A Shock to the System Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Man gets passed over for a promotion, decides the only logical solution is to murder everyone who ever slightly inconvenienced him, and somehow gets away with it.

🍿 A Shock to the System: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Corporate Ladder

Graham Marshall (Michael Caine), a successful advertising executive, anticipates a well-deserved promotion. However, his hopes are dashed when the position is given to Robert Benham (Peter Riegert), a younger, more politically savvy colleague. This blow ignites a sense of injustice and sets the stage for Graham’s descent.

An Accidental Push

While waiting for the subway, Graham has a confrontation with a homeless man. In a fit of anger, he accidentally pushes the man onto the tracks, where he is killed by an oncoming train. Graham is shocked but realizes he got away with it. This event marks a turning point, giving him a taste of power and control he craves.

A Plan Takes Shape

Emboldened by his apparent invincibility, Graham begins to see murder as a solution to his problems. He starts by targeting his nagging wife, Leslie (Swoosie Kurtz), staging her death as an accidental electrocution. Freed from her constant criticism, he moves into the city and starts an affair with a younger colleague, Stella Anderson (Elizabeth McGovern).

Climbing Over Bodies

Graham’s ambition grows, and he plots to eliminate Robert Benham. He engineers Benham’s death, along with his assistant, in a boat explosion, cleverly using Stella as an alibi. However, Lieutenant Laker (Will Patton), a persistent detective, becomes suspicious and starts investigating Graham.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Graham Marshall (Michael Caine): A frustrated advertising executive who resorts to murder to climb the corporate ladder after being denied a promotion.
• Leslie Marshall (Swoosie Kurtz): Graham’s materialistic and nagging wife who becomes his first victim.
• Robert Benham (Peter Riegert): The younger, smarmy executive who gets the promotion Graham expected, making him a target.
• Stella Anderson (Elizabeth McGovern): Graham’s attractive coworker who becomes his lover and unknowing accomplice.
• Lt. Laker (Will Patton): The persistent police lieutenant who investigates the suspicious deaths surrounding Graham.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Graham Marshall: “Killing is easy. Getting away with it is murder.” – Narrating his thoughts on how his actions are not as simple as they appear.
• Lieutenant Laker: “He was your superior, wasn’t he?” – Laker questioning Graham about his relationship to one of the victims, probing for a motive.
• Graham Marshall: “No, he was my boss.” – Graham correcting Laker, a subtle distinction showing his disdain for authority.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $12,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $3,417,056
• Worldwide Gross: $3,417,056

💥 A Shock to the System Reviews

Personal Review

I was shocked at how much I enjoyed this dark comedy. Michael Caine is brilliant as a man pushed to the edge, and the movie manages to be both funny and unsettling. The scene where he “fixes” the stairmaster is darkly hilarious! It’s a hidden gem that deserves more recognition. I found myself sympathizing with Graham, even though he’s clearly doing terrible things, so I feel he got what he deserved.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of dark comedies”
  • “Michael Caine fans”
  • “Viewers interested in corporate satire”
  • “People who enjoy crime thrillers with a twist”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Murder”
  • “Brief sexuality”
  • “Strong language”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A ghoulish bit of nonsense that doesn’t wear out its welcome. Michael Caine is genuinely evil, winding up killing his way to the top of his advertising firm. The action ramps up considerably during the second half.
• Nerdly: “Michael Caine delivers an electrifying performance as Graham Marshall, who quickly catches onto the possibilities as he clears all the hurdles to occupy the corner office.

Audience Reactions

Michael Caine’s performance is absolutely captivating, making you root for a murderer!: The dark humor is intelligent and well-executed, making it a unique and memorable film.

This movie offers a scathing satire of corporate culture, with a wickedly funny twist.: The supporting cast does a terrific job of delivering and enhancing a unique experience.

Overall Consensus: A Shock to the System is a dark and clever comedy elevated by Michael Caine’s performance, making it a must-watch for fans of black humor and corporate satire.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Michael Caine has said this was a small film that got lost in the system, but would have been great as a film for HBO at the time.”
• “The film is based on the novel of the same name by Simon Brett.”
• “The film features a crooked camera angle to convey Graham’s state of mind.”
• “Filming locations were in New York City, New York, USA”

🖥️ How to Watch A Shock to the System?

A Shock to the System is available for purchase or rental on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check local listings for potential streaming availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed A Shock to the System, you might like these similar films:

• Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949): A classic black comedy where the protagonist murders his way to a dukedom.
• Swimming with Sharks (1994): Darkly comedic look at corporate power dynamics and revenge in the workplace.
• American Psycho (2000): Explores the dark side of corporate ambition and the descent into madness.
• Falling Down (1993): Represents a frustrated everyman pushed to the edge by societal pressures, showcasing a similar theme of a person pushed to their breaking point.

🛒 A Shock to the System Related Products

• The Essential Michael Caine Collection (Blu-ray): Features some of Michael Caine’s best films, showcasing his versatility and talent.
• Corporate Ladder Climbing Kit: How to Get Ahead in Business: A humorous novelty gift for the ambitious, featuring office supplies and gag items.
• Crime and Punishment: The Complete Collection of Crime Books: A box set featuring different mystery crime books in various formats.
• Office Desk Stress Ball: A stress ball that fits the dark and stressful themes in the movie.

🎧 Soundtrack

A Shock to the System features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “A Shock to the System” – performed by Gary Chang
• “String Quartet No. 12” – performed by Turtle Island String Quartet

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

A Shock to the System (1990) Movie Explained in Hindi | Web series Story Xpert

Ever felt totally lost after watching ‘A Shock to the System’? This video breaks down the entire plot in Hindi. I know, it’s not English, but honestly, just seeing someone explain all the twists makes me wanna rewatch it and try to figure it out myself!

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