Mister America 2019

Comedy

Box Office

$131K

Language

English

Directed by

Eric Notarnicola

Made by

Magnolia Pictures

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Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Mister America (2019). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

As Tim Heidecker ventures into the unpredictable world of electoral politics, he is accompanied by his campaign manager, Toni Newman. Amidst the chaos, the boundaries between reality and illusion begin to blur. Just recently acquitted of murder charges due to a hung jury linked to a tragic incident at one of his music festivals, Heidecker sets his ambitions on the district attorney’s office in San Bernardino County. His motivation: a burning desire for revenge against Vincent Rosetti, the prosecutor who had relentlessly pursued him.

The film begins with a small crew shadowing Heidecker as he undertakes the task of door-to-door canvassing to collect signatures vital for qualifying as a third-party candidate. Despite his trademark humor and engaging personality, there’s an underlying desperation that he struggles to conceal.

As the campaign gains momentum, it quickly starts to stumble. Newman’s attempts to generate excitement and attract media attention end in disappointment. The situation worsens when a hastily arranged debate results in neither of Heidecker’s opponents showing up, leading his close collaborator, Gregg Turkington, to reflect on the seeming futility of their ambitions. As pressure escalates and Heidecker’s grip on his sanity begins to wane, he turns to the destructive habits he once indulged in, consuming excessive amounts of alcohol and THC vape—habits that had previously played a role in the devastating calamity at his music festival.

Sadly, Newman’s determined efforts to revive the floundering campaign fall short, culminating in Heidecker’s name being omitted from the ballot entirely. In a particularly distressing moment, Heidecker makes a call to Rosetti from the cramped space of his hotel room, intended as a courteous concession but eventually spiraling into a barrage of insults and thinly veiled threats. In the aftermath, Heidecker finds himself enveloped in shame and sorrow, which prompts him to set up an impromptu memorial at the site of the condemned music festival, honoring the young lives lost due to his own recklessness.

Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of Mister America (2019) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

Heidecker's Acquittal

Tim Heidecker is recently acquitted of murder charges that were tied to a tragic incident at one of his music festivals. The acquittal is due to a hung jury, and it marks a significant turning point in his life as he shifts his focus to a new career path in politics.

Courtroom

Ambition for Revenge

After his acquittal, Heidecker harbors a burning desire for revenge against Vincent Rosetti, the prosecutor who relentlessly pursued him. This motivation drives him to run for the district attorney's office in San Bernardino County.

San Bernardino County

Campaign Manager Introduced

Heidecker teams up with his campaign manager, Toni Newman, who navigates the chaotic world of electoral politics with him. Together, they embark on a mission to bring Heidecker's vision to the public, although underlying tensions become evident.

Door-to-Door Canvassing

The campaign kicks off as Heidecker and his small crew engage in door-to-door canvassing to gather signatures essential for him to qualify as a third-party candidate. Despite his usual humor, there is a palpable sense of desperation in his approach.

Momentum Stumbles

As the campaign progresses, Newman struggles to generate excitement and garner media attention. Their efforts lead to disappointing outcomes, setting a troubling tone for the future of Heidecker's political aspirations.

Failed Debate

A hastily arranged debate results in neither of Heidecker's opponents showing up, causing further embarrassment for his campaign. This incident sparks a moment of reflection for Gregg Turkington, who recognizes the futility of their ambitions.

Debate Venue

Descent into Old Habits

Faced with mounting pressure and his sanity slipping, Heidecker turns back to destructive habits he previously indulged in, consuming large amounts of alcohol and THC vape. These choices serve as a troubling reminder of his past mistakes connected to the music festival tragedy.

Hotel Room

Omission from the Ballot

Despite Newman's relentless efforts to revitalize the campaign, Heidecker's name is ultimately omitted from the ballot. This exclusion marks a devastating blow not only to his ambitions but also to his sense of self-worth.

Confrontation with Rosetti

In a tense moment, Heidecker attempts to call Rosetti from his hotel room, intending to make a courteous concession. However, the call devolves into an angry exchange filled with insults and thinly veiled threats, revealing the depths of his frustration.

Hotel Room

Coping with Shame

After the confrontation with Rosetti, Heidecker is overwhelmed by feelings of shame and despair. This emotional turmoil compels him to visit the site of the condemned music festival, where he attempts to reconcile his past mistakes.

Music Festival Site

Impromptu Memorial

In a poignant act of remembrance, Heidecker sets up an impromptu memorial at the site of his music festival. He honors the young lives lost due to his recklessness, seeking some measure of redemption for his past actions.

Music Festival Site

Characters

Explore all characters from Mister America (2019). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Tim Heidecker

Tim Heidecker is a charismatic yet troubled character whose foray into politics reveals his deep-seated vulnerabilities. Acquitted of murder but haunted by past mistakes, he displays a mix of humor and desperation as he canvasses for support. His internal struggles with alcohol and personal loss further paint a picture of a man wrestling with the consequences of his actions.

🎙️ Comedian 🏆 Politician 🌪️ Troubled

Toni Newman

Toni Newman serves as Tim's dedicated campaign manager, displaying unwavering determination despite the challenges of the campaign. Her efforts to revive the floundering initiative highlight her commitment to the cause, even as the situation spirals out of control. Newman embodies resilience but also bears the weight of disappointment as she navigates the chaotic world of electoral politics.

💪 Resilient 🌟 Supportive 🎯 Focused

Judge Edward Szymczyk

Judge Edward Szymczyk represents the legal authority in the unfolding drama, overseeing the judicial context surrounding Heidecker's past. His character serves as a symbol of the justice system's complexities and the implications of its decisions on personal lives and political ambitions. His role adds institutional weight to the narrative's exploration of accountability.

⚖️ Authority 🌐 Systemic 🎩 Judicial

Setting

Learn where and when Mister America (2019) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Time period

The movie unfolds during a contemporary political campaign context, reflecting the modern struggles of candidates in an increasingly unpredictable electoral landscape. The protagonist's recent acquittal and subsequent actions provide a glimpse into the tumultuous world of personal and political redemption.

Location

San Bernardino County

San Bernardino County is located in Southern California and is known for its diverse landscapes and vibrant communities. The area serves as a significant political battleground and is home to numerous local governance and electoral activities. Its involvement in electoral politics adds a layer of complexity to the film's narrative.

🏙️ City 🏛️ Politics

Themes

Discover the main themes in Mister America (2019). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

🎭

Identity

The theme of identity is prevalent as Tim Heidecker navigates the blurred lines between his public persona and private struggles. As he campaigns, his true self is often masked by humor and bravado, revealing deeper insecurities and desperation. The exploration of ambition and self-destruction showcases the complexity of his character.

⚖️

Justice

The quest for justice underpins the narrative, particularly through Heidecker's desire for revenge against Vincent Rosetti. The nuances of the legal system and personal vendettas interlace, highlighting the flawed nature of seeking retribution within a flawed judicial system. The film critiques the often-complex relationship between individual actions and their societal repercussions.

📉

Failure

Failure is woven throughout the story as Heidecker's campaign faces significant setbacks. From disappointing media coverage to absent opponents during debates, the theme reflects the harsh realities of political ambitions. The psychological toll of these failures culminates in a personal crisis, emphasizing the fragility of hopes and aspirations.

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