Product: Office Space (1999)
Rating: 5.0
Anthem for the Work Place
For anyone whose had to deal with a robotic manager who repeates pointless phrases regardless of your response - this is the movie for you. For those of you who trudge to work everyday dreading encounters with chipper co-workers who make mind-numbing conversation - this is the movie for you. For anyone who wakes up every morning with only thoughts of escape on their minds as they get ready to join the commuting masses - this is defintely the movie for you.The characters are very well developed, hitting the nail on the head as far as office types go. There is a relatable type there for eveyone who's ever worked in the typical "cubicle environment." From the opening sequence, where each main character is shown reacting to the daily traffic jam, to the last scene - this movie is hilarious. It "hits the spot." It is a cathartically funny look at what life is like for most people in this type of setting.The dialogue is precious. Almost everything out of each character's mouth is quotable. You'll find yourself repeating these phrases like mantras. After the third or fourth viewing (and you will want to see it more than once or twice), you'll find yourself quoting each phrase along with the movie. You'll bond in brother/sisterhood with whomever sees it with you. It will become "your" movie.Did I mention the soundtrack? It couldn't be more perfect. It gives the movie unity and cohesion in the most comic sense, in that it takes otherwise serious moments and highlights their absurdity through the sheer ridiculousness of the music choice. It points to one character's desire to be someone else; to escape his station in a small way and become another stronger, more willful type.And, it simply rocks.The direction is also quite good. There are many nicely shot sequences which run like videos encompassing univeral moments. Particularly memorable is the "printer scene." You'll need to see the movie to know what I'm talking about. Also, the focus on character expressions and camera angles which highlight and enhance responses to certain situations are very well done, putting the focus on how the character feels in an exaggerated and caricature-like way.All in all, a must see. Quite possibly one of the funniest movies ever because of it's honesty and ability to encapsulate the moment.