In the Company of Men (1997)

Director:

Neil LaBute

Writer:

Neil LaBute (writer)

Release Date:

1 August 1997 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy

Tagline:

Are all men bastards...or just misunderstood?

Plot:

Two business executives--one an avowed misogynist, the other recently emotionally wounded by his love interest--set out to exact revenge on the female gender by seeking out the most innocent, uncorrupted girl they can find and ruining her life.

Plot Keywords:

Controversial | Misogynist | Office | Golf | Depravity

Awards:

10 wins & 5 nominations

Cast

Aaron Eckhart	...	Chad
Stacy Edwards	...	Christine
Matt Malloy	...	Howard
Michael Martin	...	Co-worker #1
Mark Rector	...	John
Chris Hayes	...	Co-worker #2
Jason Dixie	...	Intern
Emily Cline	...	Suzanne
Roxanne Butler	...	Flight attendant
Tahira Essix	...	Traveler
Julia Henkel	...	Traveler
Sara Pauley	...	Traveler
Cheryl Russell	...	Traveler
Jasen Savage	...	Traveler / Bank patron
Lynette Smith	...	Traveler

Also Known As:

En compagnie des hommes (Canada: French title)

MPAA:

Rated R for language and emotional abuse.

Runtime:

97 min

Country:

Canada | USA

Language:

English | American Sign Language

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

Iceland:L | Canada:14A (Ontario) | Argentina:13 | Brazil:14 | New Zealand:R16 | Norway:7 | Spain:13 | Sweden:7 | UK:18 | USA:R

Filming Locations:

Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA

Company:

Alliance Atlantis Communications

Trivia:

Premiere voted this movie as one of "The 25 Most Dangerous Movies".

Quotes:

Chad: Women. Nice ones, the most frigid of the race, it doesn't matter in the end. Inside they're all the same meat and gristle and hatred just simmering.

Movie Connections:

References Dangerous Liaisons (1988)

Harsh comedy that almost succeeds

Chad (Aaron Eckhart) and Howard (Matt Malloy) are in a new town for 6 weeks on business. Frustrated by the women in their lives they decide to use the time to seduce an insecure woman and make her feel loved - only to destroy her before they leave. They pick Christine (Stacy Edwards), a deaf girl from their office and set the plan in motion.

This is a fascinating black comedy looking at the macho world of American businessmen - although it is a look at the shallowness and competitiveness of men generally. The plot may sound simple but it is very powerful and insightful - although the men are exaggerated versions of reality in order to make clear points. The film doesn't totally satisfy but it is a great character piece.

Almost to a man the leads are all excellent, Eckhart is almost pure evil as the man who we all recognise or know, while Malloy is great as the man who wants to be in the game but is getting to the point where he longs for simpler values. Edwards is beautiful as the vulnerable Christine who gradually opens up with confidence as she is made to feel more and more special.

Labate's direction is spot on for this - most of the action is dialogue based and the sets are made like theatre sets. As such the direction is quite static but the camera is often set in very interesting shots. Labate's writing is the real strength with the whole dialogue strong, perhaps exaggerated and yet totally believable.

A wonderfully harsh drama that will make you aware that will carry you along effortlessly.