Classics: A Review of Office Space By Lauren Ennis

 The average American spends roughly 2,080 hours at their job. That's over two-thousand hours of micromanagers, office politics, and the ever dreaded 'case of the Mondays'. 1999's cult classic sendup of corporate culture Office Space perfectly captures the modern office environment at its most absurd. Nearly a quarter century after its release this hilariously brutal satire of white collar work  continues to resonate with every employee who has ever had the misfortune to sit in a cubicle.

The story begins with computer programmer Peter facing an existential crisis. While he has a decent wage, a nice apartment, and a stable relationship he begins to realize that he takes no joy in the life that he worked so hard for. He soon determines that his greatest problem is the soul-sucking nature of his job where he faces an inability to advance, a demanding boss, and an endless stack of monotonous paperwork. He becomes so depressed by his work that he finally seeks the help of a hypnotherapist who successfully places him in a blissful state. Hijinks ensue, however, when the hypnotherapist dies mid-session, leaving Peter perpetually in a carefree state. He then breaks up with his nagging girlfriend and becomes completely indifferent to his work, living purely for today. The more that he slacks the more quickly that he finds himself ascending the corporate ladder, even as his hardworking colleagues continue to struggle. When he learns that two of his friends are about to be laid off he leads them in a plot to topple their company and abscond some corporate funds along the way.

While it was a commercial failure upon its 1999 release Office Space has since gone on to become widely regarded as a modern comedic classic. In its exploration of Peter's journey from depressed, but dedicated, office drone to Zen slacker the film perfectly captures the trials and triumphs of the office experience. The depiction of the callousness that he endures at the hands of his insufferable manager aptly portrays the ways in which all too many companies undervalue and overwork their employees, Similarly, the ways in which Michael, Samir, and Milton are discarded by management highlights the ways in which employees are too often treated as disposable. Peter's unlikely rise up the corporate ladder also stands out for its uncannily accurate depiction of the phenomenon of 'failing up' in which some employees' poor performance and bad behavior are rewarded, with the least capable often rising to the highest levels of a company. Even as it explores the darkness lurking beneath the white collars the film manages to remain as light as an office window and as sharp as a brand new stapler. Through its wonderfully over the top depictions of the frustrations of failing office equipment and eye rolling  efforts at boosting office morale the film expertly sends up office culture at its most inane. The film's portrayal of the daily grind paints an apt portrait of work at the end of the millennium while also eerily predicting such modern phenomenon as 'quiet quitting' and 'the great resignation'. For the ultimate workplace comedy pull up a keyboard in Office Space.

The film is brough to uproarious life thanks to the brilliant work of its cast. Stephen Root steals each scene in which he appears as abused office grunt Milton. Ajay Naidu infuses straight laced Samir with amiability and optimism. David Herman is wonderfully outrageous as rage prone Michael. Diedrich Bader is a comic marvel as Peter's unfiltered neighbor, Lawrence. Jennifer Anniston conveys warmth and girl next door charm as Peter's love interest, Joanna. Gary Cole is the boss everyone loves to hate as Peter's smarmy manager and arch nemesis, Bill Lumbergh. Even in the midst of outstanding supporting performances the film belongs to Ron Livingston as everyman Peter, as he perfectly captures Peter's journey from desperate office drone to satisfied slacker with charm, wit, and relatability.

At once a scathing satire of corporate culture and a call to break out of the cubicle Office Space is nothing short of comedic gold. The film perfectly captures the everyday absurdities of the modern office while hinting at the darkness lurking just beneath the the shiny desktop surface. The cast brilliantly brings the story to uproarious life, with wit and charm. For essential comedic viewing punch in to Office Space.

Damn it feels good to be a gangsta

Classics: A Review of Perfect Blue By Lauren Ennis

 "Who are you?" That is the question that lies at the heart of 1997's Perfect Blue. As it follows a young woman's journey from successful singer to struggling actress this psychological drama blurs the lines between fiction and reality and the boundaries between the private life and the public persona to ask if any of us are really who we think we are. Through its twisting, almost surreal, plot the film explores the high price of fame, the cost of creative pursuit, and the fragility of the human psyche in a manner that is nothing short of haunting. Embark upon the dangerous pursuit of perfection with Perfect Blue.

I always feel like somebody's watching me...

The story begins in 1990's Japan with pop singer Mima relenting to pressure from her agent to leave her girl group, Cham, and pursue an acting career. The transition from music to movies proves a difficult one, which is made even worse when her agent begins pushing her to accept racy roles and engage in risque photo shoots. Making matters worse, her struggle between her conflicting desires to succeed in her new career and maintain her principles plays out in full view of the public eye, drawing ridicule from her former fans. In the midst of her internal ordeal she is confronted with the external threat of a fan turned stalker, who is determined that she return to her former pop glory at any cost.  What ensues is a mind bending journey into the darkest depths of the human psyche with Mima driven to the brink of insanity as she finds herself fighting for  her career, integrity, and even her very life.

The film sets itself apart from the youthful adventures and slapstick antics Westerners have come to associate with anime by delivering a psychological drama of Hitchcockian proportions. The film offers plenty of chills courtesy of the cat and mouse dynamic between Mima and her stalker's horrific efforts to preserve his ideal vision of her. What could have been an apt but standard suspense story, however, is transformed into psychological horror through the film's exploration of the terrifying puzzle that is Mima's increasingly fractured mental state as she crumbles beneath the weight of internal and external pressures. Even as it takes viewers on a mind bending journey into its heroine's broken psyche the film offers commentary on the entertainment industry and the price of fame. The portrayal of the ways in which Mima is forced to compromise herself and her principles in order to pursue acting highlights the predatory nature of the entertainment industry that was present long before the 'Me Too' era. Similarly, the backlash from her fans following her career change captures the fickle nature of celebrity and the ways in which fandom can turn into fanaticism. The film's depiction of the use of the internet to create false narratives about, harass, and even surveil Mima eerily mirrors the dangers of internet celebrity and social media decades before their inception. Find the perfect blend of suspense, social commentary, and psychological drama in Perfect Blue.

Every breath you take, every move you make, I'll be stalking you

Mima's haunting journey is brought to visceral life thanks to Satoshi Kon's animation. In keeping with his signature style the characters are designed with a realism that is rarely seen in a genre dominated by characters with enormous eyes, impossible proportions, and hair colors in every shade of the rainbow. Instead of the fantasy ideals that populate most anime, Kon's characters are designed in the various shapes, ages, and sizes of actual people. As a result, the characters feel like they belong in our own world, making their stories that much more resonant. This is particularly felt during the film's many scenes of graphic violence, which are every bit as disturbing as if they were performed by live actors. This stark realism in turn adds to the film's sense of suspense and is sure to leave viewers leaving the lights on in the real world. Even as it keeps the characters grounded in realism the animation allows the film to move between reality, the fictional world of Mima's roles, her stalker's fantasies, and her own paranoid delusions with seamless fluidity. This constant, almost instantaneous, change in perceptions leaves viewers experiencing the film from a disorienting, fractured, view that perfectly mirrors Mima's shattered perspective. As a result, the animation effectively places viewers into Mima's mind, forcing them to experience her confusion and terror along with her. If you've ever doubted that animation could be for adults look no further than Perfect Blue.

At once an utterly unique exploration of one woman's journey to the brink of madness and back and a universal cautionary tale of the dangers of celebrity Perfect Blue is never less than unforgettable. Through its original approach to storytelling the script expertly transports viewers into the glaring spotlight of modern celebrity and the darkest corners of Mima's fractured mind.  Through its blend of the realistic and the fantastic the film's animation brings its tale of media, murder, and madness to visceral, haunting, life. Step into the spotlight in Perfect Blue...if you dare.

Classics: A Review of Blade Runner By Lauren Ennis

What is the true meaning of being human? What is it that separates us from animals, or better yet, machines? These are the questions that lie at the heart of the 1983 epic Blade Runner. Blending the technology and adventure of science fiction and the existential ennui of film noir the film relates a tale that is truly out of this world. At once a fantastic vision of the future and a dire warning for the present the film acts as an ode to the human experience and raises questions that will have you thinking long after its final credits fade. Party like its 2019 with Blade Runner.

The story begins in a dystopian vision of the year 2019 in which Earth has decayed into an urban wasteland following a nuclear war. The seedy streets of Los Angeles are populated with world weary humans and their automated counterparts known as Replicants. The Replicants are virtually identical to humans but possess superhuman strength, a lack of empathy, an inability to control impulses, and a lifespan of just four years. After six replicants make a bloody escape from 'off world' and land on earth former detective or 'blade runner' Rick Deckard is forced out of retirement to capture and execute them before they can wreak further havoc. The Replicants then set out to locate the scientist who created them in hopes of finding a way to stave off their imminent expiration, with Deckard following their trail every step of the way. What should be a simple case is soon complicated when Deckard meets Rachel, a Replicant who was programmed to believe that she's actually human. As he forms a connection with her he finds himself questioning his mission and wondering if Replicants might be closer to human than he thought. 

While Blade Runner was uniformly considered a commercial and critical failure upon its release, the film has since gone on to achieve widespread acclaim, and its easy to see why. Even as it transports viewers to the future, the film offers vital warnings for the present. For example, through its depiction of the aftermath of nuclear conflict the film recalls Cold War fears while speaking to escalating global tensions that have resurrected the specter of nuclear apocalypse. Similarly, the film's questions regarding the ethical concerns regarding artificial intelligence could have been ripped from today's headlines. Twenty twenty-two alone has seen explosive developments courtesy of Elon Musk's Neuralink, the deployment of AI caregivers in South Korea, and even allegations that Google's artificial intelligence has become sentient. In the wake of such developments the distant world of Blade Runner seems not only possible but likely and frighteningly near.

Although Blade Runner's prescience ensures that it remains more relevant than ever, it is its exploration of the human experience that makes it truly timeless. Through its depiction of Deckard the film aptly portrays the toll that social isolation, moral decay, and trauma take. Rather than truly living his life Deckard goes from performing one assigned task to another, much in the same way as the Replicants he hunts. His gruff interactions with his colleagues and personal isolation also hint at an inability to relate to others that his automated counterparts could appreciate. After years of executing Replicants he has become desensitized to the violence surrounding him and lost any sense of the value of life. In short after years of working as a Blade Runner he has become little different from the Replicants he hunts. It is only when he finds an unlikely human connection with Rachel that he finally begins to think for himself and feel for others. Through its portrayal of Deckard's regaining of his humanity the film transcends both science fiction and noir by asking the vital question of what it means to be human and forces viewers to question if they are truly living or merely existing. Journey across the stars and into the depths of the human soul with Blade Runner.

The film transports viewers into its dystopian world thanks to the stellar work of its cast. Daryl Hannah expertly balances sensuality and vulnerability as 'pleasure model' Replicant, Priss. Brion James is appropriately menacing as Replicant strongman Leon. Joseph Turkel expertly portrays the callousness and hubris of the Replicants' creator, Dr. Tyrell. Edward James Olmos lends knowing humor as Deckard's enigmatic colleague, Gaff. Joanna Cassidy gives a heartbreaking peeformance in her brief appearance as runaway Replicant Zhora. William Sanderson aptly conveys the loneliness, and innocence of prematurely aging genetic engineer J. F. Sebastian. M. Emmet Walsh expertly depicts the sleaze of corrupt policeman, Lt. Bryant. Rutger Hauer steals each scene in which he appears as the rogue Replicants' charismatic leader, Roy. Sean Young turns in the best performance of her career as she balances Rachel's blend of Replicant cool confidence with aching vulnerability. Harrison Ford plays against type and earns his place in noir history as the morally conflicted Deckard.

In the decades since its release Blade Runner has earned its place in modern culture. Through its at once gritty and poetic script the film takes viewers on an unforgettable journey into a dark future while asking essential questions about our own present. The cast brilliantly bring the film's dystopian world to life through their multi-faceted performances. For a film that will make you think, feel, and long for those moments lost like 'tears in the rain' take the case with Deckard in Blade Runner.

Classics: A Review of Metropolitan By Lauren Ennis

 When Tom Townsend is confronted with the reality of his favorite philosopher's failed utopia he retorts 'Everyone ceases to exist. Doesn't mean everyone's a failure'. Over the course of one debutante season Tom and his friends in Manhattan's elite struggle with the inevitable end to the existence of their childhoods, their youthful illusions, and their entire way of life. At once a love letter to a not so distant time and place and a timeless commentary on the agony and exhilaration of growing up, 1990's Metropolitan is sure to resonate with viewers across the social spectrum. Start your New Year with the smart set in Metropolitan.

The story begins between Christmas and New Year's 'not so long ago' with a group of young debutantes and their escorts en route to a seasonal gala. When they mistakenly think that they have stolen a cab ride from passerby Tom the group eagerly attempt to make amends. The group, known as the 'Sally Fowler Rat Pack' proceed take the college freshman under their wing and introduce him to the perks of high society. Despite his vocal objection to everything that his new friends represent, he quickly finds himself caught up in the intrigue and pageantry of the debutante season. The film then follows the group as they maneuver the trials and triumphs of friendship, romance, and growing up with all of the discreet charm of the bourgeoisie.

Through its deceptively simple story this slice of life brilliantly brings that all too brief interlude between adolescence and adulthood to the silver screen. In its efforts to follow the foibles and flirtations of its characters the film offers fascinating insight into the mores and manners that defined the upper crust not so long ago. In this way, the film acts as a love letter to a time and place gone by while still offering gentle critiques of its failings. Simultaneously, even as it explores  a specific time and place the film offers a universal portrait of the young adult experience. Through its unusual blend of heady intellect and petty gossip the script perfectly captures the exchanges between college students first experiencing wider concepts and trying out new belief systems. The depiction of characters' after-party exchanges aptly highlights the ways in which young adults seek to distinguish themselves from their peers all while struggling to fit in with them. As we witness the characters maneuver  fast friendships, unrequited love, existential anxiety, and the looming presence of an uncertain future its impossible not to be drawn in to their daily dramas and remember our own youth. Relive sweep, melodrama, and comedy of growing up in style in Metropolitan.

The film transports viewers to the exclusive salons of New York's elite thanks to the compelling work of its cast of unknowns. Bryan Leder lends comic charm in his turn as ever inebriated Fred. Taylor Nichols conveys insecurity, sincerity, intellect, and humor in his affable turn as Charlie. Ellia Thompson infuses Tom's ex-girlfriend Serena with the perfect blend of sophistication and callousness. Isabel Gillies perfectly captures group adventurer Cynthia's reckless restlessness. Will Kempe makes for an ideal villain as the equal parts alluring and loathsome lothario Rick. Dylan Hundley exudes cool charisma as group leader and namesake Sally. Christopher Eigerman steals each scene in which he appears as wickedly witty cynic Nick. Edward Clements makes for an insider's outsider who would make F. Scott Fitzgerald himself proud as Tom. Carolyn Farina personifies loveliness as bookish but charming wallflower Audrey.

Even as it follows its characters from one penthouse to the next Metropolitan remains a film that will appeal to anyone who remembers the promise, urgency, and sense of possibility of early adulthood. Through its brilliantly witty script the film perfectly captures the earnestness, vulnerability, and intensity that mark the end of adolescence and the beginning of all that lay beyond. The inexperienced cast turn in surprisingly nuanced and compelling performances and bring the world of New York's high society to vibrant life. Keep it classy with the Sally Fowler Rat Pack in Metropolitan

Classics: A Review of True Detective By Lauren Ennis

In 2014 two detectives found a woman's posed corpse in the backwoods of Louisiana and television greatness was born. In the years since its release HBO's first season of its crime drama True Detective has set a standard for television drama that few series have been able to meet, let alone surpass. At once a twisting mystery of mayhem and murder, an in depth character study, and a meditation on the state of modern society True Detective remains nothing short of hypnotic. For some of the best viewing of the new millennium join Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson into the darkest depths of the human soul in True Detective.

The story begins in 2012 Louisiana with former detectives Marty Hart and Rust Cohle undergoing an interrogation about one of the most brutal cases of their careers. The story then flashes back to 1995 when the two are working as partners on a local police force. Their uneasy alliance is put to the test when they investigate the ritualistic murder of drug addict and prostitute Dora Lange. Long after the duo seemingly solve the case, however, new evidence leads them to question whether Lange's killer may still be at large. As they follow each lead they are led ever further down a disturbing trail of murder, abuse, and corruption that seems to spread across the entire state. 

In the years since its release True Detective has become synonymous with television's 'golden age' of the 2010's, and for good reason. With its atmosphere of existential dread, endlessly quotable dialogue, and twisting plot the series contains some of the most intelligent and memorable writing to ever grace the small screen. What easily could have been just another police procedural is instead a study of two flawed men as they search for meaning and hope in a seemingly hopeless world. As a result, the series leads viewers on a winding journey of loss, disillusionment, and ultimately redemption that will resonate long after the closing credits on its stellar finale fade. Similarly, the acting brings each character to such visceral life that even the briefest of roles seems to leap off of the screen. Through its rich writing and powerhouse performances the series weaves a tapestry of mystery as unique as its two leads that continues to leave viewers mesmerized nearly a decade after its release. For a masterclass in modern television follow Marty and Rust through the deepest depths of the bayou and into the darkest corners of the human heart in True Detective.

The series is brought to brilliant life thanks to the work of its star studded cast. Alexandria Daddario makes for a beguiling bad girl as Marty's mistress, court stenographer Lisa. Michelle Monaghan exudes warmth, compassion, and vulnerability as Marty's long suffering wife, Maggie. Erin Moriarty perfectly captures the angst, rebelliousness, and torment of Marty's troubled daughter, Audrey. Glenn Fleshler and Ann Dowd lend by turns pathetic and chilling performance as the disturbed Errol and Betty Childress. Even in the midst of expert supporting performances the series belongs to Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey as Marty and Rust. Harrelson expertly infuses hard drinking, womanizing Marty with humor, humanity, and likeability. McConaughey turns in the performance of his career in his understated portrayal of the tormented Rust, lending power to every syllable of Rust's many nihilistic soliloquies and unflinching emotion in his every glance. Together, the pair form one of the unlikeliest and most iconic teams in all of crime fiction.

Over the course of its eight episodes True Detective treats viewers to some of the most thrilling and thought provoking drama ever to grace the small screen. Through its biting dialogue and enthralling plot the series brilliantly brings its tale of lost innocence, broken communities, and true detective work to vivid life. The cast go beyond merely portraying their roles to fully embodying each and every character. Follow Rust and Marty on the trail of the Yellow King in True Detective.

Classics: A Review of Batman Returns By Lauren Ennis

 Rampant crime, political corruption, corporate greed, and an alienated public; welcome to Gotham City. Following the success of their collaboration in 1989's Batman the dynamic duo of Tim Burton and Michael Keaton reunited for 1992's Batman Returns. Rather than acting as a mere return to form, the film ventured even further into the shadows that haunt Gotham's streets than its predecessor, and is all the better for it. Despite courting controversy amongst audiences and earning the ire of critics, the film has gone on to become a cult classic and set the standard for modern superhero movies along the way. Return to the gritty streets of Gotham City in all of their macabre wonder with Batman Returns.

The story picks up where 1989's Batman ended. In the wake of his break-up with love interest Vickie Vale, Bruce Wayne has fully immersed himself in his alter ego, living for the moment when the bat signal appears in the sky. At the film's start Gotham remains in the grips of a crime wave while its residents are on the lookout for the mysterious penguin-man rumored to be lurking in the city's sewers. Even as Batman attempts to reclaim Gotham's streets, Bruce is left to face its even more sinister threat in form of corrupt tycoon Max Schreck. Schreck has devised a plan to use a power plant to drain the city of its power and then resell it to residents at a higher price. After his plot is accidentally discovered by his secretary, Selina Kyle, he throws her from a window in an effort to ensure his secret remains safe. In a twist of fate his efforts lead to the creation of his own worst nightmare when Selina is resurrected as revenge bent vigilante Catwoman. When Schreck schemes to buy a place in city hall by launching the Penguin as a political candidate, Batman finds himself crossing paths with the Penguin and Catwoman just in time for some holiday hijinks.

At the time of its release Batman Returns was derided as 'a Tim Burton movie that Batman just happens to be in'. In some ways this assertion is true, and its this very fact that sets Batman Returns apart from the rest of the Batman franchise in all of the best ways. Burton uses his trademark visual style to bring Gotham to vibrant and visceral life with an atmosphere and scope that no other Batman film has. As a result, the film makes viewers feel as though they have been transported to the world of the comic books. Similarly, his use of German Expressionism in his lighting and sets perfectly sets the tone for the bleak world which the characters inhabit.

Perhaps what makes this film stand out the most is its focus upon its characters. While most superhero films are dedicated to action packed plots, Batman Returns acts as a character study of both its hero and its villains. The film follows Bruce as he struggles to come to terms with his double life and highlights the ways in which Batman threatens to fully consume him. Even as it portrays him at his most brooding, the film offers insight into the Bruce that might have been by showing him engage in moments of humor, charm, and vulnerability over the course of his relationship with Selina. Similarly, the film manages to offer up not one but two morally complex villains in the form of the Penguin and Catwoman. While the Penguin engages in truly reprehensible behavior, his tragic backstory of physical deformity, abandonment, and isolation make him both fascinating and sympathetic. As a result, viewers can easily understand his efforts to return to the city and his desire for vengeance on a society that rejected him. The film's depiction of Selina's story is nothing short of a revelation as it takes viewers on a journey that will have them hard pressed not to route for its anti-heroine. The film's depiction of her unfulfilled life that is marked by broken relationships, domineering relatives, and a toxic job is both heartbreaking and relatable. This glimpse into the person she begins as makes her near death at the hands of her abusive boss and subsequent psychotic break all the more devastating. Additionally, her justifiable need for revenge and morally murky actions make her an engaging anti-heroine who will test viewers' own moral gauges. The film even offers a twist in arguably its most straight forward villain, Max, by reminding viewers that all too often the most dangerous villains are not those who reside on society's margins but instead those who hold its levers of power. The film also doubles as an alternative take on the Christmas movie genre by exploring its tale of alienation and moral ambiguity against the backdrop of the holiday season. In this way, the film explores the sense of regret and inadequacy that many feel at the approach of a new year as its characters each struggle with the broken hopes of their pasts and their failed attempts to find their place in the present. Additionally, each of the characters is forced to confront their lost innocence and shattered illusions in the midst of what should be the most innocent and magical time of the year. This Christmas take a walk on the naughty list with Catwoman and Penguin in Batman Returns.

The film transports viewers to the gritty streets of Gotham City thanks to the mesmerizing work of its cast. Michael Gough reprises his role as Alfred and continues to serve as the franchise's conscience in his endearing turn. Christopher Walken is chilling in his performance as the equal parts magnetic and malicious tycoon Max Schreck. Danny Devito is electrifying in his larger than life portrayal of the Penguin and manages to infuse the grotesque villain with wounded humanity. Michelle Pfeiffer defines the role of Catwoman as she slinks through her scenes with an alluring mix of sensuality, steely resolve, and razor sharp wit. Simultaneously, she brilliantly portrays Selina's transformation from insecure, meek, and repressed good girl to assertive, seductive, but hardened woman with nuance and believability. Michael Keaton reminds us all why he was the face of Batman for a generation of moviegoers. In this outing he remains an imposing caped crusader, but lends a refreshing combination of humor, charm, and vulnerability to his depiction of Bruce Wayne. Together, Keaton and Pfeiffer exhibit a chemistry that is nothing short of smoldering.

In his second visit to Gotham City Tim Burton puts the 'dark' in the dark knight. Through his signature wicked sense of whimsy Burton offers up one of the most iconic entries in the entire Batman franchise. The script's blend of emotionally rich characters, moral conflict, and high flying action helped set the standard for adult super hero movies over twenty years before Christopher Nolan's infamously brooding Batman films. The film's star studded cast breathes fresh life into Gotham's infamous rogues' gallery and lends its hero a beating heart. This Christmas steal a kiss under the mistletoe with the caped crusader in Batman Returns. 

Be sure to check out my full length drama published with Off the Wall Plays https://offthewallplays.com/product/peoples-war-drama-about-the-start-of-covid-19-in-wuhan/

An Announcement

 Dear readers, thank you all for your continued support! I'm excited to share my latest project with all of you, my full length stage drama People's War which was just published with Off the Wall Plays. With the Zero Covid policy inspiring protests across China this play is more timely than ever. Happy holidays to all of you! I look forward to continuing to share in the love of storytelling with you all.

Miss E.

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