Review of The Company Men (2010) by Craig T — 04 Aug 2011

John Wells is known mostly for being a tv producer but here he sheds that skin and allows his gifts to be used for the big screen. This is a respectable breakthrough. He landed considerable impact with The Company Men on his first bigscreen directing effort. Though with limited release and not gaining the attention one would think (considering the cast) it opened in time for Oscar season 2010 with no recognition. Wells takes aim at a central issue in American during economic decline and showers the topic with familiar faces that bring their powers to meet all the potent topics face-to-face. Thought the film may not have reached its full potential and not capitalized on the core issues, it succeeded enough in allowing us to both enjoy the experience and for some of us, we can relate.

Ben Affleck, among others, works for a large corporation that is struggling to keep stock holders happy in the midst of the poor economy. One day he shows up for work and is let go due to cutbacks and layoffs. He realizes he was just another number and his number just got pulled. Disoriented, he sets out to maintain his social status while finding a new career position. It proves to be much harder than he thought and the change is felt all the way through his family. Kevin Costner plays his brother-in-law who eventually gives him a job helping as a construction/carpentry hand (which Affleck is not cut out for). Tommy Lee Jones plays an enormously successful and seasoned partner at the company going through layoffs. He is looking deep into his life and career, attempting to find meaning in all of the business he has built. Was it all worthwhile? Upon personal and intense examination, Jones is faced with harsh realities of his own. These characters are moving. They are alive, and they are the same people we work with everyday. This is perhaps the most gracious quality the film has to offer: it feels genuine.

I felt the heartbreak in this picture and rejoiced at the progress these people experienced. It was only a few years ago when I was running a small sales department at an international company when my number was pulled and in the best interest of the company, I was let go. It was done tactfully on both ends and I was taken care of quite well. Yet, the loss is almost like losing a friend one or having a dream shattered. I was fortunate enough to bounce right back with a great new career in Business Development, but when I watched Chris Cooper and Affleck in this film, I could relate. Jones, Cooper, and Affleck drove the point home well (or as well as this script would allow). For this feat they deserve much respect. Jones solidifies his trademark talent with his leathery facial expressions and his undeniable presence in this believable drama. Life is about rising and falling, successes and failures. I have learned my share of this and can say it is both inspiring and educational to see much of it transmitted here by these fine actors. (B).