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Made by
Orion Classics
Discover the intricate plot of Trees Lounge (1996). 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.
Tommy Basilio finds himself stuck in a downward spiral, grappling with alcoholism and the consequences it brings. After losing both his girlfriend of eight years and his job as a mechanic, he becomes a regular at the local bar, the Trees Lounge. Following the death of his Uncle Al, who operated an ice cream truck, Tommy attends the wake where he indulges in cocaine with his brother and cousins.
The night takes a wild turn when Tommy brings his relatives to the Trees Lounge, leading to a brawl between his cousin and Mike, another patron. While at a convenience store later, Tommy and Mike engage in a deep conversation about Tommy’s past decisions, notably how he stole money from Rob, the garage owner who is now dating Tommy’s pregnant ex-girlfriend, Theresa, casting doubt on the child’s paternity.
Mike, who owns a moving company across the street from the Trees Lounge, initially declines to offer Tommy a job due to an apparent lack of need for a mechanic. Instead, Tommy decides to take over Uncle Al’s ice cream route, but initially struggles to sell ice cream to kids. Things take an unexpected turn when Debbie, the flirtatious seventeen-year-old niece of Theresa, unexpectedly joins Tommy on his route, revealing that she dreamt about him.
Amid Tommy’s chaotic life, Mike’s personal struggles surface as well; his wife and daughter have left him due to his heavy drinking, further complicating things. Both Debbie and her friend Kelly visit the Trees Lounge, attempting to prove their legal drinking age, and Debbie claims that her “boyfriend” Tommy will vouch for her. Eventually, the group heads to Mike’s house for a night of drinking, but their fun is cut short by Mike’s wife’s phone call asking them to leave.
As the story unfolds, Tommy and Debbie spend the night together at his place. However, upon realizing that her father, Jerry, might not accept her actions, Debbie calls Tommy, asking to stay with him. Fearful of Jerry’s reaction, Tommy sadly turns her away, leading Debbie to run off with her friend Puck to New York City.
Jerry, concerned for his daughter, embarks on a quest to find her and confronts Tommy at the Trees Lounge. The next day, a tense encounter unfolds as Jerry finds Tommy outside the baseball game; enraged, he brutally attacks Tommy with a baseball bat, destroying the ice cream truck and scattering Tommy’s money and ice cream, much to the delight of local children.
After Theresa gives birth, Tommy tries to make amends at the hospital. However, when he returns to the Trees Lounge, he hears about Bill, an elderly regular who collapsed and is in critical condition at the hospital. The barmaids and other patrons temporarily forget about him as they continue to drink. In a moment of reflection, Tommy sits in Bill’s favorite chair, clutching a beer, and senses the reality of his surroundings and the life choices that have led him down this lonely path.
Track the key events of Trees Lounge (1996) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Tommy's Struggles Begin
Tommy Basilio finds himself grappling with alcoholism, which spirals his life into chaos. He loses both his girlfriend of eight years and his job as a mechanic, forcing him to confront the consequences of his addiction.
Uncle Al's Wake
After the death of his Uncle Al, who operated an ice cream truck, Tommy attends the wake where family bonds fray amid substances. Here, he indulges in cocaine with his brother and cousins, compounding his existing issues.
The Fight at Trees Lounge
Tommy brings his relatives to the *Trees Lounge*, where a brawl erupts between his cousin and Mike, another patron. This violence reflects the tensions in Tommy’s life and foreshadows the unraveling relationships around him.
Reflection with Mike
Later, Tommy engages in a deep conversation with Mike at a convenience store, reflecting on his past mistakes. He confesses to stealing money from Rob, the garage owner who is now dating his ex-girlfriend, casting doubt on the paternity of her child.
Job Offer Declined
Mike, the owner of a moving company near the *Trees Lounge*, declines to offer Tommy a job due to a lack of need for a mechanic. Feeling hopeless, Tommy decides to take over Uncle Al's ice cream route to try to regain some stability.
Struggling with Sales
As Tommy takes on the ice cream route, he initially struggles to sell ice cream to local children. His confidence falters, and he begins to feel the weight of his responsibilities amidst his chaotic lifestyle.
Unexpected Companion
Debbie, the flirtatious seventeen-year-old niece of Theresa, unexpectedly joins Tommy on his ice cream route. She reveals she dreamt about him, adding to the complexities of Tommy's already tumultuous life.
Struggles Shared
Mike’s personal dilemmas surface as he faces abandonment after his wife and daughter leave him due to his heavy drinking. This shared struggle between Tommy and Mike showcases their desperation and need for connection.
Night Out Turns Sour
Debbie and her friend Kelly visit the *Trees Lounge*, claiming their legal drinking age and seeking validation from Tommy. Their night takes a sour turn when Mike's wife's call interrupts their drinking session, exposing the harsh realities of their lives.
Debbie's Dilemma
After spending the night together, Debbie realizes her father, Jerry, might disapprove of her choices. In a panic, she calls Tommy for refuge, but fearing Jerry's wrath, he sadly turns her away.
Jerry's Search
Concerned for his daughter, Jerry embarks on a quest to find Debbie, leading him to confront Tommy at the *Trees Lounge*. The tension between the two men escalates as Jerry's protective instincts clash with Tommy's troubled state.
Confrontation
The next day, Jerry finds Tommy outside a baseball game and in a fit of rage, brutally attacks him with a baseball bat. He destroys Tommy's ice cream truck, scattering his money and ice cream, leaving Tommy humiliated and exposed.
Birth and Regret
After Theresa gives birth, Tommy attempts to make amends at the hospital but is met with indifference. His journey back to the *Trees Lounge* results in hearing about Bill’s critical condition, reflecting the neglect he feels in his life.
Moment of Reflection
While at the *Trees Lounge*, Tommy sits in Bill's favorite chair, overwhelmed by the chaos around him. He clutches a beer and contemplates the life choices that have led him to this point, realizing how lonely he truly is.
Meet the characters that bring Trees Lounge (1996) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Tommy Basilio
Tommy Basilio is a troubled mechanic whose life spirals due to alcoholism and personal losses. Struggling with heartbreak and his identity, he frequently finds himself at the *Trees Lounge*, reflecting on his life choices while attempting to connect with others. His character embodies the complexities of addiction and the pursuit of redemption, showcasing both vulnerability and resilience.
Mike
Mike is a complex character who owns a moving company and grapples with his own issues, largely stemming from a failed marriage due to his drinking. His interactions with Tommy provide deep insights into their shared struggles, as Mike initially declines to help Tommy professionally despite recognizing his potential.
Debbie
Debbie is a flirtatious seventeen-year-old who becomes an unexpected presence in Tommy's life, showcasing youthful innocence amidst the chaos. Her character illustrates the blurred lines of relationships and the consequences of choices made in the heat of the moment, reflecting typical teenage rebellion.
Uncover the settings of Trees Lounge (1996), 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 captures a modern atmosphere filled with the struggles of everyday life, focusing on themes of addiction and personal conflict. While specific years or dates are not mentioned, the events resonate with contemporary issues faced in society.
Location
Trees Lounge, New York City
The *Trees Lounge* serves as the central setting, a local bar where the community gathers, providing a backdrop for Tommy's downward spiral. New York City is known for its vibrant nightlife and diverse culture, which plays a pivotal role in Tommy's life as he navigates relationships and personal challenges.
Explore the core themes of Trees Lounge (1996). 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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Addiction
Addiction is a central theme, depicted through Tommy's struggles with alcoholism and its consequences on his relationships and life. The film explores how addiction can lead to isolation and destruction, affecting those around him as well. Tommy's journey reflects the challenges of breaking free from the cycle of dependency and reclaiming one's life.
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Heartbreak
Heartbreak is a recurring theme as Tommy faces the emotional fallout of losing significant relationships, including his long-term girlfriend and familial connections. His interactions are underscored by a sense of longing and regret, showcasing how love and loss shape his decisions and mental state throughout the film.
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Identity
The theme of identity emerges as Tommy grapples with who he is amidst his failures and struggles. His attempts to redefine himself through various jobs and relationships reveal his profound insecurities and search for purpose, leading to moments of self-discovery interspersed with disillusionment.
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