The Object of Beauty 1991
Directed by
Michael Lindsay-Hogg
Made by
Avenue Pictures
Plot Summary
In the midst of financial turmoil, Jake (John Malkovich) and Tina (Andie MacDowell) find themselves ensconced in a luxurious London hotel, living a life far beyond their means. Jake’s income is precariously reliant on a shipment of cocoa beans trapped in a revolutionary Third World nation. Meanwhile, Tina is still technically married to her first husband, Larry, which complicates her newfound luxury.
As their debts mount, the pressure from hotel executives, Mercer and Swayle, intensifies, as they relentlessly seek payment for the couple’s growing tab. However, amid their financial despair, a small sculpture by Henry Moore— a gift from Larry to Tina—stands as their last glimmer of hope, a symbol linking them to her past obligations.
Desperate to alleviate their burdens, Jake and Tina hatch a plan to fake the theft of the sculpture, aiming to collect insurance money. Their scheme, however, takes an unexpected turn when it is thwarted by Jenny, a deaf housekeeper with a habit of stealing valuable items. The couple’s annoyance shifts to despair as they realize that Jenny has pilfered the very sculpture they intended to claim insurance on, initiating a series of chaotic events as the statue changes hands, each transition leading it closer to destruction.
As stress mounts in their relationship, Jake finds an escape with Joan, Tina’s best friend, leading to an affair that adds another layer of complexity to their already tangled lives. The cycle of theft and loss continues until, in a twist of fate, Jenny returns the sculpture just before the insurance investigators arrive, only to swipe it away once again.
In an unexpected resolution, Jake and Tina decide to auction the statue, effectively solving their hotel debts and enabling them to indulge in their extravagant lifestyle without the weight of financial worry. This turbulent narrative unfolds with a clever nod to the classic struggle of Jekyll and Hyde, reflecting themes similar to those found in Lindsay-Hogg’s 1989 TV adaptation of “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” showcased within the Nightmare Classics series.
Timeline
Financial Struggles Begin
Jake and Tina are caught in a web of financial turmoil as they are staying in a luxurious London hotel. Despite the lavish surroundings, their precarious financial situation weighs heavily on them.
Jake's Cocoa Bean Dilemma
Jake's financial woes are directly linked to a shipment of cocoa beans that is stranded in a revolution-stricken nation. This situation leaves him in a state of uncertainty regarding his income and future.
Tina's Complicated Marriage
Tina's life of luxury is hindered by her complicated marital status, as she remains legally married to her first husband, Larry. This fact creates an emotional and legal burden as they seek to enjoy their newfound wealth.
Mounting Pressure from Hotel Executives
As debts increase, the couple faces relentless pressure from hotel executives Mercer and Swayle to settle their growing tab. This constant demand adds to the stress of their already complicated lives.
The Sculpture as a Symbol
A small sculpture by Henry Moore, a gift from Larry to Tina, becomes their last beacon of hope amidst financial despair. It symbolizes not only Tina's past but also their current struggles.
The Plan to Fake a Theft
In a desperate bid to solve their financial issues, Jake and Tina devise a plan to fake the theft of the sculpture. They believe that by doing so, they can collect insurance money to alleviate their mounting debts.
Jenny the Housekeeper Interferes
Their scheme takes a chaotic turn when Jenny, a deaf housekeeper with a knack for theft, unexpectedly swipes the very sculpture they intended to claim. This twist leaves Jake and Tina in despair as their plan unravels.
The Cycle of Theft and Loss
As the statue changes hands in a series of chaotic events, it gets closer to destruction with each transition. This ongoing cycle reflects the turmoil and desperation of Jake and Tina's situation.
Jake's Affair with Joan
Amid rising tensions, Jake seeks escape in an affair with Joan, Tina's best friend. This decision only complicates their relationship further, adding layers to their troubled lives.
Jenny Returns the Sculpture
In a surprising turn of events, Jenny returns the sculpture just before the insurance investigators arrive. However, true to her nature, she swipes it away once again, continuing the cycle of chaos.
The Auction Decision
In a final attempt to resolve their financial problems, Jake and Tina decide to auction the statue. This decision provides them with the financial relief they desperately seek.
Debt Relief and New Beginnings
The successful auction allows them to pay off their hotel debts, rejuvenating their extravagant lifestyle. The couple finally feels free from financial worries, bridging the gap between their past and present.
Reflections on Identity
The tumultuous journey of Jake and Tina echoes the classic Jekyll and Hyde struggle, highlighting the dualities within characters. This thematic reflection adds depth to the narrative, allowing for a richer viewing experience.
Characters
Jake
Jake is a financially strained protagonist who struggles to keep his extravagant lifestyle afloat. His reliance on uncertain income from cocoa beans reveals his desperation and willingness to resort to morally questionable actions to ease financial pressures.
Tina
Tina is a complicated character caught between her desires for luxury and the obligations of her past. Her relationship with Jake is strained by her unresolved feelings for her first husband, adding depth to her character and the film's exploration of loyalty and desire.
Jenny
Jenny, the deaf housekeeper, plays a pivotal role in the couple's plans, inadvertently disrupting their scheme. Her unexpected behavior reveals themes of theft and loss, contributing to the chaos of Jake and Tina's lives while showcasing her own survival instincts.
Setting
Time period
The events in the film seem to take place in a contemporary setting, reflecting modern societal issues such as financial instability and personal relationships. The story deals with contemporary themes of luxury versus reality without being tied to a specific historical period.
Location
London
The movie takes place in a luxurious hotel in London, a bustling metropolis known for its rich history and vibrant culture. This setting serves as a backdrop for the couple's extravagant lifestyle, which stands in stark contrast to their financial woes.
Themes
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Financial Strain
The theme of financial turmoil is central to the movie, as Jake and Tina struggle to maintain their lavish lifestyle amidst mounting debts. Their attempts to escape reality highlight the impact of money on personal relationships and the lengths one will go to for financial relief.
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Morality
Morality is a significant theme, explored through the couple's plan to fake the theft of a sculpture and the ensuing chaos. Their actions force them to confront ethical dilemmas while revealing the complexities of human intentions and relationships.
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Art & Value
Art serves as a symbol throughout the film, particularly the Henry Moore sculpture that represents both hope and obligation. The fluctuating ownership of the sculpture represents shifting values and the transient nature of material possessions in Jake and Tina's lives.
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