Watch The Object of Beauty

The Object of Beauty is a 1991 comedy-drama film that explores the luxurious and complicated lifestyle of the rich and affluent in America. The movie is directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg and features a star-studded cast including John Malkovich, Andie MacDowell, Lolita Davidovich, and Rudi Davies. The movie is set in New York City and tells the story of Jake (John Malkovich), a highly successful art dealer, and his wife, Joan (Andie MacDowell), who is an interior designer. The couple seems to have everything that they could ever wish for in life. They live in a luxurious penthouse apartment, own a magnificent beach house in the Hamptons, drive expensive cars, and have lots of money.

Their perfect lives take a turn when they find themselves in a terrible financial crisis. Jake owes a large sum of money to some dangerous loan sharks and Joan's business is faltering. In an attempt to save their extravagant lifestyle, they come up with a plan to steal a valuable sculpture from a wealthy collector, played by Peter Riegert. However, their cunning plan is plagued by unforeseeable and disastrous circumstances that lead to complications and unforeseen consequences.

Throughout the course of the movie, we see the couple's marriage start to unravel as they try to survive the chaos caused by their own greed and hunger for excess. Jake becomes increasingly erratic and desperate, while Joan struggles to hold on to the pieces of what was once their perfect life. Both actors give fantastic performances, and their chemistry together feels authentic and complicated.

The supporting cast also brings depth to the story. Lolita Davidovich plays the sultry, manipulative mistress of Jake's business partner, played by Joss Ackland. Their storyline adds to the film's twists and turns, making the movie a rollercoaster of unexpected events.

The Object of Beauty is a movie that examines the human desire for wealth and status. It delves into the corruptive power of greed and the price one is willing to pay to keep up appearances. The film's satirical take on the bourgeoisie's lifestyle paints a dark and humorous picture of the lengths that people will go to in order to achieve their dreams.

The film's pacing is slow and measured, allowing the characters to develop naturally, and the viewer to absorb the nuances of their relationships. It's a movie that takes its time, but it's worth it to see the story unfold as one complication leads to another.

In terms of the visuals, the film is gorgeously shot, showcasing New York City's iconic architecture and stunning landscapes in the Hamptons. The soundtrack also adds to the experience, with songs by various artists including Elvis Costello.

Overall, The Object of Beauty is an entertaining movie that delivers on its promises. It's a film that's both a character study and a commentary on the excesses of the wealthy. The performances, the visual style, and the storytelling all come together organically to create a narrative that's both thoughtful and hilarious.

The Object of Beauty is a 1991 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6 and a MetaScore of 58.