Ceticultsot
Beautiful, moving film.
Edwin
The storyline feels a little thin and moth-eaten in parts but this sequel is plenty of fun.
Billy Ollie
Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable
gavin6942
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.This was the debut film for Neil LaBute, with a focus on hurting others, and the density of dialogue... my first experience with LaBute was actually reading "The Shape of Things", and some similar themes are addressed there -- so we have at least two occasions where he has a story about singling a person out to ruin their lives.We can see this as sort of a parallel to "Cruel Intentions" or the older version of the story (I forget the name, "Dangerous Liaisons"?). Except here, rather than bored aristocrats a wealthy kids, we have people whose lives are so mundane that the only joy they can find is attacking those below them... there may be satire here, but it seems all too real.
philli47
In the Company of Men is a movie that makes one consider his or her actions after watching. The film puts the human conscience to the test by illustrating an exaggerated example of how heartless people can be at times. The film centered around three main characters. Aaron Eckhart played Chad, the arrogant, back-stabbing and ruthless bad guy. Christine, played by Stacy Edwards, was the first of Chad's "victims" of cruelty. Matt Malloy played Howard, a man who thought Chad was his friend.In early portions of the film, the theme appears to be revenge upon women by scorned men. However, as the plot thickens, the true theme of the film reveals itself. It turns out that Chad is planning to hurt anyone he can. The real theme of the film is that some people care about only themselves. Chad is a classic case of one of those people. Throughout the film, he carefully executes a plan to hurt Christine, a deaf woman who has not dated in a long time, due to her handicap. He uses Howard to help in the act of hurting Christine.Chad eventually accomplishes his main goal. However, Howard develops feelings for Christine and tells her that he and Chad had set out to hurt her from the beginning. He also tells her that he has fallen in love with her, although she never gives him a chance to prove that. As a result, Howard ends up being hurt as well.As the plan to hurt Christine comes to fruition, other subplots become evident. Smaller examples of the theme come to light. Chad organizes a series of events that lead to Howard being demoted from his position in the company he and Chad work for. It was no coincidence that Chad eventually was promoted to Howard's position.As the viewer watches Chad's plans unfold, certain elements of film production can be detected as enhancers of the theme. For example, the music between scenes is bold and loud. It gives one the impression that something ominous is going to happen. The music seems to create an element of building tension. One anticipates a huge event of a bad nature.The camera angles chosen for many of the scenes make Chad seem very powerful and evil. The scenes that use upward views of Chad and Howard together are particularly persuasive toward creating this impression. The various angles used in the date scenes between Chad and Christine further emphasize Chad's lack of conscience.The theme of this film, and the execution of the theme, is very similar to that found in The Usual Suspects. Both films focus on a character that is deceiving people purposely. They are also similar, in that the "villain" is not found out by the other characters until the end of the movie. The only difference is that Chad is not so eager to get away clean with his acts. He seems to be proud of his actions, and willingly tells Howard what he has done.This film's theme is one that makes some consider their actions, while it makes others strive to achieve such power. The effect it has on you should say something about the kind of person you are. It made me consider how awful it feels to be hurt. Those involved in making this film have put together a powerful piece that, while lacking in action, forces people to examine themselves and others.
Ryan K. Mega
Misogynist Film of the Moment: In the Company of Men 3 11 2009I just watched one of the worst movies ever. I share my opinion only because I want you to watch it as well and see if you relate or if you are repulsed. Some of you might've seen it before. The title sounded familiar and its for that reason that I let the movie take my evening away from me. There was an award given to the filmmaker. It was released in 1997. I usually don't blast movies because they are supposed to leave you in a mood. The director and writer don't do a good job of portraying the comedy to this dark comedy though, and as a result it comes off as a serious film, and leaves a bad taste in the viewers mouth. Do not let your girlfriends watch this movie. It will only add to the man hate already happening. This is fuel to the fire. That said, if you do watch it, try to figure out which of the two guys you are more like, Chad or Howard, and get back at me.I might have to start a new column where I share these discoveries with you. This is an insult to misogynists everywhere. Not approved.In The Company Of Men----Ryan Mega sexdrugsmoney.com
Spikeopath
In an attempt to strike a blow for every man that has been wronged by a woman, Chad and Howard plan to seduce the same woman and then simultaneously break her heart........Bleak in its satirical portrayals, In The Company Of Men has proved to be a highly debatable and controversial movie. Splitting critics right down the middle, it's been called everything from a misogynistic rant to an astute modern day masterpiece, the truth is that it's neither of those things. Tho the crux of the story suggests misogyny is its central axis, both men here are painted in less than favourable light, and in fact the central female of the piece {wonderfully played by Stacy Edwards} is far stronger than most female characters in modern day cinema. Cheaply made and set in some nameless corporate company, director Neil LaBute crafts what is in essence a black comedy about corporate suits who backbite with carefree abandon, the men versus women arc is merely a strand in LaBute's intriguing picture.It's a film that most definitely is memorable, if not just for Aaron Eckhart's portrayal of Chad, one of the 90s most despicable characters, but also for its cheeky and unexpected finale. The performances are strong and those who enjoy a dialogue driven pictures will revel in what is on offer here. It also serves as an interesting reference point to LaBute as a director, this being his debut feature, it showed a great deal of promise, but has that promise been realised? Nurse Betty, Possession and the ill advised remake of The Wicker Man suggest LaBute may need to stick to the basics of his talent, I shall be an interesting observer of Lakeview Terrace & the upcoming Death At A Funeral. 7/10
