In honor of the Labor Day holiday, and not wanting to work too hard on my blog, I thought I would list 10 of my favorite movies dealing with the
workplace. I tried to select movies where the workplace was integral to the plot. I also selected some movies because they hit a public nerve at the time and inspired many to pursue careers in the field they depicted. I taught most of these films in a freshman seminar at
Dickinson College, called "Working in America." I realize that many are considered "old" at this point (at least by my college students!) but they are generally timeless in their story and presentation.
I know I've left out a lot-- in fact, here's a fun list published by Flickster a few years ago, which includes such films as The Devil Wears Prada, American Beauty, and Clerks. CalBerkeley has a great list as well.
So without further ado, here's my list of 10 great films about the workplace. If you get a chance, rent them and see what you think. What workplace movies do you like? Did any inspire you to pursue a career in a particular industry? Please feel free to add your own ideas in the comments section.
1. Matewan: (1987, John Sayles, dir.) Based on a true story, Matewan tells the story of West Virginia coal miners in the 1920s and their struggle to form a union. An often overlooked and truly remarkable film.
2. The Player: (1992, Robert Altman, dir.) Must watching for anyone considering a career in the film industry. Famous for its opening tracking shot which lasts about 7 1/2 minutes, and inside humor about Hollywood.
3. Norma Rae (1979, Martin Ritt, dir.) Excellent union vs management film set in a textile mill. Oscar-winning opening song sung by Jennifer Warnes.
4. Roger & Me (1989, Michael Moore, dir.) This movie is eerily contemporary given the job market we're in. I find the scene with the unemployed former GM worker playing basketball (with the Beach Boys singing "Wouldn't It Be Nice" in the background) particularly moving.
5. The Verdict (1982, Sidney Lumet, dir.) Lawyer movies could start a whole new list, but I'll stick to this one. Paul Newman plays an essentially unlikable alcoholic lawyer at the bottom of his career and turns him...well I won't reveal the ending.
6. All The President's Men (1976, Alan J Pakula, dir.) The book and subsequent movie inspired many to pursue a career in investigative journalism-- one of the "hot" careers of the 70s.
7. Wall Street (1987, Oliver Stone, dir.) Another movie that inspired many careers. Investment banking, already a hot career in the 80s, became even hotter. A classic Greek tragedy for all the classics majors out there.
8. Office Space (1999, Mike Judge, dir.) What I love about this movie is that it transcends its time. It is just as relevant and popular now as when it was made, and always brings a smile to anyone's face. Brilliant moviemaking. As far as I know this movie did not inspire anyone to work at a software company, but it did sell a lot of red staplers.
9. Cradle Will Rock (1999, Tim Robbins, dir.) Fascinating film about the intersection of politics and art-- and the increasing influence of business and "branding." Takes place in the 1930s but the ending makes it very clear that... well again, I won't reveal the last scene.
10. To Kill a Mockingbird (1962, Robert Mulligan, dir.) I chose this one not because the story centers on a workplace per se, but because Gregory Peck's portrayal of "Atticus Finch" inspired so many would-be lawyers.
Honorable Mention: I'll give honorable mention to a movie I'm not particularly fond of, but has a great opening scene which sums up many people's feelings about their work: Joe vs. the Volcano.
And now it's your turn.
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