---
title: "How to Lose Friends & Alienate People"
year: 2008
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/how-to-lose-friends-alienate-people-2008"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 13092
imdb_id: null
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 110
community_rating: 6.0
vote_count: 0
content_rating: "R"
---

# How to Lose Friends & Alienate People (2008) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/how-to-lose-friends-alienate-people-2008

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

How to Lose Friends & Alienate People is a film first released in 2008. Catalogued under Comedy, Romance, Drama. Produced and broadcast by UK Film Council, Intandem Films, Number 9 Films. Current status: Released.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A struggling British journalist stumbles through New York’s glossy media world."

### Why Watch
- Sharp humor about media culture
- Charismatic lead navigating New York
- Blend of comedy, romance, and drama

### Caveats & Content Note
- Highly fictionalized, not true to source material
- Some jokes may feel dated
- Tone & Suitability: The film contains adult humor and situational comedy, suitable for mature audiences.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: fish-out-of-water, satirical, rom-com, misadventure, awkward

## Streaming Availability Matrix

Direct streaming licensing updates dynamically. Consult the live tracking interface at https://www.archytele.com/show/how-to-lose-friends-alienate-people-2008#watch.

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Robert B. Weide
- **Networks / Studios**: UK Film Council, Intandem Films, Number 9 Films

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Simon Pegg** as *Sidney Young*
- **Kirsten Dunst** as *Alison Olsen*
- **Danny Huston** as *Lawrence Maddox*
- **Megan Fox** as *Sophie Maes*
- **Jeff Bridges** as *Clayton Harding*
- **Gillian Anderson** as *Eleanor Johnson*
- **Max Minghella** as *Vincent Lepak*
- **Jefferson Mays** as *Bill Nathanson*
- **Bill Paterson** as *Richard Young*
- **Miriam Margolyes** as *Mrs. Kowalski*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: What does Sidney Young do for a living?
Sidney Young is a journalist who struggles to find success.

### Q: Where is the story primarily set?
The narrative moves from Britain to New York City.

### Q: What genres describe the film?
It is classified as a comedy, romance, and drama.

### Q: Is the film a faithful adaptation of its source?
The movie is a highly fictionalized account, differing greatly from the original work.

### Q: How long is the movie?
The runtime is about one hour and fifty minutes.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [How to Lose Friends & Alienate People — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/13092)
- [How to Lose Friends & Alienate People (film) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/How_to_Lose_Friends_%26_Alienate_People_(film))

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*