad during the crisis reveal her love and desperation to save him from his destructive path. Ingrid's character represents resilience amidst chaos, embodying the emotional weight of their relationship.
Mrs. McCullum
Mrs. McCullum serves as a pivotal figure whose tragic murder triggers the investigation. Her relationship with Brad leaves a deep emotional imprint, framing his character's arc. Despite her brief appearance, her impact resonates throughout the narrative as the catalyst for Brad's unraveling.
Lee Meyers
Lee Meyers, the director of a Greek tragedy, represents the artistic aspirations contrasting Brad's turmoil. His presence invokes memories of shared experiences and reinforces the pivotal role of creativity in Brad's life. Lee encapsulates the tension between ambition and the emotional fallout of tragedy.
Mrs. Roberts
Mrs. Roberts is a key witness in the investigation, offering crucial insight into Brad's unsettling behavior. Her observations emphasize the community's witness to the unraveling of a young man. She balances concern and curiosity, reflecting the human side of the narrative amidst chaos.
Setting
Uncover the settings of My Son, My Son, What Have Ye Done (2009), 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 narrative unfolds in contemporary times, evident through modern references like the use of cell phones and current law enforcement methods. Flashbacks to earlier events illustrate Brad's troubled past, giving context to his actions in the present day. The timeline shifts between past memories and the ongoing hostage situation, depicting a complex character arc.
Location
Peru, Calgary, Balboa Park, Tijuana, Uncle Ted's ostrich farm
The film features a variety of locations, each significant to the story. Peru serves as the backdrop for Brad's life-changing kayaking trip, while Calgary hosts a performance intimately tied to his journey. Balboa Park and Tijuana showcase Brad's playful side during lighter moments, contrasting with the tension of the crisis. Uncle Ted's ostrich farm introduces a unique element that influences Brad's fate.
Themes
Explore the core themes of My Son, My Son, What Have Ye Done (2009). 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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Violence
Violence permeates the narrative, beginning with the shocking murder of Mrs. McCullum. Brad’s descent into chaos and his violent tendencies, revealed through flashbacks, underline the film's exploration of mental instability. The brutal act serves as a haunting catalyst that drives the story forward, reflecting the tragic consequences of unchecked emotions.
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Mental Health
The film intricately examines themes of mental health, as seen through Brad's erratic behavior and traumatic experiences. Flashbacks reveal the emotional turmoil stemming from personal loss and guilt. This theme resonates strongly as Brad grapples with his past and its impact on his decisions, culminating in a tragic standoff.
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Love and Loss
Brad's relationship with Ingrid represents the complexities of love, intertwining with loss from his past. Their moments together juxtapose the unfolding tragedy, showcasing how personal connections are affected by external chaos. The theme of love and loss is prevalent as Ingrid's attempts to reach Brad highlight the emotional stakes involved.
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