Laura’s Rating: 3/5 Stars
Despite a disappointing showing at the box office upon release, the movie has since gained a huge following and become a common source for pop culture references. Appreciated by administrative employees everywhere, this cult classic comedy depicts the boredom, bureaucracy, and relentlessness of office life.
The Analysis:
Computer programmer Peter Gibbons is frustrated by his mundane job at Initech, where he is overworked and underappreciated. His girlfriend Anne convinces him to try hypnotherapy in order to help him cope, but when his therapist has a heart attack and dies halfway through the session, Peter is stuck in a continued state of relaxation. Leaving the doctor’s office in a daze, he sleeps most of the weekend, blowing off calls from his boss and high-maintenance girlfriend. Peter’s newfound carefree attitude causes him to blatantly ignore workplace protocol and blow off responsibilities. When efficiency consultants are brought in to streamline Initech, they shine a light on just how ridiculous the inner workings of the office are, while highlighting Peter’s success with his worry-free attitude.
While many parts of the movie are mildly amusing, I was a bit disappointed overall. I think the movie has been a bit over-hyped, hence my inevitable disappointment. Some scenes made me smile and I didn’t dislike the film, but it was never laugh-out-loud hilarious. The satire of the modern workplace is poignant, but serves as the background to Peter’s quest for fulfillment, which is average at best. I think the film excels at what it wants to be, but the exploration of soul-sucking office life could have been executed on a higher level of quality that this movie does not even try to achieve. However, anyone who has ever worked a typical 9 to 5 in a cubicle or corporate setting can identify with Office Space, and it’s worth the watch for the cultural references alone.
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