Corner Office

In the perspective of Orson it's his refuge from ugliness. In times where children being left increasingly uncared for only to be grown and become a foot soldier in a crusade to quench the corporate desires it's a fertile ground to grow more Orsons. Visuals are perfect to signify the coldness and impenetrable ways of the massive structures where ants rush. A great story that mocks what's accepted as normal. Hopeless staring at a world left behind out there is what's left to do when routine entrapment seemed hopeless. Great meaningful use of audio. Excellent performances by the cast. In this corner office you will be left to choose between alternatives and that's a fun experience.

I liked it, but then I find movies (and other art forms) concerning the act of work, especially office work, quite engrossing. I can understand why it might seem weird and unremarkable to some. Perhaps you need to have experienced office work, especially in a large, soulless space, toiling for a large, soulless organisation, to appreciate some of the nuances and petty frictions on display here. The more I think about the film, the more it chimes with me. It's one man raging against the machine and finding his own way of managing the profound frustrations of being misunderstood and under-appreciated.

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.

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 Tall, spectacled, withdrawn and strangely inscrutable he's the bonafide oddball who elicits immediate amusement.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.