Long Day’s Journey Into Night Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A dysfunctional family in the early 1900s argues for three hours straight, proving that misery loves company, especially when morphine and whiskey are involved.

🍿 Long Day’s Journey Into Night: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Summer Day in Connecticut

The film opens on a summer day in 1912 at the Tyrone family’s Monte Cristo Cottage in Connecticut. James Tyrone, a retired actor, lives with his wife Mary and their two sons, Jamie and Edmund. An atmosphere of unease pervades the house, hinting at deeper issues within the family. The foghorn sounds ominously in the distance.

Mary’s Fragile State

Mary Tyrone has recently returned from a sanatorium where she was treated for morphine addiction. The family is hopeful that she has overcome her addiction, but her behavior suggests otherwise. She seems restless and detached, reminiscing about the past and denying any present problems. The family watches her carefully, fearing a relapse.

Edmund’s Illness

Edmund, the younger son, is ill with a persistent cough. While the family initially dismisses it as a summer cold, it becomes increasingly clear that he has tuberculosis. James is reluctant to spend money on a good doctor or a proper sanitarium, revealing his deeply ingrained frugality. This becomes a source of conflict within the family.

Jamie’s Bitterness

Jamie, the older son, is an alcoholic and a failure. He is resentful of Edmund’s talent and jealous of the attention he receives. He alternates between expressing love for his brother and warning him about the dangers of the world. Jamie’s self-destructive behavior and cynicism add to the family’s tension.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Mary Tyrone (Katharine Hepburn): A mentally unstable mother battling morphine addiction, haunted by her past and struggling to maintain a grip on reality.
• James Tyrone (Ralph Richardson): The patriarch of the Tyrone family, a retired actor known for his frugality and alcoholism, grappling with past decisions.
• Jamie Tyrone (Jason Robards): The elder son, an alcoholic and aimless individual filled with resentment towards his family, especially his younger brother.
• Edmund Tyrone (Dean Stockwell): The younger son, an aspiring writer suffering from tuberculosis, serving as a sensitive observer of his family’s disintegration.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Mary Tyrone: “The past is the present, isn’t it? It’s the future, too.” – Mary reflects on how the past continues to haunt and define their present and future lives.
• Edmund Tyrone: “The fog was where I wanted to be. Halfway down the path you can’t see this house. You’d never know it was here.” – Edmund describes his longing to escape reality and hide from the painful truths of his life.
• James Tyrone: “I’m afraid that the past is a habit with me, a chain I’ve forged myself.” – James laments his inability to escape the mistakes and regrets of his past.
• Jamie Tyrone: “I’m just telling you so you’ll be on your guard. Because I’ll do my damnedest to make you fail.” – Jamie confesses his destructive jealousy and resentment towards his younger brother, Edmund.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $500,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $11

💥 Long Day’s Journey Into Night Reviews

Personal Review

This movie hit me hard. Seeing this family slowly unravel over the course of a single day was both captivating and deeply unsettling. Hepburn’s performance as Mary is unforgettable; I found myself empathizing with her even as she made destructive choices. I felt the weight of their past, the bitterness of their present, and the hopelessness of their future. It’s a tough watch, but a rewarding one.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic literature and stage adaptations”
  • “Those interested in intense, character-driven dramas”
  • “Viewers who appreciate powerful acting performances”
  • “Individuals interested in stories about dysfunctional families and addiction”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Drug addiction”
  • “Alcoholism”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Depiction of mental illness”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Lumet’s stark direction captures the essence of O’Neill’s play, showcasing the raw emotions of a family teetering on the brink. Hepburn’s portrayal of Mary is mesmerizing, supported by Richardson and Robards’ powerful performances.
• Variety: “A faithful adaptation that may be too heavy for some, but the sheer force of the performances makes it worthwhile. The intensity of the drama is undeniable, capturing the darkness and despair of the Tyrone family.
• The Guardian: “Hepburn is at her most vulnerable, exposing the pain and fragility of a woman lost in addiction. The film’s length might be daunting, but the superb acting and poignant storytelling keep you invested.

Audience Reactions

Katharine Hepburn’s heartbreaking performance as Mary Tyrone stole the show.: Viewers consistently praised the powerful acting and the film’s ability to evoke raw emotion.

The intense family drama kept me glued to the screen despite the movie’s length.: Many viewers appreciated the film’s faithfulness to O’Neill’s play, capturing the dark and claustrophobic atmosphere.

Overall Consensus: A powerful but emotionally draining adaptation of O’Neill’s classic play, driven by outstanding performances but may not appeal to all viewers.

Awards

1. Cannes Film Festival (Best Actor)- 1962
2. Cannes Film Festival (Best Actress)- 1962
3. Cannes Film Festival (Best Director)- 1962

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Eugene O’Neill wrote Long Day’s Journey Into Night in 1941 but stipulated that it not be produced until 25 years after his death. However, his widow released it for publication and production in 1956.”
• “Jason Robards Jr. was the only member of the original Broadway cast to reprise his role for the film.”
• “Sidney Lumet felt that Sir Ralph Richardson wasn’t really getting the proper measure of his character, James Tyrone. Lumet launched into a 45-minute lecture about his character’s motivations, but Richardson simply said “I see what you mean, dear boy, a little more cello, a little less flute.””
• “Katharine Hepburn received an Oscar nomination for her performance, but lost to Anne Bancroft in The Miracle Worker.”

🖥️ How to Watch Long Day’s Journey Into Night?

As a classic film, Long Day’s Journey Into Night is available for rent or purchase on several digital platforms. Check services like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu for availability. Physical copies on DVD or Blu-ray can also be found through online retailers. Availability may vary depending on your region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Long Day’s Journey Into Night, you might like these similar films:

• Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966): A direct comparison; both films feature a searing portrayal of a dysfunctional family exposing raw emotions and hidden resentments over the course of a single, alcohol-fueled night.
• Death of a Salesman (1951): Thematic Similar; explores the disillusionment and broken dreams within a family, highlighting the destructive impact of societal pressures and personal failings.
• The Little Foxes (1941): Era-Specific Alternative; another classic drama about a family consumed by greed and ambition, showcasing the dark underbelly of American society.
• Manchester by the Sea (2016): Modern Equivalent; a more recent film that captures the weight of grief and the enduring pain of the past, with characters struggling to find solace amidst personal tragedy.

🛒 Long Day’s Journey Into Night Related Products

• Eugene O’Neill: Complete Plays 1913-1931: Explore the earlier works of the playwright behind Long Day’s Journey Into Night and delve into his early exploration of themes around tragedy, family, and despair.
• The Cambridge Companion to Eugene O’Neill: Delve into critical essays, analysis, and historical context surrounding Long Day’s Journey Into Night, along with the life and works of Eugene O’Neill.

🎧 Soundtrack

Long Day’s Journey Into Night features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title” – performed by André Previn
• “End Title” – performed by André Previn

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Jessica Lange: ‘The film industry has changed – it’s a fickle business’ #film #entertainment

Ever wonder why it’s hard to get films like ‘Long Day’s Journey’ made these days? Jessica Lange gives a fascinating take on the changing film industry and how it impacts these kinds of powerful stories. It’s a bit disheartening, but definitely worth a watch.

Jessica Lange – Long Day’s Journey Into Night 1

Did you know Jessica Lange also starred in a stage production of ‘Long Day’s Journey Into Night’? This promo gives you a glimpse of the show, and it’s amazing to see her take on the role in a different medium. Definitely a must-see for fans!

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