S.O.B.

S.O.B., an acronym for Standard Operating Bull***t, is a satirical comedy film from 1981 directed by Blake Edwards. The film boasts an impressive cast that includes Julie Andrews, William Holden, Marisa Berenson among others, and is noted for its biting satire on the Hollywood film industry.

The film centers on the character of Felix Farmer (played by William Holden), a successful Hollywood producer who experiences a devastating professional setback when his latest big-budget film turns out to be a massive box-office flop. This leads Felix into a deep depression, threatening to derail his career entirely. While the professional world writes him off, Felix plans a shocking turnaround to save his sinking ship.

Co-starring in the film is Julie Andrews, best known for her wholesome roles in films like "Mary Poppins" and "The Sound of Music". In S.O.B., she breaks that image with a bold caricature of her public persona when she plays Sally Miles, a beloved actress who is also Farmer's estranged wife and the star of the flop movie. The director uses this casting as a strategic device to augment the movie's satire on Hollywood's obsession with image-making.

Marisa Berenson's character is a counterpoint, playing a breezy and carefree starlet who’s dating Felix’s doctor, providing some levity in contrast with the film's darker undertones. The rest of the ensemble of characters is made up of various Hollywood archetypes: the sleazy studio executive, the clueless starlet, the eccentric publicist, and the shallow hangers-on. This provides a fitting backdrop against which the central drama, marked by Farmer's descent into madness and desperation, plays out.

Blake Edwards, well-known for directing the "Pink Panther" series and "Breakfast at Tiffany's," guides this somewhat chaotic plot with a firm hand, creating a sharp and memorable commentary on the film industry. S.O.B. doesn't shy away from showing the less-glamorous side of Hollywood: the cutthroat business decisions, the relentless pursuit of profits, the downfall and comebacks, and traces the impact of such a ruthless environment on its players.

The script of S.O.B., also written by Edwards, is marked by moments of outrageous comedy and sardonic wit, foiled with the more somber tones of desperation and breakdown. The film's humor is accentuated by its cast, whose polished performances breathe life into the stereotypical yet relatable characters.

Holden adds depth and complexity to Farmer with his nuanced performance, making the audience feel empathy for the down-on-his-luck producer even as he descends into farcical schemes. Andrews bravely steps away from her goody-two-shoes image to play a more mature and scandalous character, and she does it with an understated grace that enhances the film's satire. Berenson’s character, light-hearted and shallow, provides a funny and in some ways poignant representation of young starlets.

A notable feature of S.O.B. is its high-quality cinematography, courtesy of Harry Stradling Jr., allowing for memorable visuals that emphasize the film's overall themes. The movie also features a typically catchy score by Henry Mancini, whose collaborations with Edwards on previous movies had created many memorable musical moments.

While the movie may appear to be a mere comedy at first glance, S.O.B. is a complex satire that uses humor and irony as an exploration of Hollywood culture, combining slapstick humor and tragic elements into a unique cinematic experience that leaves a lasting impression. The daring narrative does not aim to create a sugar-coated image of Hollywood but attempts to expose the harsh realities of an industry based on dreams and illusions.

In summary, S.O.B. is a bold, satirical take on the Hollywood machine that doesn't shy away from the industry’s darker and more hilarious vicissitudes. With its star-studded cast, sharp writing, and confident direction, it remains a distinctive, high-quality addition to the canon of Hollywood satires. Its message, couched in humor and absurdity, gives audiences a thought-provoking movie experience along with many laughs. Whether you're a fan of Hollywood insider-stories or just someone who enjoys smart, biting comedy, S.O.B. is a film you shouldn't miss.