Review of Swimming with Sharks (1994) by Tighe G — 25 May 2010

One of the best films to give to a recent film school graduate (or anyone trying to get their foot in the door in the film/TV industry). Remember kids: "Success through slavery". Although this film certainly takes a much darker tone than I originally expected, I thoroughly enjoyed watching Frank Whaley's character slowly being driven to the brink of insanity. We've all had a ball-busting douche bag boss who seemed to always go out of his way to make you feel like a moron. This film is the perfect emotional release / fantasy film you've had for getting back at your asshole boss.

Definitely on the same level as other films that take a look at Hollywood's vicious, cut-throat machinations, much like The Player or maybe Barton Fink. However, the shock ending doesn't sit quite right with me and I still think it simply wasn't believable for that character to make that decisive final choice. I think the writer/director was out of options on how to resolve the masterfully constructed set-up and decided to take the most cynical road possible. If it wasn't for that sloppily tagged on ending, this film would have a perfect score.

Oh, Keven Spacey, how the mighty have fallen.