Tesla Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Nikola Tesla invents electricity, fights with Thomas Edison about whether it should be delivered spicy (AC) or mild (DC), and then sings karaoke, all while a woman Googles facts about him.

🍿 Tesla: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Early Career and Rivalry with Edison

The film opens with Nikola Tesla working for Thomas Edison in New York City. Tesla champions alternating current (AC), while Edison stubbornly promotes direct current (DC). This fundamental disagreement leads to Tesla leaving Edison’s employment to pursue his own inventions. The movie uses modern elements to represent this classic rivalry.

Partnership with Westinghouse and the ‘War of Currents’

Tesla partners with George Westinghouse, a businessman who sees the potential of AC power. They face fierce opposition from Edison, who uses scare tactics and even supports the electric chair to discredit AC as dangerous. This “War of Currents” becomes a central conflict in the film, illustrating the challenges Tesla faced in bringing his vision to life.

Unfulfilled Romance and Scientific Pursuits

Anne Morgan, daughter of J.P. Morgan, becomes fascinated with Tesla and serves as the film’s narrator. She attempts to forge a romantic connection with him, but Tesla remains preoccupied with his scientific pursuits, prioritizing his work over personal relationships. The movie depicts his complex character with several artistic freedoms.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Nikola Tesla (Ethan Hawke): A visionary but eccentric inventor determined to bring alternating current to the world, often struggling with financial and social challenges.
• Anne Morgan (Eve Hewson): A wealthy and intelligent narrator who is fascinated by Tesla and his work, also providing a modern perspective on his life.
• Thomas Edison (Kyle MacLachlan): Tesla’s rival and a staunch proponent of direct current, representing the established industrial order.
• George Westinghouse (Jim Gaffigan): An inventor and businessman who supports Tesla’s alternating current and helps him compete with Edison.
• J.P. Morgan (Donnie Keshawarz): A powerful banker who invests in both Edison and Tesla, representing the financial forces that shape technological development.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Nikola Tesla: “Every human being is an engine geared to the wheel work of the universe.” – Tesla expresses his belief that humans are interconnected with the universe and its workings.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $5,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $93,147
• Worldwide Gross: $459,051

💥 Tesla Reviews

Personal Review

Honestly, I went into this movie expecting a straight biopic, and I was so wrong. It’s… weird. Like, Ethan Hawke sings karaoke weird. I wasn’t sure what to make of it at first, but the more I thought about it, the more I appreciated the attempt to capture Tesla’s genius in a non-traditional way. It’s definitely not for everyone, but if you’re open to something different, it might surprise you. The scenes with Anne Morgan were the most interesting to me, seeing her struggle to connect with such an enigmatic figure felt real.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Viewers interested in unconventional biopics”
  • “Fans of Ethan Hawke and Kyle MacLachlan”
  • “Those fascinated by Nikola Tesla and the history of electricity”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief partial nudity”
  • “Thematic elements relating to historical figures and scientific concepts”
  • “Some mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “Almereyda’s ‘Tesla’ is ambitious but uneven, a freewheeling biopic that prioritizes style over substance. Ethan Hawke delivers a restrained performance, but the film’s experimental approach, with its anachronisms and fourth-wall breaks, ultimately distracts from the story of this enigmatic inventor. The movie feels more like a series of interesting ideas than a cohesive narrative.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “While ‘Tesla’ attempts a fresh take on a historical figure, it often struggles to connect with the audience. Hawke’s portrayal of Tesla is compelling, but the film’s unconventional structure and pacing may alienate viewers seeking a more traditional biopic. Almereyda’s artistic choices are bold, but they don’t always serve the story effectively, leading to a somewhat disjointed and unsatisfying experience.

Audience Reactions

Some viewers appreciated the film’s bold and unconventional approach to storytelling.: While divisive, the movie’s artistic risks were seen as a unique way to explore Tesla’s complex character.

Many found the film confusing and disjointed, making it difficult to connect with the story.: The anachronisms and experimental narrative style alienated some viewers seeking a more traditional biopic.

Overall Consensus: Tesla is a highly experimental and divisive biopic that prioritizes style over substance, leaving many viewers confused and unsatisfied, while others appreciate its unique approach.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film uses anachronistic elements, such as modern technology and music, to emphasize the relevance of Tesla’s ideas in the present day and to make the story more accessible to a contemporary audience.”
• “The film deliberately avoids a traditional biopic structure, opting for a more fragmented and experimental narrative that reflects Tesla’s unconventional thinking.”
• “Director Michael Almereyda uses minimalist sets and painted backdrops to create a dreamlike atmosphere, emphasizing the abstract nature of Tesla’s concepts.”

🖥️ How to Watch Tesla?

Tesla (2020) is currently available to rent or purchase on various platforms. You can find it on demand through services like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings as availability may vary.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Tesla, you might like these similar films:

• The Current War (2017): A more conventional historical drama focusing on the battle between Edison, Westinghouse, and Tesla over electrical systems.
• The Prestige (2006): Features David Bowie as Nikola Tesla and explores themes of innovation, rivalry, and the pursuit of extraordinary feats.
• Einstein’s Big Idea (2005): Presents another view of scientific discovery and competing personalities.

🛒 Tesla Related Products

• Nikola Tesla: Imagination and the Man Who Invented the 20th Century: A definitive biography that reveals the genius and eccentricities of Nikola Tesla, exploring his groundbreaking inventions and visionary ideas. It’s a fascinating read for those wanting to delve deeper into the life of this remarkable inventor and understand his lasting impact on modern technology.
• Tesla Inventor T-Shirt: A stylish T-shirt featuring a portrait of Nikola Tesla, perfect for fans who want to show their appreciation for this brilliant inventor. Made from soft, comfortable fabric, this shirt is ideal for everyday wear and makes a great conversation starter about the fascinating world of science and technology.
• Nikola Tesla Action Figure: A highly detailed Nikola Tesla action figure, capturing the essence of this legendary inventor. This collectible item is perfect for displaying on a desk or shelf, and it serves as a reminder of Tesla’s groundbreaking contributions to the world of electricity and wireless communication. A must-have for any serious Tesla enthusiast.
• Nikola Tesla’s Electricity: A Guided Exploration: This kit brings Tesla’s inventions to life, allowing users to conduct experiments and learn about the principles of electricity and magnetism. Hands-on activities demonstrate Tesla’s groundbreaking work in AC power, wireless communication, and more. A fantastic way to engage with science and technology in an interactive and educational way.

🎧 Soundtrack

Tesla features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The portrait of a Lady” – performed by Wojciech Kilar
• “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” – performed by Tears for Fears

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Sir Nikola Tesla Edit 🗿🛐⚡ #edit #tesla #nikolatesla #movie #scientist

Ever wondered what makes Nikola Tesla so iconic? This short edit perfectly captures his genius and influence in just one minute! Honestly, it’s pretty cool to see his legacy visualized like this.

The Real Story of Nikola Tesla | Best Nikola Tesla Documentary

Want to really understand Nikola Tesla’s impact? This documentary dives deep into his life, his inventions, and even his struggles. I was surprised by how much he sacrificed for his vision!

The Tragic Story of Nikola Tesla

Did you know one of the greatest inventors died penniless? This video reveals the tragic side of Nikola Tesla’s story. It’s a bit heartbreaking, but it really highlights the challenges he faced.

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