Gigantic Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A mattress salesman obsessed with adopting a Chinese baby meets a quirky girl who is the daughter of a crazy rich man, gets beat up by a homeless guy for no reason, and somehow, it all becomes a movie.

🍿 Gigantic: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Brian and His Ambitions

Brian Weathersby, played by Paul Dano, works as a mattress salesman in New York City. Unlike his materially successful father and brothers, Brian harbors a unique aspiration: to adopt a baby from China. This desire sets him apart and drives much of his actions throughout the film.

Meeting Happy and a Complicated Romance

Brian’s life takes an unexpected turn when he meets Happy Lolly, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel. Happy is the daughter of a wealthy and eccentric customer, Al Lolly. After falling asleep on a mattress in the store, Happy forms an unusual connection with Brian. Their relationship is marked by quirkiness and uncertainty, especially when Happy learns about Brian’s adoption plans.

The Mysterious Homeless Man

Adding to Brian’s already complicated life is a recurring and unexplained element: a homeless man who repeatedly attacks him. The identity and motives of this attacker remain ambiguous, leaving the audience to question whether he represents a real threat or a manifestation of Brian’s inner turmoil. These violent encounters punctuate Brian’s daily life, adding a layer of surrealism to the narrative.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Brian Weathersby (Paul Dano): A morose mattress salesman with a lifelong desire to adopt a Chinese baby, whose life is complicated by a new relationship and a mysterious assailant.
• Happy Lolly (Zooey Deschanel): A quirky and privileged young woman who falls asleep on a mattress and unexpectedly connects with the mattress salesman.
• Al Lolly (John Goodman): Happy’s wealthy and eccentric father, who buys an expensive mattress and inadvertently brings Brian and Happy together.
• Kirby Weathersby (Edward Asner): Brian’s elderly and unconventional father, who supports his son’s unusual life choices.
• Homeless Man (Zach Galifianakis): A mysterious figure who repeatedly attacks Brian, adding an element of surreal violence to his life.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Larry Arbogast: “Did you know women are 20 times more likely to be depressed than men? Maybe more, can’t remember the exact number – it’s a lot more.” – Larry makes this statement during a conversation with Brian while at work.
• Brian: “That’s good… for men.” – Brian’s dry response to Larry’s statement about female depression.

💰Box Office

• Budget: None
• Domestic Gross: $102,704
• Worldwide Gross: $165,888

💥 Gigantic Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this movie years ago and being totally perplexed. It’s one of those movies that leaves you thinking ‘What was the point?’ Paul Dano and Zooey Deschanel are great actors, but even they couldn’t save this movie. I was left scratching my head at the end, and I don’t think I’ll be revisiting it anytime soon. I liked the soundtrack, though!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of indie films”
  • “Viewers who appreciate quirky and unconventional stories”
  • “Those interested in dramedies with complex characters”
  • “Fans of Paul Dano and Zooey Deschanel”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence (brief attacks)”
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Language”
  • “Suggestive Themes”
  • “Female Topless Nudity”
  • “Female Nudity”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “Gigantic is a frustrating film. It has moments of genuine charm and humor, elevated by strong performances from its cast, but it ultimately struggles to coalesce into a cohesive narrative. The quirky elements often feel forced, detracting from the film’s overall impact.
• The New York Times: “While the performances in Gigantic are commendable, especially from John Goodman and Ed Asner, the film’s meandering plot and underdeveloped themes leave much to be desired. The humor is hit-or-miss, and the overall experience is more confusing than compelling.

Audience Reactions

Some viewers appreciated the quirky characters and the unconventional storyline.: Most people liked the performances of the lead actors (Paul Dano and Zooey Deschanel) and the supporting cast, especially John Goodman and Ed Asner.

Overall Consensus: Gigantic is a quirky, unconventional indie film that polarizes viewers. While some appreciate its unique characters and story, many find it confusing, pointless, and ultimately unsatisfying.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Matt Aselton’s directorial debut.”
• “The film was shot in 35mm.”
• “The soundtrack features music by Roddy Bottum and includes Animal Collective.”

🖥️ How to Watch Gigantic?

As of today, there are no options to stream ‘Gigantic’ for free on any major platforms. However, you can rent or purchase the movie from various digital retailers such as Amazon Prime Video. Check your preferred platform for availability and pricing.

🎥 Similar Movies

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

• Little Miss Sunshine (2006): Shares a similar quirky, character-driven narrative with an ensemble cast.
• 500 Days of Summer (2009): Explores an unconventional romance with a focus on character quirks and emotional complexities, released in the same year.
• Harold and Maude (1971): Cult classic focusing on dark humor and an offbeat relationship, appealing to similar sensibilities.

🛒 Gigantic Related Products

• Zooey Deschanel – ‘She & Him’ Vinyl Record: Features Zooey Deschanel’s musical talent beyond acting; a perfect addition for fans who appreciate her indie style and enjoy the film’s overall vibe.
• Paul Dano Movie Collection [DVD]: Showcases Paul Dano’s diverse acting range in various indie and mainstream films. A great way to appreciate his talent beyond ‘Gigantic’.
• Mattress Topper – Memory Foam Bed Topper Queen: The film centers around a mattress salesman and selling mattresses worth $14,000, a good comfortable bed or topper can help you sleep better and feel better.
• Indie Film Lover’s Gift Basket: Contains curated items like a vintage film camera replica, classic movie snacks, and a booklet on the history of indie cinema. Perfect for cinephiles.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Brooklyn King” – performed by Masta Killa
• “Nature Sounds” – performed by Navy Yard

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Gigantic: Little Man

Ever wondered what a fan-made continuation of ‘Gigantic’ would look like? This animated short imagines a new chapter in the story, and honestly, I think the voice acting is pretty impressive!

✨ Rate