Movies with underappreciated social messages - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

ThirteenInchEscape · 09-27-2004, 07:54 PM

I would have said the P word instead of social, but I figured it would be best to go without.

At any rate, i think that Office Space is an amazing testament to the modern plight of the working class, and how disillusioned people have became with jobs that they dont care about. Though everyone loves Office Space, it seems it isnt as thought provoking to most people as it should be.

Anyway, are there any movies that all of you think have a strong message that no one picks up?

Chambers · 09-28-2004, 12:59 PM

Yes, Office Space doesn't seem to challenge the viewer as much as it could. Having the main character content at the end as a demolition worker is quite misleading - it makes the message of the film appear almost conservative. The system didn't change for him - he changed for the system. Nevertheless, the movie successfully debunked the myths surrounding office work.

Another detail to which many people don't seem to pay attention is the way the movie challenges racial stereotypes. The racial minorities in the movie are actually the most talented and educated workers, but most of them are struggling to find work (recall in particular the guy pretending to be an ex crack addict).

ThirteenInchEscape · 09-28-2004, 08:30 PM

I think the fact that he ends as a demolition worker is meant to represent the fact that he needed to live in a more natural manner, liberated from being stuck in a cubicle.

I think the single most important part of the movie, is when the guy who got in the car wreck says "If you wait long enough, something good will happen to you", because he got the settlement. That really shows how disenchanted the workers are.

Chambers, while I thank you very much for responding, I was hoping there were other people with movies in mind

Or we can just discuss the social manifesto that is Office Space

09-27-2004, 07:54 PM	#1
ThirteenInchEscape Member Senior Member Join Date: Jul 21, 2004 Location: Palouse, Washington Posts: 1,218	Movies with underappreciated social messages I would have said the P word instead of social, but I figured it would be best to go without. At any rate, i think that Office Space is an amazing testament to the modern plight of the working class, and how disillusioned people have became with jobs that they dont care about. Though everyone loves Office Space, it seems it isnt as thought provoking to most people as it should be. Anyway, are there any movies that all of you think have a strong message that no one picks up?
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09-28-2004, 12:59 PM	#2
Chambers The Crane Trinity Forum Veteran Join Date: Apr 27, 2004 Location: Where everybody knows a Crane. Posts: 5,427	Yes, Office Space doesn't seem to challenge the viewer as much as it could. Having the main character content at the end as a demolition worker is quite misleading - it makes the message of the film appear almost conservative. The system didn't change for him - he changed for the system. Nevertheless, the movie successfully debunked the myths surrounding office work. Another detail to which many people don't seem to pay attention is the way the movie challenges racial stereotypes. The racial minorities in the movie are actually the most talented and educated workers, but most of them are struggling to find work (recall in particular the guy pretending to be an ex crack addict).
	__________________ Member of the "God, Lilith is so ing cool" Fan Club Where everybody knows your tossed salads and scrambled eggs. FREEDOM OF THOUGHT blank

09-28-2004, 08:30 PM	#3
ThirteenInchEscape Member Senior Member Join Date: Jul 21, 2004 Location: Palouse, Washington Posts: 1,218	I think the fact that he ends as a demolition worker is meant to represent the fact that he needed to live in a more natural manner, liberated from being stuck in a cubicle. I think the single most important part of the movie, is when the guy who got in the car wreck says "If you wait long enough, something good will happen to you", because he got the settlement. That really shows how disenchanted the workers are. Chambers, while I thank you very much for responding, I was hoping there were other people with movies in mind Or we can just discuss the social manifesto that is Office Space