This Must Be the Place (2011)

This Must Be the Place (2011): Film Summary
"This Must Be the Place" is a remarkable funny movie that initially premiered at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival. Directed by Paolo Sorrentino, the movie features Sean Penn as the main character, Cheyenne, an aging previous rock star who still maintains the gothic look and lifestyle of his prime.

The Beginning
Cheyenne lives in Dublin, Ireland with his better half, Jane, beyond the glaring noise and vitality of his rocking years. He spends his days idly, has little-to-no connection with the outdoors world and is noticeably dealing with middle-aged apathy. He is estranged from his household living in New York, including his father with whom he has had a strained relationship.

The Shift
The story takes a pivot when Cheyenne finds out about his daddy's approaching death and travels to New York. Besides reconciling with his Jewish roots, he finds his father's fascination with seeking revenge against a previous Nazi war wrongdoer who had embarrassed him at Auschwitz. Although he shows up far too late and his father has already passed away, this revelation propels Cheyenne onto a journey throughout America.

A Journey Across America
Cheyenne embarks on a transformative journey tracing his dad's path and seeking the concealed Nazi guard, Aloise Lange. This journey forms the central narrative of the movie, working as a route for Cheyenne's self-discovery and reconciliation with his past. Along the method, he comes across quirkily interesting characters, each contributing to his understanding of life, forgiveness, and redemption.

The Revelation and Redemption
The climax takes place when Cheyenne discovers Lange in Utah, who's older and struggling with bowel blockage. Instead of taking revenge as his dad wanted, Cheyenne forgives Lange, indirectly aiding his serene death. Cheyenne also rubs the ashes of Lange's pet dogs, mistook as Lange's by a local, on his own face reproducing the experience his daddy went through when Lange embarrassed him during the Holocaust.

Conclusion
Cheyenne returns home, noticeably changed. The motion picture ends with Cheyenne deciding to leave his gothic appearance, suggesting his preparedness to discover life beyond his yesteryears' fame.

"This Must Be The Place" is themed around grief, revenge, and psychological change. Paolo Sorrentino delicately weaves a narrative where Cheyenne's journey is simply not geographical but also personal, leading to his emotional growth and comprehending his dad. Sean Penn's performance as a bored rock-star turned avenger is haunting, while the unconventional facility of the story delivers an interesting arc with a component of dark humor interspersed throughout the film.

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