Nothing Lasts Forever 2022
Directed by
Jason Kohn
Made by
Showtime Networks
Plot Summary
The film begins with Adam Beckett, a pianist who finds himself unwillingly performing Chopin at Carnegie Hall. When the audience calls for an encore, he inadvertently reveals that he’s not playing live but instead using a player piano, inciting the crowd’s outrage as they storm the stage, wrapping him in the piano rolls.
Suddenly, Adam finds himself waking up on a train in Europe, quickly realizing that his previous experience was merely a nightmare. Here, he encounters a Swedish architect who prompts Adam to share his frustrations about his thwarted aspirations of becoming an artist. Encouraged, Adam makes the decision to return to America and chase his dreams. However, upon his arrival, he discovers that the Port Authority has gained control over New York City, imposing restrictions on entry.
After failing a drawing assessment at the Port Authority, Adam is resigned to a mundane job under a volatile boss, where he must monitor traffic at the Holland Tunnel, preventing vehicles with defects, such as broken headlights, from entering. Feeling stifled under his aunt and uncle’s roof, Adam opts to stay in a hotel. He is assigned a room previously occupied by a resident who vanished mysteriously, leaving behind an array of belongings, including intriguing paintings.
At work, Adam crosses paths with Mara, a fellow aspiring artist. He joins her as she explores the vibrant art scene in SoHo, where she introduces him to various artistic expressions to help him find his passion.
In a twist of fate, Adam’s compassion toward a homeless man leads him into an underground society, where he undergoes a metaphorical cleansing by fire. Here, the city’s tramps inform him that they hold sway over the fate of cities globally and that he must embark on a mission to the Moon.
Upon resurfacing, Adam rushes to Mara’s place, but her indifference leaves him heartbroken. He boards a bus headed for the Moon, a trip filled with peculiar levels dedicated to dancing and dining. Being the youngest traveler, he learns from an elderly woman that they all have chips implanted in their necks, causing them to misinterpret their destination as “Miami” instead of the Moon.
When they finally arrive, they are welcomed by the enchanting Moon Maidens and Eloy, who is meant to be Adam’s destined love. Eloy warns him that it’s too perilous to converse, after which Adam leaps onto a shuttle en route to shopping at Moon-o-Rama. Eloy rescues him with a buggy, whisking him away from the bustling Consumerzone.
Finally, Adam awakens in an alley and is urged to rush to his concert at Carnegie Hall. He delivers a stunning performance of Chopin’s polonaise no. 53, earning a standing ovation. In that moment, he locks eyes with Eloy, who cheers him on from a box.
Timeline
Concert at Carnegie Hall
Adam Beckett, a pianist, finds himself reluctantly performing at Carnegie Hall. The audience's excitement quickly turns to outrage when they discover he is using a player piano instead of playing live.
Nightmare on the Train
After the chaotic performance, Adam wakes up on a train in Europe, realizing that the earlier events were just a nightmare. This unexpected awakening sets the stage for his journey of self-discovery.
Meeting with the Architect
On the train, Adam meets a Swedish architect who encourages him to pursue his dreams despite his frustrations. Inspired by their conversation, Adam decides to return to America to chase his artistic aspirations.
Return to America
Upon arriving back in America, Adam discovers that the Port Authority now controls entry into New York City. This new reality complicates his plans and dreams as he faces unexpected restrictions.
Failed Assessment
Adam attempts to pass a drawing assessment required by the Port Authority but ultimately fails. This setback leads him to settle for a mundane job, further distancing him from his artistic ambitions.
Job at the Tunnel
Assigned to monitor traffic at the Holland Tunnel, Adam works under a volatile boss, creating a stifling environment. His job becomes a daily reminder of his thwarted dreams as he checks for defective vehicles.
A Stifling Home
Feeling constrained under his aunt and uncle's roof, Adam decides to stay in a hotel. There, he occupies a room that belonged to a resident who mysteriously vanished, leaving behind intriguing paintings and belongings.
Meeting Mara
At work, Adam meets Mara, a fellow aspiring artist. Their connection blossoms as she introduces him to the vibrant art scene in SoHo, fostering Adam's desire to reconnect with his passion for art.
Underground Society
Adam's compassion towards a homeless man leads him to an underground society. Within this group, he undergoes a transformative experience, metaphorically cleansing himself and discovering a mission that may change his life.
The Journey to the Moon
Following the underground encounter, Adam boards a bus destined for the Moon, only to realize that the passengers are misled by implanted chips that make them believe they are heading to Miami. This surreal journey is filled with strange amenities.
Arrival on the Moon
Upon arriving on the Moon, Adam is greeted by enchanting Moon Maidens and Eloy, who is predicted to be his destined love. However, he is warned to avoid conversation as danger lurks about.
Consumerzone Chaos
After being whisked away by Eloy on a buggy, Adam experiences the bustling Consumerzone. The vibrant but overwhelming environment highlights the absurdity of his journey and his quest for meaning.
Awakening in the Alley
Adam suddenly awakens in an alley back in New York, only to realize he must hurry to his concert at Carnegie Hall. This moment of urgency pulls him back into the world of music where he has been longing to belong.
Final Concert Performance
At Carnegie Hall, Adam delivers a stunning performance of Chopin's polonaise no. 53. The magic of the moment resonates throughout the hall, culminating in a standing ovation from the audience.
Connection with Eloy
In a climactic moment during his performance, Adam locks eyes with Eloy, who cheers him on from a box. This brief connection signifies a profound bond forged through their intertwined journeys.
Characters
Adam Beckett
Adam Beckett is a passionate yet struggling pianist grappling with his artistic identity. His journey from disillusionment to self-realization is at the heart of the film. Faced with societal restrictions and personal challenges, Adam embodies the determination to seize his dreams despite setbacks.
Mara
Mara is a fellow aspiring artist who becomes Adam's guide through the vibrant art scene in SoHo. She represents inspiration and the exploration of creativity, supporting Adam in finding his artistic voice. Yet, her indifference creates emotional conflict, pushing Adam toward self-discovery.
Eloy
Eloy is depicted as Adam's destined love, embodying mystique and guidance throughout Adam's journey. Her warnings and support reveal the complexities of connection and the dangers of ambition. Eloy plays a pivotal role in reflecting on the themes of love and the perils of artistic pursuit.
Setting
Time period
Contemporary
The film is set in a contemporary time period that reflects modern struggles of artists trying to find their place in a challenging world. It explores themes of ambition, societal control, and personal growth, resonating with the current landscape of artistic expression and urban life.
Location
Carnegie Hall, New York City, Europe, SoHo, Moon
Carnegie Hall is a renowned concert venue in New York City, known for its exceptional acoustics and prestigious performances. New York City serves as a vibrant backdrop, teeming with cultural and artistic expression, particularly in districts like SoHo. The Moon represents a fantastical element in the story, symbolizing the heights of aspiration and wonder.
Themes
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Artistic Aspirations
The theme of artistic aspirations runs central to the narrative, depicting Adam's journey from a failed concert to rediscovering his passion for art. His encounters illustrate the struggles artists face in pursuing their creative dreams amidst societal limitations. The vibrant art scene explored in SoHo serves as a catalyst for Adam's self-discovery and reinvigoration.
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Imagination & Escape
Imagination plays a vital role in Adam’s adventures, particularly his surreal journey to the Moon. This theme explores the concept of escape from reality, where our protagonist's dreams and visions lead him to new realms. The adventure symbolizes hope and the pursuit of an extraordinary life beyond the mundane.
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Heartbreak & Resilience
Heartbreak is subtly woven into Adam's experiences, especially in his relationship with Mara. Despite emotional setbacks, the theme emphasizes resilience, showcasing Adam's determination to rise from disappointment and pursue his passion. His eventual triumph at Carnegie Hall reflects the strength to overcome personal and external obstacles.
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