Watch The Look of Love

The Look of Love from 2013 is a British biopic film directed by Michael Winterbottom and starring Steve Coogan, Matt Lucas, Anna Friel, and Imogen Poots. Inspired by a true story, the film tells the story of Paul Raymond, the “King of Soho,” who rose from a small town in Liverpool, England to become one of Britain’s wealthiest businessmen and an iconic figure in the world of adult entertainment.

The film begins in the 1950s, where we meet Paul Raymond (Steve Coogan), a struggling entertainer who is desperate for success. He starts performing in a variety show, and his career finally takes off when he creates a burlesque show called "The Revue Bar." The show becomes a hit, and soon Raymond’s social circle includes some of Britain's most famous people.

The film explores Raymond's private life as well as his professional career. His relationship with his wife Jean (Anna Friel) is a central theme of the film. Initially happy, the couple begins to drift apart as Raymond's career takes off, and he becomes increasingly involved in the world of adult entertainment. Jean becomes addicted to drugs, and their daughter Debbie (Imogen Poots) also struggles to cope with her father's lifestyle.

The Look of Love is a film that explores the darker side of fame and fortune. Despite his wealth and success, Raymond is never truly happy or fulfilled. He becomes increasingly isolated as he climbs the ladder of success, and his relationships with those around him suffer as a result. Raymond's fascination with sex and nudity is at the core of the film, and it portrays how he uses his position and power to exploit women for his own gain.

Steve Coogan delivers a superb performance as Paul Raymond, embodying the character's shift from struggling entertainer to "King of Soho." He portrays Raymond as a complex character, who at times is charming and humorous, and at other times cruel and calculating. Anna Friel is also excellent as Jean Raymond, bringing depth and emotion to the role of Paul's long-suffering wife.

The Look of Love is a visually striking film, with director Michael Winterbottom capturing the glamour and excess of 1960s and 70s Britain in all its glory. The film's soundtrack is also fantastic, featuring songs from the era that help to transport the audience back in time.

Despite dealing with difficult subject matter, The Look of Love is not without its moments of humor. Matt Lucas provides comic relief as Raymond's loyal friend and business partner, and there are several scenes that lighten the tone of the film.

Overall, The Look of Love is a compelling biopic that explores the life of a fascinating and controversial figure. It is a film that asks difficult questions about fame, power, and the consequences of our actions. With excellent performances from its cast and stylish direction from Michael Winterbottom, The Look of Love is a film that is not to be missed.

The Look of Love is a 2013 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0 and a MetaScore of 57.