The Screening Room

Introducing the sub-genre of Bully/Target Cinema!

Just what the doctor ordered-movies designed for people who like to laugh,
and people who just want to know they aren't alone in their misery.

Office Space (1999) - The definitive anti-cubicle film about the great American Nightmare. If it weren't so darn funny, you would swear you were back in your office, sitting in a cesspool of malfunctioning computers, faulty copy machines, bad coffee, ugly desk toys, busybody co-workers and a boss telling you that you will be working Sundays from now until Christimas…Christmas 2005, that is.

Joe Somebody (2001) - Tim Allen, America's everyman du jour, portrays Joe, a divorced corporate drone who takes on the office bully in ways most targets can only dream of. It's a light, somewhat likable treatment ...even if we know better.

9 to 5 (1980) - If you need inspiration, look no further than Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Dolly Parton to chase your workplace blues away through their battle with office baddie Dabney Coleman. The Disney-inspired sequence itself is worth the rental fee.

Reality Bites (1993) - One of the best Gen-X angst films, with a great sequence on how bullying has gravitated to the job interview stage of the game. It's almost too real to be funny, but it works, especially amongst us exiles from the "creative" professions.

Swimming With Sharks (1995) - Kevin Spacey in one of his best performances as the studio boss from hell, and Frank Whaley as the target who has been pushed too far. Required viewing for anybody preparing to try their luck in Hollywood. Judging by this, your odds in Vegas are better.

Working Girl (1986) - Plucky Tess McGill (Melanie Griffith) learns the hard way to beware of the boss (Sigourney Weaver) who tries to be her "best friend." Cheer Tess on as she uses her wits and natural intelligence to set everything right AND get the guy (Harrison Ford).

Roger & Me (1989) - Filmmaker Michael Moore "runs down" the head of General Motors, who, ironically, ran out his own employees, and in turn, ran down Flint, Michigan. This documentary about downsizing and greed was a breath of fresh air and a much-needed source of comic relief for the Post-Reagan era.

Secretary (2002) - Understandably controversial film about a secretary with a troubled past making the best out of a bad situation with an equally troubled boss (James Spader) in a very twisted way.

Bowling for Columbine (2002) - Another great achievement by Michael Moore. Though this does not directly touch upon workplace abuse, through examining the gun control issue, it takes some brilliant shots against corporate America and the culture that also sparks the acceptance of workplace abuse.

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