S.O.B.

S.O.B.

Year: 1981

Runtime: 122 min

Language: English

Director: Blake Edwards

DramaComedy

Facing a career crisis, director Felix Farmer conceives a shocking plan to revive his failing musical: turning it into an adult film. He must then persuade his actress wife, Sally, to participate in this daring and provocative project, challenging her personal and professional boundaries in a bid for cinematic redemption.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen S.O.B. yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – S.O.B. (1981)

Explore the full timeline and setting of S.O.B. (1981). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film's narrative is contemporary, capturing the essence of the 1980s Hollywood scene with its extravagant lifestyles and the underlying critique of the film industry. It reflects societal attitudes towards fame, fortune, and personal despair during this vibrant yet chaotic period.

Location

Pacific Ocean, California

The Pacific Ocean serves as a backdrop to Felix Farmer's chaotic descent into madness, symbolizing the unpredictability of his life and career. California, known for its vibrant film industry, reflects the extravagance and absurdity of Hollywood life, making it an ideal setting for this satirical narrative.

🌊 Ocean 🎬 Hollywood

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:36

Main Characters – S.O.B. (1981)

Meet the key characters of S.O.B. (1981), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Felix Farmer

Felix Farmer is a once-successful producer-director whose career spirals into chaos after his latest project flops. Driven to despair by his failures, he attempts multiple suicide attempts but ultimately finds a bizarre path to redemption through a controversial film reinvention.

🎬 Filmmaker 😔 Despair 💔 Redemption

Sally Miles

Sally Miles is a wholesome movie star and Felix’s wife, embodying the pressures of stardom. As she grapples with Felix's erratic behavior and the demands of the film industry, her character also represents the innocence and conflict within Hollywood's often tumultuous environment.

⭐ Star 🤝 Supportive 🎭 Conflict

Polly Reed

Polly Reed is a sharp-tongued gossip columnist who becomes an unfortunate victim during one of Felix's chaotic attempts at suicide. Her character adds a layer of commentary on celebrity culture and media sensationalism.

📰 Media 🗣️ Gossip 🔥 Controversial

Tim Culley

Tim Culley, portrayed by William Holden, is Felix's lawyer and a voice of reason amidst the chaos. His character navigates the complex legal landscape of Hollywood, showcasing the serious business side of an industry often associated with frivolity.

⚖️ Lawyer 💼 Professional 🤔 Reasonable

Dr. Finegarten

Dr. Finegarten is Felix's personal doctor, adding a touch of medical insight to the intense emotional and physical turmoil that Felix experiences throughout the film. His presence emphasizes the intersection of health and the pressures of the entertainment world.

👨‍⚕️ Doctor 🔍 Insightful 👍 Supportive

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:36

Major Themes – S.O.B. (1981)

Explore the central themes of S.O.B. (1981), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎭 Satire

The film utilizes satire to expose the absurdities of Hollywood and the film industry, presenting a critical view of the pursuit of fame and success. Through Felix's disastrous experiences, the narrative reveals the disconnect between reality and the glamorous facade of Hollywood life.

💔 Desperation

Desperation is a central theme as Felix grapples with his failures and considers extreme measures to escape his bleak reality. His numerous failed attempts at taking his own life highlight the emotional toll that the pressures of the industry can create.

🎶 Reinvention

The theme of reinvention is prominent as Felix seeks to transform his project into a soft-core musical, showcasing his desire to reclaim his artistic vision and relevance. This journey underscores the idea that creativity can emerge from the depths of despair.

⚰️ Death and Legacy

Death and legacy intertwine as Felix's tragic demise sends shockwaves through his circle of friends, prompting them to craft an unconventional burial plan. This highlights the absurdity of how fame can shape one’s legacy, even in death.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:36

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Hollywood Satire Movies like S.O.B.

Films that skewer the entertainment industry with dark humor and desperate acts.If you enjoyed the cynical industry critique in S.O.B., explore more movies like it. This section features dark comedies and dramatic satires that expose the absurdities, desperation, and compromises behind the scenes of Hollywood and creative pursuits.

satiricalcynicalfreneticdesperateabsurdchaoticmelancholic

Narrative Summary

The narrative typically follows an artist or director facing a catastrophic professional failure. Their subsequent plan for redemption is outrageous, self-destructive, or morally questionable, forcing them to navigate a chaotic cast of industry figures. The journey blends absurd set pieces with moments of genuine despair, often leading to a bittersweet or cynical resolution about the cost of success.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on deconstructing the creative process through a darkly humorous lens. They share a tone that balances satire with the genuine emotional weight of artistic compromise, and often feature frantic pacing that mirrors the chaos of the industry they portray.

Self-Destructive Dark Comedies like S.O.B.

Stories where characters spiral into chaos, finding humor in their own demise.For viewers who appreciated the blend of dark humor and personal collapse in S.O.B., this collection features similar movies. Discover stories of characters on a chaotic downward spiral, where serious themes are presented with satirical wit and a bittersweet sensibility.

dark humorabsurdchaoticdesperateself-destructivefreneticbittersweetsatirical

Narrative Summary

The central character arc involves a rapid descent into chaos, frequently marked by multiple, almost theatrical, suicide attempts or other self-sabotaging behaviors. These dramatic actions are not just for tragedy; they are mined for absurdist comedy, creating a tense, unpredictable rhythm. The narrative doesn't shy away from the darkness but filters it through a satirical lens, leading to an ending that acknowledges the tragedy while underscoring its inherent absurdity.

Why These Movies?

These films are linked by their unique tonal alchemy: the ability to make self-destruction funny. They share a high intensity driven by the protagonist's actions, a dark tone that avoids being purely bleak thanks to humor, and a variable pacing that swings between frantic chaos and desperate negotiation.

Unlock the Full Story of S.O.B.

Don't stop at just watching — explore S.O.B. in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what S.O.B. is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

S.O.B. Summary

Read a complete plot summary of S.O.B., including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

S.O.B. Summary

S.O.B. Timeline

Track the full timeline of S.O.B. with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

S.O.B. Timeline

S.O.B. Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of S.O.B. that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

S.O.B. Spoiler-Free Summary

More About S.O.B.

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about S.O.B.: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About S.O.B.

Similar Movies to S.O.B.

Discover movies like S.O.B. that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.