How to Lose Friends & Alienate People 2008
Directed by
Robert B. Weide
Made by
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)
Plot Summary
Sidney Young is an ambitious British journalist struggling to keep his polemical magazine afloat. In a bold move, he attempts to infiltrate a lavish party hosted by Clayton Harding, the CEO of Sharps, one of the world’s most prestigious magazines. Surprisingly, Sidney manages to gain Clayton’s attention, as the latter empathizes with Sidney’s beginnings in polemics.
This unexpected encounter lands Sidney a job at Sharps, prompting him to relocate to New York City. However, his introverted nature quickly earns him the disdain of his colleagues, including Alison Olsen and manager Lawrence Maddox. Sidney’s rudeness and vulgarity don’t win him many friends, pushing him further into isolation as he grapples with the demands of his new role where publicist Eleanor Johnson sets strict guidelines on what can be published.
In a turn of events, Sidney accidentally causes the death of a dog owned by rising actress Sophie Maes, who he finds irresistibly attractive. Although she despises him, Alison opts to help Sidney keep the incident under wraps. As they bond, Sidney earns Alison’s respect by voicing his disdain for Eleanor’s restrictive rules. During their conversations, Alison reveals her own struggles with the job and her long-standing dream of publishing a novel.
One night at a bar, Sidney strikes up a conversation with a girl, only to find out she is transgender. Humorous chaos ensues when Sidney later drags her to work to perform for Lawrence to obtain scandalous photographs.
During a party, Sidney uncovers a secret: Alison had been involved with Lawrence, although she has chosen to end the affair. As night turns into day, Sophie approaches a drunken Sidney but he opts instead to play caretaker for the uninhibited Alison, who also needs a ride home. At Sidney’s apartment, he introduces Alison to his distinguished father, a renowned philosophy professor with aristocratic connections.
In a stroke of bad luck, Sidney attempts to ask Alison out, only to learn of her rekindled relationship with Lawrence, who just finalized his divorce. Facing overwhelming despair, Sidney compromises his integrity and pleads to work with Eleanor, who surprisingly agrees. Meanwhile, Clayton decides to create a shakeup at the magazine, leading to the ousting of Lawrence and Alison, and paving the way for Sidney’s rapid rise within the company.
As he becomes more entrenched in the world of celebrity and prestige, Sidney loses sight of his earlier ideals, cultivating a reputation as a writer who caters to the whims of others to get ahead. The night before the ambitious film-awards ceremony, Sidney finds himself at another party hosted by Sophie, where he is coerced into giving up a cherished gold ring, a keepsake from his late mother.
Ultimately, the allure of high society disgusts him once more. At the ceremony, just as Sophie approaches the stage to accept her award, Sidney takes a stand: he confronts her and confesses to killing her dog while reclaiming the ring. This dramatic outburst garners unwanted media attention, leading to chaos. However, Sidney is determined to return to Alison in New York City, where they finally embark on a relationship after her separation from Lawrence.
Timeline
Sidney's Ambitious Career Move
Sidney Young, an ambitious journalist, struggles to maintain his polemical magazine while seeking recognition in the competitive media landscape. His bold decision to infiltrate a lavish party hosted by Clayton Harding, the CEO of Sharps, marks the beginning of his journey into high society.
Landing the Job at Sharps
Sidney captures Clayton's attention, putting his unique approach to journalism in the spotlight. This unexpected encounter results in Sidney landing a job at Sharps, compelling him to relocate to the bustling city of New York.
Struggles at Sharps
Upon joining Sharps, Sidney quickly realizes that his introverted demeanor does not endear him to his colleagues. His rudeness and vulgarity set him apart, leading to his isolation and conflicts with manager Lawrence Maddox and publicist Eleanor Johnson.
A Fateful Accident
In a tragic turn of events, Sidney accidentally causes the death of a dog owned by the rising actress Sophie Maes. This incident becomes a source of tension, as despite her hatred for him, Alison Olsen decides to help him cover it up.
Bonding with Alison
As Alison helps Sidney manage the fallout from the accident, they begin to bond over shared aspirations and frustrations. Sidney earns Alison's respect through candid discussions about Eleanor's strict editorial guidelines and her own ambitions to publish a novel.
A Night at the Bar
Sidney's adventurous spirit leads him to strike up a conversation with a girl at a bar, only to discover she is transgender. The humorous encounter escalates when he later brings her to work, hoping to use her for scandalous photographs.
Alison's Secret Affair
Sidney uncovers a revelation at a party: Alison was previously involved with Lawrence Maddox, but has chosen to end their affair. This newfound knowledge complicates Sidney's feelings as he grapples with his own attraction to Alison.
A Complicated Caretaking
After a night of partying, Sophie approaches a drunken Sidney. However, he chooses to care for Alison, who needs a ride home, demonstrating his growing responsibility and concern for her well-being over fleeting pleasures.
Failed Romantic Advances
Just when Sidney gathers the courage to ask Alison out, he learns of her rekindled romance with Lawrence, who has recently finalized his divorce. This shocking news leaves Sidney in despair as he contemplates his next steps.
Compromising Integrity
Facing turmoil in his career, Sidney pleads with Eleanor to gain her cooperation, compromising his principles to advance within the company. Surprisingly, she agrees, setting the stage for a significant shift in Sidney's professional life.
Clayton's Shakeup at Sharps
Clayton Harding implements changes at Sharps, leading to the ousting of Lawrence and Alison. This shakeup opens doors for Sidney, marking his rapid ascent within the organization as he adjusts to the new dynamics.
Diverging from Ideals
As Sidney rises in the ranks, he becomes increasingly entrenched in the world of celebrity journalism. He loses touch with his earlier ideals, earning a reputation for pandering to the demands of others in his quest for success.
A Humiliating Party
On the eve of the film awards ceremony, Sidney finds himself at another party thrown by Sophie. The event takes a turn when he is coerced into relinquishing a cherished gold ring, a memento from his late mother, showcasing the pressure of high society.
Confrontation at the Awards
During the film awards ceremony, Sidney confronts Sophie on stage, confessing to accidentally killing her dog while reclaiming his mother's gold ring. The dramatic revelation causes chaos and draws unwanted media attention to him.
Reuniting with Alison
After the tumultuous events at the awards, Sidney resolves to return to New York, seeking reconciliation with Alison. Their relationship blossoms as she separates from Lawrence, allowing them to finally embark on their long-awaited romance.
Characters
Sidney Young
Sidney Young is an ambitious yet introverted journalist whose bold attempt to infiltrate high society leads him to New York City. As he struggles to find his footing at Sharps magazine, his rude demeanor and shocking actions often isolate him from peers. Despite his questionable choices, he seeks redemption and meaningful connections.
Alison Olsen
Alison Olsen is a colleague of Sidney's, navigating her own challenges in the competitive world of journalism. Though she initially appears disdainful of Sidney, their shared experiences foster a bond that reveals her dreams and vulnerabilities. Her journey showcases resilience and the desire for a fulfilling career.
Sophie Maes
Sophie Maes is a rising actress who influences Sidney's life in unexpected ways. Drawn to her beauty, he inadvertently disrupts her life with a tragic incident. As the story unfolds, she embodies the fragility of celebrity culture and the personal toll it can take on individuals.
Setting
Time period
The movie takes place in a contemporary setting, reflecting current social dynamics and the media industry's challenges. Themes of ambition, celebrity culture, and moral choices are prevalent in this modern-day narrative.
Location
New York City
New York City is known as a hub of culture, journalism, and high society. It offers a vibrant backdrop for ambitious individuals seeking fame and success. The city's dynamic atmosphere is contrasted with the pressures of the media landscape where personal integrity can be compromised for professional gain.
Themes
🎭
Ambition
Ambition drives Sidney Young as he navigates the complexities of the media world. His desire to succeed places him at odds with his personal values, highlighting the sacrifices one makes in the pursuit of success. The film explores how ambition can lead to personal conflict and ethical dilemmas.
🐕
Consequences
The accidental death of a dog not only leads to personal turmoil for Sidney but serves as a pivotal moment that tests his relationships. This event illustrates the unforeseen consequences of one's actions and how they ripple through personal and professional lives. Ultimately, it shapes Sidney's journey towards redemption.
💔
Relationships
Sidney's interactions with Alison and Sophie illustrate the complexities of human relationships. Each connection, whether romantic or platonic, is influenced by ambition, misunderstandings, and societal expectations. The film captures how relationships can evolve, often shaped by external pressures and personal aspirations.
Featured on this page
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Check out our other apps:
Actors
Companies
Latest Movies
© 2024 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.