Synecdoche is a film directed by Charlie Kaufman, following the life of Caden Cotard, a theatre director who finds himself in a predicament after his wife leaves him. Cotard also suffers from a number of ailments and is generally not happy with his life, leading him to question his purpose.
This film is largely bleak but does have some comedic moments. Ultimately, it analyses the mundane realities of everyday life. At the beginning of the film, Cotard receives a fellowship and financial aid, which he can use to express himself artistically. Given this opportunity, he is determined to create a great piece of art, informed by his emotions and experiences. After this, he gathers a cast and leads them as director.
Meanwhile, Cotard deals with his own personal struggles, particularly the separation from his daughter and the fact he is suffering from a strange disease that is wreaking havoc on his body. After some time, he marries Claire who is an actress in his play. More time passes, in which Cotard becomes obsessed with his artistic piece, throwing himself into it and blurring the lines between reality and fiction. These lines ultimately become confused for himself as well, as he strains his relationships with others personally and professionally. After a disastrous accident happens in the warehouse, Cotard has his final moments as the screen fades to grey.
