This Must Be the Place Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A retired goth rocker, looking like Robert Smith’s sad dad, goes on a meandering road trip across America to hunt down a Nazi war criminal because his own dad apparently had unfinished business, all while trying to figure out why he’s still wearing eyeliner at his age.

🍿 This Must Be the Place: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Goth Rock Star in Retirement

Cheyenne, portrayed by Sean Penn, is a former rock star who resembles Robert Smith of The Cure. Now in his fifties, he lives a comfortable but listless life in Dublin, Ireland, supported by royalties from his past musical success. He maintains his signature goth look, complete with heavy makeup, and spends his days wandering around, often with a young friend named Mary.

News of a Dying Father

Cheyenne receives news that his estranged father is dying in New York. Despite a decades-long estrangement, he travels to the United States to reconcile. However, he arrives too late, missing the opportunity to say goodbye. This triggers a series of events that change the course of his life.

A Father’s Unfinished Obsession

After his father’s death, Cheyenne learns about his father’s lifelong obsession: to track down Aloise Lange, a former Nazi officer who had humiliated him during his time in Auschwitz. Feeling a sense of duty, Cheyenne decides to take up his father’s quest to find Lange and confront him. This sets him on a cross-country road trip through America.

Across America

Cheyenne’s journey takes him across the American heartland, where he encounters various eccentric characters and situations. These encounters gradually awaken him from his apathy and lead to a journey of self-discovery. He meets a Nazi hunter who aids in his search and encounters people touched by the Holocaust. These chance meetings show him new facets of life and human experience.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Cheyenne (Sean Penn): A wealthy, retired rock star, still dressed in goth attire, embarks on a journey to avenge his deceased father’s humiliation during WWII.
• Jane (Frances McDormand): Cheyenne’s supportive and understanding wife, who works as a firefighter in Dublin.
• Mordecai Midler (Judd Hirsch): A Nazi hunter who assists Cheyenne in his quest to find Aloise Lange.
• Mary (Eve Hewson): A spunky teen who befriends Cheyenne and provides a sense of companionship in Dublin.
• Aloise Lange (Heinz Lieven): The ex-Nazi war criminal who humiliated Cheyenne’s father in Auschwitz and becomes the target of Cheyenne’s revenge.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Cheyenne: “We go from an age when we say, ‘My life will be that,’ to an age when we say, ‘That’s life.’” – Cheyenne responds cryptically after being told his cheeseburger is overcooked, reflecting his philosophical outlook.
• Cheyenne: “Actually, Mick Jagger once sang with me.” – Cheyenne corrects a waitress who says he sang with Mick Jagger, showcasing his subtle ego.
• Mordecai Midler: “Revenge is for God.” – The Nazi hunter, Mordecai Midler, advises Cheyenne against seeking revenge.

💰Box Office

• Budget: €25,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $143,979
• Worldwide Gross: $11,928,909

💥 This Must Be the Place Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved ‘This Must Be the Place’! Sean Penn’s performance was mesmerizing; I couldn’t take my eyes off him. The whole movie felt like a quirky dream, especially the scenes in the American Midwest. The ending, with Cheyenne transformed, was so touching. It’s the kind of movie that stays with you long after the credits roll. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re into unique character studies, you’ll be hooked.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Sean Penn”
  • “Viewers interested in character-driven stories”
  • “Audiences who appreciate European arthouse cinema”
  • “Those interested in stories about the Holocaust and its aftermath”
  • “Fans of road trip movies”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language”
  • “Mature themes related to the Holocaust”
  • “Some suggestive content”
  • “Depiction of depression and suicidal ideation (mentioned, not shown)”

Professional Reviews

• Rolling Stone: “Sean Penn delivers a career-defining performance as Cheyenne. Sorrentino’s film is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant journey that explores themes of identity, reconciliation, and the search for meaning in a world often devoid of it.
• The New York Times: “While visually arresting, ‘This Must Be the Place’ suffers from a meandering plot and uneven pacing. Penn’s performance is captivating, but the film struggles to maintain its focus, leaving the audience with a sense of unrealized potential.
• Variety: “Paolo Sorrentino’s English-language debut is a triumph. Penn’s portrayal of Cheyenne is both hilarious and heartbreaking, creating a memorable character in a film that challenges conventional storytelling.

Audience Reactions

Sean Penn’s performance is captivating and unforgettable.: The film’s unique visuals and quirky atmosphere resonated with viewers.

David Byrne’s cameo is a highlight for many fans.: The pacing can feel slow to some viewers. But patient viewers will be rewarded with a thought-provoking story.

Overall Consensus: A visually striking and emotionally resonant film, carried by Sean Penn’s exceptional performance, though some find the pacing slow and the plot meandering.

Awards

1. David di Donatello Awards (Best Screenplay)- 2012
2. David di Donatello Awards (Best Cinematography)- 2012
3. Italian Golden Globe Awards (Best Film)- 2012

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Sean Penn’s character, Cheyenne, was heavily inspired by Robert Smith, the lead singer of The Cure. Penn aimed to capture Smith’s iconic look and mannerisms.”
• “David Byrne, who performs “This Must Be the Place” in the film, also contributed original music to the soundtrack.”
• “Director Paolo Sorrentino’s first English-language film.”

🖥️ How to Watch This Must Be the Place?

Currently, ‘This Must Be the Place’ is available for streaming on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu, where you may be able to rent or purchase it. Check local listings for availability as it may vary by region. You can also search for purchase options on Amazon.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed This Must Be the Place, you might like these similar films:

• Paris, Texas (1984): Features a quiet, introspective character on a journey of self-discovery across the American landscape.
• Broken Flowers (2005): Another road movie with a melancholy protagonist revisiting his past and reflecting on his life choices.
• The Straight Story (1999): A slow-paced, heartfelt journey of reconciliation, focusing on the importance of family and forgiveness.
• Captain Fantastic (2016): A family living off the grid is forced to assimilate back into society after a tragedy, challenging their values and beliefs.

🛒 This Must Be the Place Related Products

• The Cure – Disintegration (Deluxe Edition): Inspired by the character ‘Cheyenne,’ this seminal album offers a deep dive into The Cure’s signature sound. Features remastered tracks, rare demos, and live recordings.
• Sean Penn: A Life in Pictures: Celebrate the versatile career of Sean Penn with a collection of memorable photographs and insightful commentary. Explore the actor’s diverse roles and impactful performances.
• Talking Heads – Stop Making Sense (Blu-ray): Immerse yourself in the iconic concert film featuring David Byrne and Talking Heads. Remastered in high definition, this Blu-ray brings the energy and excitement of their live performance to your home.
• Auschwitz: A Doctor’s Story: An excellent resource to learn the history and tragedy of the holocaust.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)” – performed by Talking Heads
• “Lay & Love” – performed by Will Oldham

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

This Must Be The Place – clip: Arcade Fire vs. Talking Heads

Ever wondered what a goth rock star’s life looks like? This clip from ‘This Must Be The Place’ gives you a taste, complete with some awesome music. You gotta see Sean Penn’s transformation – it’s wild!

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