Corner Office

Based on a book, 'The Room' by Swedish author Jonas Karlsson, a dark comedy.

I never found it boring in the least. It depends on your preconceptions going into it I guess? You experience it almost entirely in the head of the protagonist, and his internal monologue. The lead plays this to perfection, though I found myself envisioning Steve Carrell in the role! Its certainly not a thriller, in fact, like (I guess) a typical corporate office environment, its mundane, stifling, repetitive.

So why did I like it? It has you guessing, does the room exist? It has you thinking, why is this man like this? Have I known someone like this, and how did I, and others treat them?

The acting and direction are excellent, you buy into all of the characters as ordinary everyday types. The cinematography and soundtrack are faultless, there is nothing to distract you from the monologue. Its 1 hour 41 minutes occupying the head of a troubled individual, who's increasingly fractious interactions with his fellow workers provides drama and interest enough to keep it interesting.

A tale of absurdity, distance, disaffection and solace "Corner Office" is a glimpse at the comfort people seek through the compartmentalized isolation of the modern corporate world. Orson is an employee in a typical office. Tall, spectacled, withdrawn and strangely inscrutable he's the bonafide oddball who elicits immediate amusement. When he takes constant visits to "The Room", a place situated between the office and the toilet coworkers and the boss react predictably leading to some tense moments considering it's only Orson who believes the room exists. With his brushed-down hair, glasses, moustache, stare from below, slightly bloated features and articulate monotone Jon Hamm's neurotic nerve-wracked Orson is the star of the show as he steals every scene embodying the surreal singularity of this modern day Bartleby. Like most offbeat films there are parts that drag but to viewers with a taste for the different this is well worth the view. A reflective portrayal of alienation in an age of indifference, negativity and self-centeredness "Corner Office" is a dark comedic gaze at society and the comfort zone people desperately seek to survive, whether it exists or not.

Corner Office is a well-crafted dark comedy that highlights the monotony of the modern workplace and the psychological toll it takes on its characters. Through its unique, slightly surreal narrative, the film allows viewers to consider the profound impact of a soulless, routine-driven work environment. The protagonist, who is deeply affected by such an atmosphere, gradually succumbs to a kind of psychological "unraveling," a theme that permeates the film and underscores the mental strain of working in such a lifeless space.

Using dark comedy, Corner Office tackles themes of blandness and futility, emphasizing how a monotonous corporate setting can challenge one's mental health. This humorous yet deeply insightful approach invites viewers to reflect on the purpose and meaning of professional life, highlighting a particular aspect of psychological crisis that results from prolonged exposure to such environments.

One of the film's standout elements is its set and costume design, thoughtfully chosen to mirror its thematic focus. Neutral, dull colors like gray and other muted tones aptly illustrate a space devoid of vitality. This choice of colors and setting underscores the suffocating nature of an environment that figuratively and literally drains life from its inhabitants, stifling growth and pushing the protagonist toward a state of decay. From the desks to the walls, and even the uniforms, every detail reflects a stationary, numb existence, bringing to life the very essence of the protagonist's internal struggle.

Another strong point in Corner Office is the impressive acting by the cast. Each actor portrays their roles with skill, capturing the characters' psychological complexities with nuance. They successfully convey the alienation and loneliness within each of their roles, subtly emphasizing the strain of daily life in such a restrictive setting. This effective portrayal allows the audience to empathize with the protagonist's experience of isolation and disconnection.

In sum, Corner Office is a noteworthy film that explores the psychological toll of workplace mundanity with a keen, critical eye, through the lens of dark comedy. This is an intriguing watch for those interested in psychological and satirical storytelling, skillfully portraying the toll of modern work life on mental well-being. Through its careful blend of comedy and introspection, it draws viewers into the protagonist's journey, encouraging reflection on the challenges of modern-day corporate life.

In off-centre, dark dramedy "Corner Office" (adapted by Ted Cupper from Jonas Karlsson's book 'The Room') Jon Hamm (always strong) is a new employee (under Christopher Heyerdahl alongside the likes of Danny Pudi & Allison Riley (with Sarah Gafon in support)) at a dull, grey, monolithic corporation, which tho contempory feels backwards & Seventies (in a "Wristcutters: A Love Story" stylee). Told from Hamm's perspective it's soon clear he's mentally ill, imagining for example the plush titular office (which no-one else can see) where he gathers his thoughts. Joachim Back delivers a quirkily interesting film in distinctive style... but it won't be to everyone's taste.

Although I am not a professional reviewer, I genuinely enjoyed watching the movie. It does have its flaws, such as being slow-paced and lacking variety and originality. However, what captivated me was the way it depicted real-life workplace dynamics and the relatable gestures it made towards our needs in that setting. As the movie progresses, you become invested in Orson's character and desperately want to believe in him. I must mention that my initial motivation for watching the movie was Jon Hamm, as I admire his acting style, and I was certainly not disappointed. He truly shines in this film, with his absurd humor serving as the driving force behind its entertainment value. His character consistently holds enough strength and charisma to keep you engaged throughout. Additionally, I appreciated the cinematography and editing, as they effectively conveyed the psychological aspects of the story within the confined space of the film. While there may be other similar movies out there, none have managed to capture my interest quite like this one. In my opinion, it is a highly underrated gem.