The Longest Week 2014
Directed by
Peter Glanz
Made by
Gravitas Ventures
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of The Longest Week (2014). 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.
Conrad Valmont, played by Jason Bateman, lives a life of luxury as a New York City debutante, raised in the lap of his family’s wealth. Unfortunately, his upbringing left him feeling isolated, with his parents frequently absent on worldwide trips, leaving him in the care of their staff. This disconnect shaped his character, leading to overwhelming separation anxiety as he casually engages with various women, yet remains emotionally distant from them. Seeking clarity, he often visits his therapist Barry, who listens as Conrad grapples with his feelings of attraction, noticing a troubling pattern—he is drawn to women he doesn’t care for, while those he genuinely cares for elude him.
Amidst these challenges, Conrad finds himself financially stranded after his parents cut him off, leaving him with nowhere to go. A fortuitous subway ride brings him into the orbit of Beatrice Fairbanks, portrayed by Olivia Wilde, a captivating woman engrossed in “Sense and Sensibility.” Their brief exchange leads to Beatrice slipping her phone number to him, igniting a connection that veers into uncharted territory.
Conrad ends up crashing with his best friend Dylan Tate, played by Billy Crudup. The duo grapples with envy over each other’s lifestyles until fate propels them into a party where Beatrice is present. The audience learns that Beatrice is a talented pianist who has ventured into modeling, but she is already entangled with Dylan, adding an awkward twist to their budding relationship. Despite this, sparks fly, and Conrad and Beatrice begin a clandestine affair, much to the chagrin of Dylan, who had warned Conrad against pursuing her.
The stakes rise as the trio navigates their tangled emotions, leading to one disastrous outing where tensions boil over. After an explosive revelation about his financial woes, Beatrice, caught in the middle, decides to break things off with Conrad. Going his separate way, Conrad suffers a devastating accident, leaving him to confront the fragility of his relationships.
Once he recovers, he attempts to mend fences with both Beatrice and Dylan. An emotional last date with Beatrice ends in a bittersweet farewell, marking a poignant conclusion to their romance. Even as Dylan begins to forgive him, Conrad remains haunted by memories of Beatrice. With his world slowly unraveling, he seeks solace in unexpected places, culminating in the completion of a book that draws from his experiences with her, although it receives only a lukewarm response.
In a twist of fate, Conrad orchestrates a reunion between Dylan and Beatrice, allowing for new opportunities as they discover success together as a jazz duo. Now, at the age of 42, Conrad finally comes to terms with his past, embracing the maturity he has long sought. Through heartbreak and recovery, he embarks on a journey toward self-realization, ready to face whatever life brings next.
Timeline
Track the key events of The Longest Week (2014) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Conrad's Luxurious Upbringing
Conrad Valmont is raised in a wealthy family in New York City, surrounded by luxury and privilege. Despite this lavish lifestyle, he experiences a sense of emotional isolation due to his parents' frequent absences.
Overwhelming Separation Anxiety
The lack of parental presence leads Conrad to develop separation anxiety, affecting his relationships. He engages with various women but remains emotionally detached, reflecting his inner turmoil.
Therapy Sessions with Barry
Conrad frequently visits his therapist, Barry, seeking guidance for his turbulent emotions. Barry provides a listening ear as Conrad speaks about his confusing attraction patterns and the women he cannot connect with genuinely.
Financial Ruin
Conrad is abruptly cut off financially by his parents, leaving him feeling stranded and without direction. This turn of events forces him to reconsider his lifestyle and relationships.
Meeting Beatrice on the Subway
During a subway ride, Conrad encounters Beatrice Fairbanks, who is engrossed in a book. Their quick yet meaningful exchange culminates in Beatrice giving Conrad her phone number, sparking an unexpected connection.
Catching Up with Dylan
Conrad crashes at his best friend Dylan's place as they navigate feelings of envy regarding each other's lifestyles. Their friendship is tested as they each deal with their personal struggles and romantic interests.
The Party Encounter
At a party, Conrad discovers that Beatrice is not only a talented pianist but is also entangled with Dylan. This revelation complicates their budding romance and puts pressure on the friendships between the trio.
Clandestine Affair Begins
Despite the complexities, Conrad and Beatrice embark on a secret affair, fueled by their instant chemistry. However, they must navigate the emotional fallout of their relationship with Dylan.
Tensions Reach a Breaking Point
As feelings intensify, the trio's dynamics become increasingly strained. A disastrous outing culminates in an explosive argument where Conrad's financial struggles come to light, straining all relationships.
Breakup with Beatrice
Caught between conflicting loyalties, Beatrice decides to end her relationship with Conrad. This decision leaves Conrad heartbroken and in a traumatic state, forcing him to confront the realities of his life.
Accident and Recovery
Conrad suffers a devastating accident shortly after the breakup, which forces him to reevaluate his life choices. The recovery process becomes a time of profound reflection on his past relationships and emotional state.
Attempting Reconciliation
Post-recovery, Conrad reaches out to both Beatrice and Dylan in an effort to mend their fractured relationships. He hopes to reconnect and heal the wounds caused by their complicated love triangle.
Bittersweet Goodbye
Conrad shares a poignant final date with Beatrice, marking the bittersweet end of their romance. Despite the emotional weight, they acknowledge the impact they've had on each other's lives.
Creating a New Project
Conrad channels his experiences with Beatrice into writing a book, seeking to process his feelings creatively. However, the book receives a lukewarm reception, leaving him to question its impact.
Reunion and Resolution
In a turn of fate, Conrad facilitates a reunion between Dylan and Beatrice, allowing them to find success as a jazz duo. This act not only mends a friendship but also helps Conrad embrace the lessons learned from his past.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring The Longest Week (2014) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Conrad Valmont
Conrad is a wealthy New York debutante who struggles with feelings of isolation and emotional distance. Raised by absent parents, he experiences overwhelming separation anxiety and a tendency to be attracted to the wrong women. His journey throughout the film leads him toward personal growth and self-realization as he navigates the complexities of love and friendship.
Beatrice Fairbanks
Beatrice is a captivating woman who draws Conrad's attention with her talent and charm. As a pianist and aspiring model, she embodies the complexity of modern relationships. Her connection with Conrad leads to a clandestine affair, straining her ties with his best friend, Dylan. Through her choices, she illustrates the challenges of love and commitment.
Dylan Tate
Dylan is Conrad's best friend who experiences his own struggles with jealousy and connection. Living a different lifestyle, he often finds himself conflicted about his friendship with Conrad, especially when it comes to Beatrice. His character represents the ties of friendship and the complexities that arise when love enters the picture.
Setting
Uncover the settings of The Longest Week (2014), 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 does not specify an exact time period but captures the essence of contemporary life in an urban setting. This modern backdrop highlights societal challenges of loneliness and emotional disconnect, resonating with today's audiences.
Location
New York City
New York City serves as the luxurious backdrop to Conrad Valmont's life as a debutante. Known for its vibrant arts scene, the city encapsulates both the allure and isolation experienced by the wealthy. It's a place where personal connections are often overshadowed by materialism and ambition.
Themes
Explore the core themes of The Longest Week (2014). 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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Love and Heartbreak
The theme of love and heartbreak is central to the narrative, as Conrad grapples with his emotional detachment and yearning for connection. His relationships are marked by chaos and unfulfilled desires, leading to significant personal growth and self-awareness. Ultimately, his journey reflects the complex nature of love and the importance of facing one's vulnerabilities.
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Self-Discovery
Conrad's path to self-discovery is a major theme in the film. Struggling with separation anxiety and familial neglect, he embarks on a quest for identity and emotional closeness. The experiences he encounters with Beatrice and Dylan force him to confront his fears and evolve into a more mature individual.
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Music and Art
The presence of music is woven throughout the film, particularly illustrated by Beatrice's talent as a pianist. This theme emphasizes the arts as a vehicle for expression and connection, serving as both a refuge and a source of conflict for the characters. It ultimately leads to new creative endeavors and partnerships.
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