MovieChat Forums > Working Girl (1988) Discussion > obvious, failed corporatism

obvious, failed corporatism

posted 13 years ago by nbreyfogle-1
20 replies | jump to latest

I've skimmed all the topics on this film's relatively small board and I'm surprised that no one has pointed out how this movie practically worships the very type of mindset which has gutted the poor and middle class of the USA and the world in order to enrich a tiny % of the most wealthy. The very theme song of the movie itself, with the prominent phrase "the new Jerusalem", is basically comparing the big business workplace to Heaven! Sickening.

One thread on this board, by mentioning Ayn Rand, came close to this topic but was immediately waylaid by debates about Ayn Rand herself. But, even without any references to Ayn Rand it should finally be readily apparent to all (except for the most brainwashed by greed and corporate propaganda) that this film literally worships the big business mindset which has largely or mostly destroyed this nation's infrastructure, its leadership in new technologies, and its moral standing. With the benefit of hindsight (although I personally knew the truth even when I saw this film at the theater in 1988), it's dated claptrap. Worse: it borders on the sacrilegious.

"The new Jerusalem." Give me a freaking break.

[–] Steffi_P 13 years ago

What you say is true, but the story is far too delightful to be called sickening.

[–] ajmal-m 10 years ago

even in its own context, the story makes little or no sense. in a wider context the movie is embaressingly bad. frankly the only way to enjoy this is to switch off your brain.

[–] ShadowsGathered 13 years ago

LOL! And all this time I thought it was just a fun movie.

... the hardest thing in this world is to live in it...

[–] star168 13 years ago

Dude - it's just a movie. It's meant to be entertaining, not deep-thinking.

[–] 13 years ago

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[–] Vesikko 12 years ago

I reckon that "Let The River Run" is not a religious song. It is just mistaken as such because of the gospel-sound and "Jerusalem" in a lyrics. Carly Simon made it as an ode to New York City. Dutch immigrants called New York "New Jerusalem" back in the 17th century.

[–] nanettemps121 9 years ago

I never saw this wonderful song "Let The River Run" as a religious song but more uplifting as someone learns to play the corporate game and the concept of pulling oneself up. I really enjoyed the song and I appreciate your explanation.

[–] hels-dunleavy 12 years ago

Unless you view the ending as satirical, which many people do.

[–] nbreyfogle-1 12 years ago

hels-dunleavy: Darn good point.

Okay, now I LIKE this film! lol

[–] hels-dunleavy 12 years ago

Tis fun to ponder; Wade is not notiourously noted for his playful social satire, Nichols certainly is. Did Nichols intend the film as a satire with the straightest poker face in history, or as the conventional romance it seems to be, or is the ending his voiding of all previous pov without chaning the script? I'd try to google Nichols real opinion [interviews and whatnot], but I enjoy not having confirmation...

[–] Je_suis_le_vampire_Lestat 11 years ago

You know what I just realised you don't see movies proclaiming the American dream anymore. Maybe they know that sort of propaganda just wont fly these days. Everyone saying oh it's just a fun movie. Well even though this sounds conspiratorial but that's how they get ya. You think Hollywood is liberal maybe but it is a business first so they are capitalist above all else.

[–] Crocodile (3127) a year ago

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[–] dickdoughs 11 years ago

this is a gross misinterpretation of the film. it's a lot smarter than you give it credit for.

it is NOT worshipping the 1%. the entire concept behind it is that the up-and-coming rags-to-riches character, Tess, lies, cheats, and steals to obtain the American Dream.

It's biting satire and cynicism, not praise for the types of characters in the film. All of the scenes of aftermath with Tess looking at the Statue of Liberty are supposed to induce an irony in which she is embodying the ideal of the American Dream.

It's about the false promise of the American Dream, not corporatism.

[–] shoobe01 8 years ago

That. Even gets to feminism, where she gets the man AND gets a big deal job.

It's older, when finance ruling the world was just coming into being, but it's satire about this. Hell, just the part where she can fake her way into it makes it not very subtle satire about the lawyers and experts ruling all.

[–] drjeff21 11 years ago

No, the only people who gut the middle class are the "you owe us" entitlement crowd and the politicians who pander to them.

[–] sfeudy20 11 years ago

Interesting point. Though I recognize most of the movie is Tess misrepresenting herself to get ahead in business, the crux of the plot is the theft of an idea - one that gets challenged and righted at the end of the movie - demonstrating integrity by the people involved in a business transaction.

The moral dilemma - that trying to better your life, there is temptation to bend the rules and cut corners due to your social/economical disadvantage - happens in all areas of life, not just big corporate.