The Object of Beauty

The Object of Beauty

Year: 1991

Runtime: 103 min

Language: English

Director: Michael Lindsay-Hogg

DramaComedyCrime

In London's luxurious underbelly, Americans Jake and Tina's extravagant lifestyle takes a drastic turn when their credit card bill comes due. Desperate to stay afloat, they hatch an insurance scam involving a priceless sculpture, but chaos ensues when the statue is pilfered by a mysterious deaf-mute maid, leaving them scrambling to recover the stolen treasure and salvage their reputation.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Object of Beauty 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 – The Object of Beauty (1991)
Trace every key event in The Object of Beauty (1991) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.
1

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.

London hotel
2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

London hotel
5

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.

6

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.

7

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.

London hotel
8

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.

9

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.

10

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.

London hotel
11

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.

12

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.

13

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.

Last Updated: November 18, 2024 at 20:55

Similar Movies to The Object of Beauty
Discover movies like The Object of Beauty 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.