Film: The Company Men
Ben Affleck (The Town), Tommy Lee Jones (Men in Black), Chris Cooper (October Sky), Rosemarie DeWitt (Rachael Getting Married), Kevin Costner (Dances With Wolves)
Writer/Director: John Wells (ER, The West Wing, Third Watch)
Genre: Drama 2010
In brief: Even though it’s September 15, 2008 and the financial system is in freefall, it’s just another day for Bobby Walker… off to work driving his new Porsche… an early morning game of golf on the way to the office. When he walks into GTX, the only thing on his mind is bragging about his golf score. Why all the long faces? “Somebody die?” Bobby asks. The rumors of layoffs are palpable, and it doesn’t take long before reality hits. Bobby’s job is one of the first to be eliminated in the consolidations and downsizing. What do you say when your indispensible colleague has just been dispensed with? There’s almost nothing one can say… but asking “did you hear anything about me?” truly isn’t the right thing to say. At home, Bobby assures his wife Maggie that everything will be just fine.
Out-Placement Services is Bobby’s next chapter… he’s not planning on spending much time here. But when he arrives, he notices some seriously bad attitudes among his fellow out-placed. It’s in stark contrast with the positive mantra of the out-placement councilor, who has them loudly shouting, “I will win! Why? Because I have faith, courage and enthusiasm!!!” In the meantime, the shareholders of GXT are still looking for their quarterly profits, and the only way to deliver the numbers is through more downsizing. Bobby’s not the only GXTer on this journey. But when it comes to unemployment and losing everything you’ve spent a lifetime working for, it’s a lonely journey.
If you put this movie in a time capsule and watch it at another point in time, it’s not likely to have the same bite it has right now. The plot isn’t very involved; there aren’t any twists or turns you can’t figure out by watching the trailer. In fact, the plot points are all too predictable, given the dismal employment picture over recent years. What makes the film work is that it accurately captures what many among us have been struggling with. By showing us this world from the perspective of several different characters, it gives the story more depth. With a great cast, the acting is first-rate. It’s not really a feel-good movie, but watching it does have some cathartic benefit. One of the last things Bobby gives up is his golf club membership… “I need to look successful. I can’t look like another asshole with a resume.” What’s the price of self respect?
3 popped kernels
Insightful telling of a story that’s way too familiar
Popcorn Profile
Rated: R
Primary Audience: Grown-ups
Gender Appeal: Any audience
Distribution: Mainstream limited release
Mood: Both upbeat and somber
Tempo: Cruses comfortably
Visual Style: Nicely varnished realism
Character Development: Engaging
Language: True to life
Social Significance: Timely topic
