I don't feel so guilty for laughing in spite of myself at Beavis and Butt-head, now that I've seen what else Mike Judge can do.
This review contains minor spoilers.
"Office Space" is the story of Peter Gibbons, a mild-mannered software engineer in a mid-sized company, and his two co-worker friends: the unfortunately-named Michael Bolton and the unpronounceable Samir Nayeenanajar. I take issue with other reviews and synopses that say this movie is about getting revenge for being laid off - that's such a pedestrian view of the situation. At least 75% of this movie is about office life seen through the eyes of someone who manages to be mentally removed from the office grind and politics - and it's in this realm where we find the most comedy and insight.
You see, a hypnotic suggestion makes Peter permanently believe all of his work-related cares are unimportant. Office politics and job performance no longer matter.
I believe that only a disaffected office worker can truly understand and enjoy this film - we are the ones who double over laughing with tears streaming down our faces, the ones who nod mutely in sympathy and agreement, the ones who quote it day in and day out, even when you have no idea we're doing it. But there is plenty of humor here for everyone, including Jennifer Aniston's perfectly-toned turn as a waitress at Chotchkie's ("wait, I think I can see a T.G.I. Friday's menu in the background of that shot!") Restaurant, and Stephen Root's impeccable performance as Milton Waddams, the man nobody got around to firing.
"Office Space" is for office workers the way "Clerks" is for retail employees. It knows all the in jokes, feels your pain, and crosses the line just far enough to be exhilarating when you get to watch someone do what you've always wanted but never been able to do.
Perhaps the most interesting thing about this movie - which has been viewed so many times in our house we might actually wear out the DVD - is how it feels like it's maintaining a level of calm and a deliberate pace (despite the outlandish events throughout). This is a testament to Mike Judge's skill as both writer and director - he infuses the entire film with the peace and serenity Peter gains through his hypnotic suggestion, in the midst of the madness.
A true sleeper, a cult classic, and in my opinion, a 9 out of 10.
This review contains minor spoilers.
"Office Space" is the story of Peter Gibbons, a mild-mannered software engineer in a mid-sized company, and his two co-worker friends: the unfortunately-named Michael Bolton and the unpronounceable Samir Nayeenanajar. I take issue with other reviews and synopses that say this movie is about getting revenge for being laid off - that's such a pedestrian view of the situation. At least 75% of this movie is about office life seen through the eyes of someone who manages to be mentally removed from the office grind and politics - and it's in this realm where we find the most comedy and insight.
You see, a hypnotic suggestion makes Peter permanently believe all of his work-related cares are unimportant. Office politics and job performance no longer matter.
I believe that only a disaffected office worker can truly understand and enjoy this film - we are the ones who double over laughing with tears streaming down our faces, the ones who nod mutely in sympathy and agreement, the ones who quote it day in and day out, even when you have no idea we're doing it. But there is plenty of humor here for everyone, including Jennifer Aniston's perfectly-toned turn as a waitress at Chotchkie's ("wait, I think I can see a T.G.I. Friday's menu in the background of that shot!") Restaurant, and Stephen Root's impeccable performance as Milton Waddams, the man nobody got around to firing.
"Office Space" is for office workers the way "Clerks" is for retail employees. It knows all the in jokes, feels your pain, and crosses the line just far enough to be exhilarating when you get to watch someone do what you've always wanted but never been able to do.
Perhaps the most interesting thing about this movie - which has been viewed so many times in our house we might actually wear out the DVD - is how it feels like it's maintaining a level of calm and a deliberate pace (despite the outlandish events throughout). This is a testament to Mike Judge's skill as both writer and director - he infuses the entire film with the peace and serenity Peter gains through his hypnotic suggestion, in the midst of the madness.
A true sleeper, a cult classic, and in my opinion, a 9 out of 10.