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.

S.O.B. (1981) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at S.O.B. (1981) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In a world where Hollywood’s glitter masks a relentless race for relevance, the film industry is portrayed with a sharp, satirical edge. The bustling studios, lavish parties, and endless publicity stunts form a backdrop that feels both familiar and absurd, inviting the audience to glimpse the frantic energy behind the silver screen. The tone balances biting humor with a lingering sense of desperation, suggesting that even the brightest lights can cast the darkest shadows when success teeters on the brink.

Amid this flamboyant landscape, Felix Farmer stands out as a once‑celebrated director‑producer whose latest venture has collapsed spectacularly. Known for his larger‑than‑life personality and relentless ambition, he now faces a career crisis that threatens to erase his reputation. Driven by a mixture of pride, panic, and a stubborn creative spark, Felix hatches a daring, unconventional plan: reimagining his failed musical as an adult‑oriented production. The very notion teeters between brilliance and scandal, reflecting his willingness to push boundaries in hopes of a cinematic redemption.

At the heart of his scheme lies his wife, the beloved star Sally Miles, whose wholesome image has long been a cornerstone of her public persona. Their partnership is both personal and professional, creating a delicate dance of loyalty, love, and artistic compromise. As Felix proposes his bold transformation, Sally is drawn into a struggle between protecting her carefully cultivated image and supporting the man she loves. Their dynamic hints at deeper questions about authenticity, sacrifice, and the price of fame, setting the stage for a story that explores the limits of creative daring within the dazzling, mercurial world of Hollywood.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 14:11

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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.

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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.

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S.O.B. Summary

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S.O.B. Summary

S.O.B. Timeline

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S.O.B. Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in S.O.B.

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Characters, Settings & Themes in S.O.B.

More About S.O.B.

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