The Object of Beauty

The Object of Beauty is an offbeat comedy-drama from 1991and directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg. The film showcases the brilliant acting abilities of well-known stars John Malkovich and Andie MacDowell, along with a memorable performance by Lolita Davidovich.

As the film starts, viewers are introduced to Jake (John Malkovich) and Tina (Andie MacDowell), an attractive and incredibly stylish American couple living a life of charm and sophistication in London. Living beyond their means in a posh hotel, they flaunt a life of opulence and high luxury among the city's elite, effortlessly drawing everyone into their world of class and devil-may-care attitude. However, as it usually happens with the shiny facade of luxury, their financial situation is far from prosperous. They are deeply in debt and on the verge of financial desperation, having spent all their money on living a life they cannot afford.

As a couple, Jake and Tina share a love for beautiful things but foremost among their possessions is a small but exquisitely beautiful Henry Moore sculpture they own. The sculpture is worth a significant amount of money, and it seems to encapsulate their aspirations, value system, and the lifestyle they wish to maintain. As their financial situation becomes dire, the couple starts to consider the sculpture as their safety net, their last resort, which, when needed, they would reluctantly part with to maintain their lifestyle.

Along with this overarching narrative, the film introduces an array of intriguing characters each with their own shades of grey. Among these is Jenny (Lolita Davidovich), an innocent and slightly naive deaf housekeeper working at the hotel. As the narrative evolves, these supporting characters infuse the story with intrigue and emotion while exacerbating the situational comedy.

On one hand, The Object of Beauty graciously examines the human predisposition to materialism and the lengths to which individuals are willing to go to uphold their lifestyle. On the other hand, the film beautifully portrays the resilience of human spirit and the ever-relentless struggle to uphold the kind of life we dream for ourselves. The movie successfully utilizes a comedic lens to explore these profound themes.

Furthermore, the cinematography deserves special mention as it exquisitely captures the aura of the luxurious and sophisticated setting. The sweeping visuals do justice to the portrayal of the moneyed lifestyle, with opulent interior shots and splendid exteriors, resonating with the allure that materialism can hold over people. The attention to detail in costume, set design, and ambiance production further enhances the film’s overall appeal. The movie physically materializes the world of object value, elite living, high society, and the relationship people have with objects of desire, making it as much a visual feast as it is a narrative endeavor.

As protagonists, Malkovich and MacDowell channel their stellar acting abilities into Jake and Tina. Malkovich brings a calculated charm and desperation to the character of Jake, masterfully portraying the grace under pressure while keeping viewers invested in his character’s struggles. MacDowell, on the other hand, captures the disconcerting ease and nonchalance that her character Tina exhibits in the face of adversity. Her flair for comedy shines through and her individual scenes are a joy to watch. Lolita Davidovich is fantastic as the innocent Jenny, successfully embodying an ambiance of honesty and simplicity that stands in stark contrast with the world of Jake and Tina.

The Object of Beauty is a tart, eccentric comedy that mixes elements of drama and farce to examine the human spirit, the love for materialism, and the lengths to which people go to maintain their life of luxury in the face of adversity. While it navigates through this narrative with comedy and style, the movie doesn't shy away from showing the desperation and bitterness lying underneath its glossy exterior. It is a worthy watch for spectacular performances and its unique concept of showcasing materialistic love through a refreshing blend of comedy and drama.