The Look of Love

The Look of Love

Year: 2013

Runtime: 101 min

Language: English

Director: Michael Winterbottom

BiographyDramaComedy

This biopic portrays Paul Raymond, a charismatic and controversial figure who transformed British entertainment. Steve Coogan stars as Raymond, recounting his journey from the swinging 1960s to the 1980s. He built a notable empire of nudie theaters and publications, pushing boundaries and redefining UK culture with a blend of sophistication and scandal. The film explores his remarkable career and the impact he had on the nation’s entertainment landscape.

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Timeline & Setting – The Look of Love (2013)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Look of Love (2013). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Late 1950s, 1992

The film traverses two significant time periods: the late 1950s, characterized by a blossoming entertainment culture and emerging hedonism, and 1992, marked by loss and reflection. This era not only witnessed the rise of alternative media and sexuality in popular culture but also the sobering impact of addiction and family tragedy.

Location

London, seaside variety show circuit

London serves as a backdrop for Paul Raymond's rise to fame, particularly noted for its vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene. The seaside variety show circuit of the late 1950s represents a colorful and dynamic world where performers like Raymond worked to captivate audiences with sensational spectacles.

🏙️ City 🌊 Seaside

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:11

Main Characters – The Look of Love (2013)

Meet the key characters of The Look of Love (2013), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Paul Raymond

Paul Raymond is a complex figure marked by ambition, charm, and a profound sense of loss. His rise from humble beginnings to becoming the richest man in Britain is overshadowed by personal tragedies that haunt him, including the death of his daughter. With a penchant for hedonism, Raymond is emblematic of a lifestyle filled with excess, yet he ultimately seeks redemption through his legacy.

👔 Businessman 🎉 Performer 💔 Grieving Father

Jean

Jean, Paul’s wife, embodies the struggles of balancing personal aspirations with societal expectations. She is pivotal in his ascent, yet their relationship becomes strained against the backdrop of fame and scandal. Her character reflects the challenges faced by women during a time of rapid social change, caught in the web of public perception and private heartbreak.

👩‍❤️‍👨 Spouse 🌟 Performer

Debbie

Debbie, Paul's daughter, represents the collateral damage of a hedonistic lifestyle. Despite her desire to succeed in theater, she suffers greatly from her father's overshadowing influence and tragic choices, ultimately leading to her untimely demise. Her struggles with addiction highlight the darker consequences of fame and parental expectations.

👧 Daughter 🎭 Aspiring Performer ⚠️ Tragic Figure

Amber St. George

Amber St. George is a key figure in Paul Raymond's life, both as a romantic interest and a performer. Her provocative career underscores the themes of sexuality and empowerment, yet she also navigates the complexities of being in a tumultuous relationship fraught with ambition and heartbreak.

💘 Lover 🎤 Performer

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:11

Major Themes – The Look of Love (2013)

Explore the central themes of The Look of Love (2013), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Loss

The theme of loss is central to Paul Raymond's journey, highlighting the sorrow from the death of his daughter Debbie. This tragedy shapes his character, prompting reflections on his life choices and the legacy he will leave behind.

💃 Sexuality

Sexuality plays a pivotal role in Raymond's life as he navigates the world of adult entertainment with both ambition and chaos. His ventures foster a culture of liberated expression, yet they also lead to personal turmoil and complicated relationships.

🎭 Identity

Identity is explored through Paul Raymond's reinventions as a performer and a businessman. His ability to adapt and shape his public persona reflects broader themes of fame and the price one pays for success in a competitive industry.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:11

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Movies about ambition and loss like The Look of Love

Bittersweet journeys where great success comes with profound personal loss.Find more movies like The Look of Love that explore the bittersweet price of success. These films feature characters who build empires but suffer deep personal tragedies, offering similar themes of regret and the hollowness of achievement.

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Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread typically follow a linear or reflective arc tracing a character's meteoric rise to fame or fortune. The narrative structure often juxtaposes the glamour of success with the quiet moments of personal failure or loss, culminating in a poignant, bittersweet conclusion where the protagonist is left to contemplate what was truly sacrificed.

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Movies are grouped here because they share a core emotional journey: the pursuit of a grand ambition that is technically achieved, but at a cost that renders the success tragic. They blend a melancholic tone with a steady, reflective pace, creating a heavy emotional weight focused on regret.

Period dramas with a dark side like The Look of Love

Nostalgic portraits of glamorous but destructive eras, tinged with sadness.If you liked the nostalgic yet critical look at the adult entertainment world in The Look of Love, you'll enjoy these other movies. They capture the vibe of a specific era while also revealing its sleazy, tragic, or addictive underbelly.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern often uses a flashback structure, with a character reflecting on a vibrant past from a position of sadness or regret. The plot immerses the viewer in the energy and aesthetics of a specific time, but consistently undermines the surface glamour with themes of exploitation, addiction, and the consequences of a pleasure-seeking lifestyle.

Why These Movies?

These movies are connected by their unique blend of nostalgic period setting and a critical, melancholic tone. They share a specific vibe: the visual and cultural appeal of a 'gilded age' is paired with a steady, reflective pacing that exposes the tragedy and regret festering beneath the surface.

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The Look of Love Summary

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The Look of Love Summary

The Look of Love Timeline

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The Look of Love Timeline

The Look of Love Spoiler-Free Summary

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The Look of Love Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Look of Love

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