Tesla

The film follows the life and work of Nikola Tesla, a Serbian-American inventor and physicist who is best known for his contributions to the design of the modern alternating current (AC) electricity supply system. Set in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the story is told through a non-linear narrative that jumps back and forth in time.

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The movie begins with Tesla's arrival in New York City in 1884, where he starts working for Thomas Edison, a famous inventor and businessman. However, Tesla becomes disillusioned with Edison's approach to science and leaves the company to start his own venture, which leads him to partner with George Westinghouse, another prominent inventor and entrepreneur, to develop the AC electricity system.

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The film also touches on Tesla's personal life, including his relationships with Anne Morgan, the daughter of J.P. Morgan, and the famous actress Sarah Bernhardt. It also depicts his struggles with mental illness and his obsession with pigeons.

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Throughout the film, Almereyda incorporates surreal and avant-garde elements, such as modern-day characters breaking the fourth wall to comment on the events of the story, and Tesla breaking into song and dance during a scene in a laboratory.

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As the story unfolds, Tesla's innovative ideas and inventions are met with both praise and skepticism from the scientific community and the public. The film explores broader themes of innovation, capitalism, and the nature of genius, ultimately painting a complex portrait of one of history's most fascinating inventors.