So Fine

In the 1981 comedy film So Fine, directed by Andrew Bergman, the legendary Ryan O'Neal sets the screen on fire with his effortless comic timing and acting expense. O'Neal unforgettably plays the role of a nerdy professor Bobby Fine, teaching at a modest college, whose life takes a sudden turn when he is plunged into the fierce and cutthroat world of the New York clothing industry. This film deftly combines physical humor, farcical storylines, and understated character work to keep the audience entertained and laughing throughout its runtime.

Jack Warden, playing Bobby Fine's father Jack Fine, adds another layer of complexity and humor to the narrative. Jack Fine is a longtime owner of a slowly failing New York garment district business, Fine Fashions, who through various mishaps lands in financial trouble with a notorious loan shark. The loan shark, Mr. Eddie (Richard Kiel), agrees to forgive Fine's debts on the condition that Bobby would give up his academic career and take over the family business.

As the plot unfolds, Bobby finds his passion for Shakespearean drama somewhat irrelevant as he is thrust into the hard-hitting fashion business. Through a series of fortunate accidents and hilarious mishaps, Bobby turns the tide for the declining clothing company, inventing a unique line of clothing that skyrockets the label back into prominence and profitability. However, as Bobby becomes increasingly successful in his newfound career, the challenges begin to intensify.

Ryan O'Neal's performance is matched by a fantastic and quirky ensemble. Mariangela Melato plays Lira, the wife of the loan shark, who becomes smitten by the innocent and nerdy Bobby, leading to further complications. Melato's Lira is both charming and hilarious, providing a great counterbalance to O'Neal's Bobby. Italian actor Fred Gwynne, best known for his role in The Munsters, also shines as the desperate Lieutenant in love with Lira.

So Fine is a film that uniquely blends elements of slapstick comedy, somewhat screwball situations, and satire of the vanity filled fashion industry. Director Andrew Bergman, known for his works like The In-Laws and Fletch, utilizes his knack for creating enchanting comedic situations and sets up a series of engaging comedic sequences leading to an encounter with the mob, situations involving high speed chases, and a most unexpected fashion show.

One of the standout elements of So Fine is the way it captures the gritty yet glamorous texture of New York City and the fashion industry in the 1980s. Beneath the over-the-top humor, there are observations about the nature of the fashion world, the pressure to stay relevant, innovative, and lucrative, all encapsulated within a laugh-out-loud tale.

Despite the overt comedy, So Fine also touches upon bigger themes like father-son relationships, integrity in the face of selling out, and the importance of personal happiness over societal success. O'Neal's character Bobby evolves through the film, displaying a journey from innocent academia to dealing with the commercial world's realities while navigating personal issues and love.

In conclusion, So Fine is a light-hearted comedy that skillfully combines romance, family drama, business rivalries, and a fun commentary on the flashy fashion world of the time. This comic romp driven by Ryan O'Neal's remarkable performance, backed up by a tremendously talented supporting cast, is sure to bring a smile to any comedy lover's face. It's a film that deserves a revisit and stands as a comedic time capsule from the early 1980s.