The Vanishing Of Sidney Hall 2018
Directed by
Shawn Christensen
Made by
A24
Plot Summary
The film intricately revolves around Sidney Hall, a young novelist whose story is told through a non-linear sequence of elliptical flashbacks and flash-forwards, illustrating three significant phases of his life.
At eighteen, Sidney becomes the center of attention after he shares an unexpected story about his youthful exploration of sexuality during an English class, much to the embarrassment of his teacher. He finds an ally in Duane Jones, his supportive English teacher, who shields him from expulsion and encourages his burgeoning writing talent. However, life is not without challenges; a local bully, Brett Newport, approaches Sidney with a proposition to excavate a buried package from their childhood. After declining the request, Sidney returns to a tumultuous home life, characterized by an abusive mother, Velouria, and a father, Gerald, who faces his own struggles. In this emotional whirlwind, Sidney discovers a love letter from the mysterious Melody. Following Duane’s advice, he tries unconventional methods to capture Melody’s attention, but success eludes him.
While observing the girl from the Jameson family across the street, he realizes she is indeed Melody, who shyly refrains from direct interaction. After witnessing Brett’s bullying behavior, Sidney reluctantly agrees to help him dig up the buried package, binding their friendship under the condition that Brett ceases his bully tactics. The excavation leads to a shocking discovery: a tape revealing Judge George Newport, Brett’s father, in a compromising situation. The boys agree to take the evidence to the authorities, unable to comprehend the gravity of what they have unearthed.
The drama intensifies when Melody surprises Sidney with an impromptu fair date, during which they connect deeply. While admiring a wooden statue at a booth, the carver, Johan Tidemand, generously gifts it to Sidney. However, after witnessing Brett’s recorded shame and finding Sidney’s unflattering personal writings, Velouria reacts violently, destroying his notebooks in a fiery outburst. This fuels a tragic sequence of events that culminates in Brett’s suicide, spurring Sidney to pen a contentious novel titled “Suburban Tragedy.” Duane champions Sidney’s work, which catches the eye of publisher Harold, eventually leading to a lucrative book deal.
By twenty-four, Sidney has achieved literary success but is plagued by alcoholism and mental health struggles following a head injury. His bestselling novels earn acclaim, including a shot at the Pulitzer Prize. However, his life takes a darker turn when an obsessed fan, Henry Crowe, lashes out, resulting in murder and suicide, irreparably tainting the reputation of “Suburban Tragedy.” Amidst his crumbling marriage to Melody, an affair with Alexandra, Harold’s daughter, complicates his already turbulent existence. When Melody reveals her pregnancy, she urges honesty, for which he offers nothing but denial. Their world teeters on the brink of disaster, culminating in a heart-wrenching moment in an elevator where Melody tragically dies from an asthma attack, leaving Sidney grappling with grief and regret.
At thirty, a reclusive Sidney has vanished from public view for five years, wandering libraries and ultimately burning copies of his own work in a state of despair. Enter The Searcher, who embarks on a quest to uncover the truth of Sidney’s fate, consulting with friends and acquaintances including Duane and Johan, who crafted new identities for him. In New Mexico, a chance encounter leads to Sidney’s arrest, but he is saved by The Searcher, who turns out to be Francis Bishop, eager to write a biography about Sidney. Francis reveals how Sidney’s earlier work positively impacted him, though their paths soon diverge as Sidney’s health deteriorates from alcohol-related maladies.
In a poignant hospital scene, Sidney passes on his writings and the revelations surrounding the inspiration behind “Suburban Tragedy,” including the dark truth about Judge Newport. As he slips away, Sidney envisions a younger Melody, uniting with him once more, as he serenely departs this world, leaving behind a legacy of both literary brilliance and profound tragedy.
Timeline
Sidney's Embarrassing Story
At the age of eighteen, Sidney Hall captures the attention of his peers by sharing a shocking story about his exploration of sexuality during an English class. The incident fuels a pivotal moment in his life, drawing both admiration and embarrassment, while highlighting the complexities of adolescence.
Support from Duane Jones
Sidney's teacher, Duane Jones, steps in to protect him from expulsion after the disruptive story is shared. This support becomes a catalyst for Sidney's burgeoning writing talent, fostering a mentor-student relationship that significantly shapes his future.
Sidney's Troubled Home Life
Returning home, Sidney faces a tumultuous environment characterized by an abusive relationship with his mother, Velouria, and a father, Gerald, dealing with his own issues. This stressful family backdrop complicates Sidney's emotional development and influences his later writings.
Discovery of a Love Letter
Amidst the chaos at home, Sidney discovers a love letter from a mysterious girl named Melody. Motivated by Duane's encouragement, he embarks on a quest to win her heart, although his efforts initially lead to frustration and confusion.
The Unveiling of Melody
Sidney observes Melody, realizing she is the girl from the Jameson family living nearby, igniting a complex emotional dynamic. Despite a hopeful connection, she maintains a distance, leaving Sidney yearning for more interaction.
Brett's Proposition
Local bully Brett Newport approaches Sidney with a risky idea: to unearth a buried package from their childhood. This decision leads to a tentative alliance based on the stipulation that Brett will cease his bullying behavior, adding further complexity to Sidney's social landscape.
A Shocking Discovery
The boys dig up the buried package, revealing a tape featuring Brett's father, Judge George Newport, in a compromising situation. The discovery presents a moral dilemma as they grapple with the weight of their find, deciding to take it to the authorities.
A Memorable Fair Date
Sidney experiences a surprise fair date with Melody, strengthening their bond. During the outing, Sidney receives a beautifully carved wooden statue from the fair's carver, Johan Tidemand, symbolizing hope and connection amidst the turmoil in his life.
Destruction of Sidney's Work
After discovering Sidney's writings and witnessing the footage of Brett's father, Velouria reacts fiercely, burning his notebooks in a chaotic outburst. This act of destruction not only devastates Sidney's creative outlet but also triggers a series of tragic events in his life.
Brett's Tragic Fate
The tensions culminate in Brett's suicide, a heart-wrenching consequence of the challenges faced by the boys. Stricken by grief and guilt, Sidney channels his pain into writing a controversial novel titled 'Suburban Tragedy,' which alters his trajectory forever.
Literary Success and Downward Spiral
By the age of twenty-four, Sidney achieves notable success as a novelist, attracting acclaim and a potential Pulitzer Prize. However, his achievements are overshadowed by struggles with alcoholism and a turbulent personal life, leading to a dark spiral of events.
The Obsessed Fan
Sidney's life takes a chilling turn when an obsessive fan, Henry Crowe, violently lashes out, resulting in tragic murder and suicide linked to 'Suburban Tragedy.' This incident irreparably damages Sidney's reputation and further deepens his turmoil.
The Heartbreaking Loss of Melody
Sidney's marriage to Melody deteriorates, exacerbated by his infidelity with Alexandra, and when Melody's pregnancy is revealed, denial leads to tension. Ultimately, a devastating moment in an elevator marks the tragic loss of Melody due to an asthma attack, leaving Sidney in profound grief.
A Five-Year Disappearance
At thirty, a reclusive Sidney has retreated from public life for five years, lost in a haze of despair and self-destruction. He wanders libraries and ultimately burns copies of his renowned work, indicative of his inner turmoil and regret.
The Searcher's Quest
The character known as The Searcher seeks to uncover the truth about Sidney's fate, interviewing those close to him, including Duane and Johan. Their insights reveal the profound impact Sidney's work had on others, culminating in a chance encounter that leads to Sidney's brief arrest.
Sidney's Final Moments
In a poignant scene in the hospital, Sidney passes on his writings and confesses the dark truths behind his acclaim. As he slips away, he envisions a reunion with a younger Melody, signifying both closure and the enduring legacy of his literary journey.
Characters
Sidney Hall
Sidney is a complex character whose journey from an inquisitive young writer to a troubled literary figure reflects profound emotional struggles. Despite his talent, he grapples with familial abuse, addiction, and the haunting impacts of his success, showcasing vulnerability beneath his achievements.
Duane Jones
Duane serves as a supportive and encouraging figure in Sidney's life, embodying the traits of a compassionate mentor. His efforts to shield Sidney from fallout and guide him in his writing reveal a deep understanding of youth and the challenges they face.
Melody
Melody is a pivotal character in Sidney's world, representing both love and tragedy. Her shy demeanor and complexity add layers to Sidney’s emotional narrative, ultimately impacting his life in profoundly heartbreaking ways.
Brett Newport
Brett embodies the complexities of youth influenced by familial expectations and bullying. His interplay with Sidney shifts from antagonism to vulnerability, illustrating the profound effects of societal pressures on individual choices and mental health.
Harold
Harold represents the publishing world, embodying both opportunity and commercial pressure. His support for Sidney's work contrasts with the moral questions raised by the content of their collaboration, revealing the darker side of literary fame.
Setting
Time period
Contemporary
The film unfolds within a contemporary setting, exploring themes relevant to the modern era, such as the challenges of mental health and the impact of fame. It captures the complexities of life across multiple stages, from youth to adulthood, reflecting a society grappling with both personal and public scrutiny.
Location
New Mexico
New Mexico offers a diverse landscape rich in history and culture, known for its beautiful deserts and mountains. The state is home to various libraries, representing a sanctuary for those seeking knowledge and solitude, like Sidney in his later years.
Themes
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Literature
Literature serves as both a sanctuary and a source of turmoil for Sidney. His journey captures the transformative power of storytelling, reflecting both the beauty and the burden that come with artistic expression, culminating in the creation of a novel that blends personal tragedy with societal critique.
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Loss
Loss is a predominant theme, explored through familial, romantic, and creative contexts. Sidney experiences deep loss, from the tragic death of Melody to the emotional detachment from his past and his own identity, shaping his character's fraught literary journey.
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Justice
The quest for justice manifests through Sidney's discovery of the compromising tape involving Judge Newport, questioning moral integrity and the consequences of accountability. This theme threads through the narrative, exploring how personal choices and societal failings intertwine.
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