Kodachrome Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A grumpy photographer with cancer forces his music-exec son to drive him to Kansas to develop some old film, proving that even expired Kodachrome has better color correction than their relationship.

🍿 Kodachrome: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Estranged Father and Son

Matt Ryder, a struggling music executive, is informed by Zooey Kern, the nurse of his estranged and cantankerous father, Ben, a renowned photographer, that Ben is terminally ill. Ben wishes to take a road trip from New York to Kansas to develop his last rolls of Kodachrome film at the last remaining lab before it closes.

The Road Trip Begins

Reluctantly, Matt agrees to the trip, motivated partly by the chance to meet a band in Chicago that could save his career. Along the way, tensions flare between Matt and Ben due to years of resentment and unspoken feelings. Ben’s declining health and abrasive personality further complicate the journey.

Confrontations and Connections

As they travel, Matt, Ben, and Zooey confront their pasts and present struggles. Matt grapples with his father’s neglect, Ben faces his mortality, and Zooey navigates the complexities of their relationship. They experience moments of connection and vulnerability, punctuated by humor and heartfelt conversations.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Ben (Ed Harris): A dying, world-renowned photographer, Ben embarks on a road trip to develop his last rolls of Kodachrome film, attempting to reconcile with his estranged son.
• Matt Ryder (Jason Sudeikis): A struggling music executive and Ben’s estranged son, Matt reluctantly agrees to accompany his father on a road trip, hoping to salvage his career and confront their strained relationship.
• Zooey Kern (Elizabeth Olsen): Ben’s nurse and assistant, Zooey acts as a mediator between Ben and Matt, providing care and emotional support during their journey.
• Uncle Dean (Bruce Greenwood): Uncle Dean is Ben’s brother who represents a more stable and conventional life path, contrasting with Ben’s artistic pursuits.
• Larry (Dennis Haysbert): Larry is Matt’s boss, representing the pressures and compromises of the corporate music industry.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Ben: “We’re all so frightened by time, the way it moves on and the way things disappear. That’s why we’re photographers. We’re preservationists by nature. We take pictures to stop time, to commit moments to eternity. Human nature made tangible.” – Ben explains his passion for photography and its ability to capture and preserve moments in time.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $70,149

💥 Kodachrome Reviews

Personal Review

I really connected with ‘Kodachrome’. It reminded me of my own family and the importance of cherishing moments. Seeing Ed Harris and Jason Sudeikis together was fantastic, their chemistry felt real. The scene where they finally view the developed photos at the end got me choked up. It’s a simple story, but it hit me right in the feels.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of road trip movies”
  • “Viewers interested in family dramas”
  • “People who appreciate photography and nostalgia”
  • “Those who like Ed Harris, Jason Sudeikis, or Elizabeth Olsen”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Terminal illness”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Some sexual content”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Kodachrome finds emotional resonance in its exploration of familial bonds and the passage of time, elevated by strong performances, particularly from Ed Harris. While predictable, the film’s heart shines through.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Though the narrative treads familiar ground, the cast’s chemistry and the film’s sentimental core make ‘Kodachrome’ a worthwhile watch. Harris delivers a memorable performance, balancing gruffness with vulnerability.
• IndieWire: “Kodachrome excels when it focuses on the complex dynamic between father and son. Its weaknesses lie in its predictable narrative, making it watchable and sweet but not particularly special.

Audience Reactions

Ed Harris’s performance as the cantankerous yet vulnerable photographer was a standout.: Viewers were touched by the film’s exploration of familial relationships and the power of photography.

The soundtrack perfectly complemented the film’s emotional tone, enhancing the viewing experience.: Many enjoyed the film’s nostalgic elements, including the focus on Kodachrome film and the analog era.

Overall Consensus: Kodachrome is a heartwarming and sentimental road trip drama with strong performances, despite its predictable plot.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on A.G. Sulzberger’s 2010 New York Times article ‘For Kodachrome Fans, Road Ends at Photo Lab in Kansas’.”
• “Dwayne’s Photography, the lab featured in the movie, actually stopped accepting Kodachrome rolls on December 30, 2010, due to Kodak discontinuing the developing chemicals.”
• “The movie was shot on 35mm Kodak film, adding to the authenticity of the film’s subject matter.”

🖥️ How to Watch Kodachrome?

Kodachrome is available for streaming on Netflix. You may also be able to rent or purchase the movie on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming or rental service for availability in your region.

🎥 Similar Movies

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

• Nebraska (2013): Shares the road trip theme with a focus on a strained father-son relationship.
• About Schmidt (2002): Explores themes of aging, legacy, and self-discovery through a road trip narrative.
• Captain Fantastic (2016): Features a family road trip dealing with loss, grief, and the complexities of family relationships.

🛒 Kodachrome Related Products

• Kodak Portra 400 35mm Professional Film (36 Exposures): Experience the legendary Kodak Portra 400 film, known for its exceptional skin tones and fine grain. Capture your own timeless memories with this iconic film stock. Rediscover the magic of analog photography.
• 35mm Film Camera, Lomography Simple Use Reloadable Film Camera: The Lomo is a 35mm reloadable film camera that brings back the joy of oldschool photography and offers a great way to learn film photography. It’s compatible with a wide variety of 35mm film, meaning you can swap film rolls and experiment with different looks and effects.
• Photography Coffee Table Book – Steve McCurry: Untold: The Stories Behind the Photographs: A retrospective of Steve McCurry’s career, focusing on the human element of his photographs.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Girlfriend” – performed by Ty Segall
• “Lightning Crashes” – performed by Live

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Elizabeth Olsen – Interview Kodachrome

Want to hear what Elizabeth Olsen thinks about working on Kodachrome? Her insights are super interesting, especially when she talks about her character’s motivations – definitely worth checking out!

The Kodachrome Project (full documentary)

Ever wondered about the real story behind the *last* roll of Kodachrome? This documentary dives deep into that moment in history and it really puts the movie in perspective – I found it surprisingly captivating!

Will Kodak Bring Back Kodachrome?

Are you curious about the film that inspired the movie? This video explores the history of Kodachrome and the slim chance of it ever returning to shelves! It’s really cool to learn how innovative the film was for its time.

✨ Rate