$9.99 2009
Directed by
Tatia Rosenthal
Made by
Regent Releasing
$9.99 Plot Summary
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$9.99 is an engaging and thought-provoking animated feature film that delves into some of life’s most intriguing questions, particularly the meaning of existence. Have you ever pondered What is the meaning of life? and Why do we exist? If so, the answers you seek may be closer than you think! Within the story, a compelling advertisement proclaims that for just $9.99, you can discover your purpose through a small yet incredible booklet filled with profound insights presented in easy-to-understand terms. This booklet, featuring stunning color illustrations on high-quality paper, promises to unveil your reason for being.
The narrative centers around Dave Peck, an unemployed 28-year-old who still resides with his parents. His life takes an unexpected turn when he becomes captivated by this ad. As Dave strives to share his newfound revelation with others, he embarks on a surreal journey that intertwines with a cast of peculiar neighbors. Among them is an elderly man and his disgruntled guardian angel, a magician burdened by debt, a captivating woman who prefers her romantic partners to be extra smooth, a heartbroken individual who forms an unlikely friendship with a group of party-loving, two-inch-tall students, and a young boy eager to liberate his piggy bank.
The lives of these characters are intricately woven together, creating an exploration of the post-modern meaning of hope. Through its charming stop-motion puppet animation, $9.99 is inspired by the short stories of acclaimed Israeli author Etgar Keret, a prominent figure in contemporary literature. The film is crafted by Etgar Keret himself alongside director Tatia Rosenthal, who previously collaborated with Keret on two award-winning short animation films: “Crazy Glue” and “A Buck’s Worth.”
This lighthearted yet deeply resonant film brings Keret’s surreal narratives to life, enhanced by the voices of talented actors such as Geoffrey Rush and Anthony LaPaglia. By combining humor with existential questions, $9.99 offers a unique perspective on life’s deeper themes—truly providing its viewers with an experience that is both entertaining and reflective.
$9.99 Timeline
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Introduction to Life's Meaning
The film opens with a thought-provoking premise questioning the meaning of life and our existence. Viewers are encouraged to ponder existential questions as the narrative sets the stage for exploration.
Dave's Discovery
Dave Peck, a 28-year-old unemployed man living at home, sees an ad for a booklet that promises to reveal the meaning of life for just $9.99. Intrigued and desperate to find answers, he decides to purchase the book, initiating his journey.
Unusual Neighbors
As Dave embarks on his quest, he encounters various unique neighbors, each with their own intriguing stories and struggles. This includes an old man with a disgruntled guardian angel, highlighting the film's theme of interconnectedness.
The Magician's Dilemma
One of Dave’s neighbors is a magician who finds himself in serious financial trouble. The magician's plight symbolizes the frequent struggles artists face, adding a layer of depth to the narrative.
Smooth Preferences
Dave interacts with a captivating woman who has a peculiar taste in men, preferring them to have a smooth demeanor. This quirky encounter showcases the film's blend of humor and surreal storytelling.
Heartbroken Connections
Dave meets a heartbroken man who has found solace in the company of a group of diminutive students, who are hard-partying two-inch tall figures. This highlights the unexpected ways friendships can form despite societal obstacles.
Release of the Piggy Bank
In a whimsical twist, a little boy decides to set his piggy bank free, symbolically representing liberation from financial constraints. This moment stands as a metaphor for personal freedom and the value of letting go.
Weaving Together Stories
As the film progresses, the individual stories of Dave and his neighbors intertwine, illustrating how interconnected lives can affect one another. This narrative structure enhances the exploration of hope and meaning.
Illuminating Insights
Dave delves into the content of the $9.99 booklet, uncovering insights about existence and his place in the world. The booklet serves as a catalyst for his personal transformation and self-discovery.
Reflections on Hope
Through colorful animation and engaging storytelling, the film reflects on post-modern themes of hope amidst life's challenges. Each character’s journey contributes to a larger commentary on the human experience.
Collaboration of Talents
The film is noted for its artistic execution, combining the talents of writer Etgar Keret and director Tatia Rosenthal. Their collaboration also includes other award-winning puppet animations, enhancing the storytelling quality.
Voices of the Film
Notable actors Geoffrey Rush and Anthony LaPaglia lend their voices to the animated characters, adding depth and emotion to the surreal experience. Their performances enhance the film's appeal to diverse audiences.
Conclusion of the Journey
As the film reaches its climax, Dave's journey culminates in a newfound understanding of what it means to be alive. The character's evolution encapsulates the central theme of the quest for meaning.
Final Thoughts
In the closing scenes, viewers are left to consider their own interpretations of life, hope, and existence. The film encourages introspection, leaving a lasting impression of the quest for life’s true meaning.
$9.99 Characters
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Dave Peck
Dave is an unemployed 28-year-old who still lives with his parents. He embodies the struggles of searching for meaning and purpose in life while juggling the burden of societal expectations. His journey of discovery leads him through a series of bizarre encounters, making his character relatable and complex.
Old Man
The old man in the story is paired with a disgruntled guardian angel, representing a blend of wisdom and emotional baggage. His interactions with Dave and the other characters offer glimpses into the challenges of aging and acceptance in life. He serves as a reminder of the importance of hope and connection despite life’s difficulties.
Magician
The magician is a character burdened by debt, representing the struggle between dreams and reality. His presence adds a touch of humor and fantasy to the narrative, embodying the thin line between illusion and the mundane aspects of life. His storyline showcases the pressures that can accompany creative aspirations.
$9.99 Settings
Learn where and when $9.99 (2009) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
The film does not specify a particular time period, allowing the themes and characters to transcend temporal boundaries. This timeless quality encourages viewers to reflect on the universal question of life’s meaning, making it relevant for any generation.
Location
Dave Peck's home, various neighborhoods
The movie largely takes place in a suburban setting, specifically in the home of Dave Peck, the protagonist. This environment reflects an ordinary yet relatable backdrop filled with quirky characters, enhancing the surreal nature of the narrative. Various neighborhoods introduce a cast of unusual neighbors, each with their own unique stories and struggles.
$9.99 Themes
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Existentialism
The central theme of the film revolves around existential questions such as the meaning of life and human existence. Through the intertwining stories of its characters, the film explores hope, struggle, and the philosophical inquiries that linger in our minds. This theme resonates deeply with audiences, inviting them to ponder their own purpose and choices.
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Surrealism
The film employs surrealism to illustrate the bizarre yet impactful experiences of its characters. Each individual faces unique challenges that reflect a whimsical interpretation of reality. The stop-motion animation style accentuates this surreal quality, making the narrative both visually striking and intellectually stimulating.
$9.99 Spoiler-Free Summary
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In a vividly crafted stop‑motion world that feels both familiar and whimsically off‑kilter, the film unfolds in a modern city where ordinary streets pulse with the quiet absurdity of everyday longing. The animation, rendered in rich color and tactile detail, invites viewers into a space where philosophical questions hum beneath the surface of daily life. A gently sardonic tone blends with moments of tender humor, establishing a mood that is at once reflective and oddly comforting, as each corner of this universe seems to whisper about purpose, identity, and the strange hope that keeps people moving forward.
At the heart of this landscape is Dave Peck, a 28‑year‑old who still lives with his parents and drifts through a routine of unemployment and uncertainty. An eye‑catching advertisement promising to reveal the meaning of existence for just $9.99 sparks something dormant within him, propelling Dave onto a path that feels both personal and universal. His curiosity and yearning become a conduit for the film’s exploration of what it means to search for significance in a world that often feels confusing and isolating.
Around Dave, a peculiar ensemble begins to take shape. An elderly man and his disgruntled guardian angel linger nearby, offering a wry perspective on mortality. A magician weighed down by debt practices his craft with a nervous grin, while a captivating woman insists that romance be “extra smooth,” hinting at deeper desires for connection. A heartbroken individual finds solace in an unlikely friendship with a troupe of diminutive, party‑loving students, and a young boy dreams of freeing his piggy bank from the constraints of childhood. Their overlapping lives suggest a tapestry of hopes and anxieties, each character reflecting a facet of the post‑modern quest for belonging.
The film’s tone is shaped by the inventive mind of Etgar Keret, whose surreal storytelling is brought to life by director Tatia Rosenthal’s unmistakable visual style. Their collaboration, enriched by the vocal talents of actors such as Geoffrey Rush and Anthony LaPaglia, blends wit with earnest introspection. The result is a light‑hearted yet resonant journey that invites audiences to contemplate existence without ever losing its playful, animated charm.
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