The Company Men Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Rich guys lose their jobs and have to downgrade from Porsche to, like, a slightly less fancy Porsche, so they start a boat company or something.

🍿 The Company Men: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Downsizing at GTX

The film begins amidst the 2008 financial crisis, where Global Transportation Systems (GTX), a major shipbuilding corporation, is forced to downsize. Bobby Walker (Ben Affleck), a rising sales executive, enjoys a life of luxury thanks to his high-paying job. He is unexpectedly laid off, marking the beginning of his struggle to adapt to a new reality.

The Impact on Bobby Walker

Bobby initially resists cutting back on his lavish lifestyle, confident that he will quickly find another high-paying job. However, as months pass without success, he is forced to confront the harsh realities of unemployment. He gradually loses his luxuries, including his Porsche and country club membership. Eventually, he is forced to sell his house and move in with his parents.

Phil Woodward’s Despair

Phil Woodward (Chris Cooper), a senior manager who worked his way up from the factory floor, is also laid off. Facing ageism in the job market, Phil becomes increasingly despondent as he struggles to find new employment. His inability to provide for his family leads to severe depression.

Gene McClary’s Disillusionment

Gene McClary (Tommy Lee Jones), a founding partner and executive at GTX, opposes the layoffs. He witnesses the devastating impact of corporate decisions on his colleagues and friends. Disgusted by the CEO’s greed and lack of empathy, Gene begins to question his own career choices and the ethics of corporate America.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Bobby Walker (Ben Affleck): A newly downsized executive who struggles to adjust to a changed lifestyle and rediscovers the value of hard work.
• Phil Woodward (Chris Cooper): A long-term employee who faces ageism and despair after being laid off, leading to tragic consequences.
• Gene McClary (Tommy Lee Jones): A conflicted executive who questions corporate ethics and ultimately seeks redemption by starting a new venture.
• James Salinger (Craig T. Nelson): The ruthless CEO driven by profit who implements mass layoffs to boost the company’s stock price.
• Maggie Walker (Rosemarie DeWitt): Bobby’s supportive wife who balances pragmatism and empathy as their family navigates financial hardship.
• Jack Dolan (Kevin Costner): Bobby’s blue-collar brother-in-law who offers him a job and helps him find new purpose in manual labor.
• Sally Wilcox (Maria Bello): The HR director having an affair with Gene, who implements the downsizing strategy, leading to moral conflicts.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Bobby Walker: “I’m a vice president at this company.” – Bobby says this in disbelief upon being laid off, highlighting his initial denial and shock.
• Gene McClary: “We used to make things. Now we just move money around.” – Gene reflects on the shift in the company’s focus from manufacturing to financial maneuvering, expressing his disillusionment.
• James Salinger: “This is not a charity, Gene.” – The CEO’s cold response to Gene’s concerns about the layoffs, showcasing the ruthless corporate mindset.
• Phil Woodward: “What am I going to do?” – Phil utters this with anguish, representing the despair and uncertainty faced by older workers after losing their jobs.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $15,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $4,441,272
• Worldwide Gross: $8,087,000

💥 The Company Men Reviews

Personal Review

I watched ‘The Company Men’ expecting a preachy, self-righteous film, but I was surprised. Ben Affleck was actually quite good, portraying the arrogance and eventual humility of a man losing everything. The scene where he’s throwing stones at his old office building really hit me; it showed the frustration and anger so many felt during that time. Seeing Chris Cooper’s character struggle with ageism was heartbreaking. Overall, I think it’s a worthwhile watch, especially if you remember those tough economic times.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Those interested in dramas about the impact of economic downturns”
  • “Viewers who appreciate strong ensemble casts”
  • “Audiences who enjoy films that explore themes of corporate ethics and personal resilience”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mature themes related to job loss and financial hardship”
  • “Suicide”
  • “Brief nudity”
  • “Language”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “A well-intentioned but ultimately predictable drama about the human cost of corporate downsizing, buoyed by strong performances from its leads but lacking in genuine emotional resonance.
• RogerEbert.com: “Though it treads familiar ground, ‘The Company Men’ offers a compelling glimpse into the lives of those affected by the 2008 recession, showcasing the talent of Affleck, Jones and Cooper.
• Variety: “A solid, if somewhat safe, exploration of the human impact of corporate decisions, ‘The Company Men’ benefits from a talented ensemble cast and John Wells’ steady direction.

Audience Reactions

The performances by the lead actors, particularly Ben Affleck, were highly praised for their realism and emotional depth.: Viewers appreciated the film’s realistic portrayal of the struggles faced by those who lost their jobs during the economic recession.

Many found the film to be a sobering reflection on the impact of corporate decisions on individual lives and families.: The film sparked discussions about corporate ethics, job security, and the changing nature of the American dream.

Overall Consensus: ‘The Company Men’ is a well-acted, thought-provoking drama that realistically portrays the human cost of corporate downsizing and the economic recession, though some find it depressing.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “John Wells, known for his work on ‘ER’ and ‘The West Wing,’ drew inspiration from his own family’s experiences during the economic recession to write and direct the film.”
• “The film attempts to portray the psychological impact of job loss on white-collar workers and executives, touching upon themes of identity, self-worth, and the changing nature of work in corporate America.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Company Men?

As of October 2024, “The Company Men” is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability as streaming options may vary by region. You may also find it available for purchase on DVD or Blu-ray through online retailers like Amazon.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Company Men, you might like these similar films:

• Up in the Air (2009): Both films explore the impact of corporate downsizing, but ‘Up in the Air’ focuses on the person delivering the bad news, offering a contrasting perspective.
• Glengarry Glen Ross (1992): This showcases the cutthroat nature of sales and the desperation of employees under pressure, although in a different industry.
• Office Space (1999): Deals with dissatisfaction in a corporate job, and finding liberation outside of it.

🛒 The Company Men Related Products

• The Essential Tommy Lee Jones Blu-ray Collection: A collection of Tommy Lee Jones’ most memorable films, showcasing his versatility and talent. This Blu-ray set includes several iconic movies from his career. An impressive addition to any film buff’s collection
• Ben Affleck: Director’s Collection [Blu-ray]: This collection includes movies directed by Ben Affleck. Includes movies like: The Town, Argo and Gone Baby Gone. Watch these great works of cinematic art made by Ben Affleck in your own home with Blu-Ray
• “Economic Downturn” Board Game: A strategy game where players compete to survive a simulated economic recession, managing resources and making tough financial decisions. An ironic twist on the film’s themes.
• Limited Edition ‘The Company Men’ Script Replica: A high-quality replica of the film’s original screenplay, signed by John Wells. Features behind-the-scenes notes and insights. A treasure for any fan of this movie

🎧 Soundtrack

The Company Men features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Swept Inside” – performed by Future Islands

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Company Men (Phil suicide)

This scene is intense and really underscores the desperation some characters face in ‘The Company Men’. You have to see Chris Cooper’s powerful performance as Phil reaches his breaking point – it’s haunting.

The Company Men (2010) – Last Scenes

Want to know how ‘The Company Men’ wraps up? These final scenes are actually pretty uplifting, showcasing the characters’ resilience and new beginnings! Check it out, you’ll feel inspired.

Bobby is fired: “You know what, Sally? Fuck off!” – The Company Men (2010)

Ever wonder how Ben Affleck handles getting fired? This scene from ‘The Company Men’ is raw and totally relatable if you’ve ever faced a tough situation at work. It’s a must-see!

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