The Look of Love

The Look of Love

Year: 2013

Runtime: 101 min

Language: English

Director: Michael Winterbottom

BiographyDramaComedy

In this epic biopic, Steve Coogan brings to life Paul Raymond, the flamboyant entrepreneur who revolutionized British entertainment with his chain of nudie theaters and racy publications. From swinging London's 1960s heyday to the excesses of the 1980s, Raymond's empire redefined UK culture, leaving a trail of sophistication and scandal in its wake.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Look of Love 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 – 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

Similar Movies to The Look of Love
Discover movies like The Look of Love 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.