There are hit movies that stay in the main-stream and public conscience for the long run … and on the opposite side of the spectrum are those one-and-done hit movies that are a success upon their release but aren’t talked about that much in the following years. My subject for today is the 1988 Romance picture “Working Girl”, which was a smashing box office success, received critical acclaim, was nominated for six Academy Awards including Best Picture … and I don’t see anyone discussing or even remembering this film. As such, I found myself needing to scratch an itch to shine a little spotlight on this late 1980’s picture and see if it’s still worth taking notice of.
The film can best be described as a contemporary “Cinderela” story set in the corporate world. That’s not to say it follows the exact narrative beats, but it has the same spirit of any good "rags to riches" story. Tess McGill (played by Melanie Griffth) is a secretary with ambitions to elevate her status in the business world. Things are set in motion when she gets a new, slightly younger boss named Katharine (played by Sigourney Weaver) who puts on a friendly demeaner but is quick to throw her underlings under the bus, especially if it means elevating her status. Case in point, stealing one of Tess’s financial ideas, and pawning it off as her own. After a sudden skiing accident puts the mean boss in the hospital, Tess takes the opportunity to pose as a real Stockbroker, elevate the company’s status with her ideas, and win the affection of a fellow Stockbroker named Jack Trainer (played by Harrison Ford). Thus, we see how far Tess goes on her journey of climbing the corporate totem pole, before her nasty boss finds out the truth, and retaliates with vengeance.
It’s a simple story, with all the right ingredients to make for a charming experience. This movie was directed by the late Mike Nichols, who had previously directed the 1967 classic “The Graduate”, in which he won the Academy Award for best director. Once again, he brought his stamp of quality to “Working Girl” and received an Oscar nomination for Best Director. The film was also marvelously lensed by cinematographer Michael Ballhaus, who really knows how to show off the marvels of New York. When the movie opens with an orbital shot of Lady Liberty, and paired with a memorable song, it hooks me in right away. On that note, the soundtrack to this movie is fantastic, and gives the film some personality. The main song “Let the River Run”, by Carly Simon is an exceptional piece of music that carries most of the films atmosphere and rightfully won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. Other established songs on the soundtrack include Chris de Burgh’s “Lady in Red”, Harold Arlen’s “The Man That Got Away”, and my personal favorite being The Pointer Sisters “I’m So Excited”.
Of course, the real strength of the film is Melanie Griffith in the lead role of Tess, who is infectiously lovable, and hits all the right notes between being smart, funny, charming and determined to push herself.
It’s a case in which most of the film’s strength comes from its lead, and Melanie Griffith rightfully received an Oscar nomination for Best Actress but lost to Jodie Foster in her respected leading role in “The Accused”. Not to be overlooked is Sigourney Weaver as the deliciously wicked boss and is a lot of fun to watch as she transitions from a cheery demeaner to dominate and controlling. Apparently 1988 was a great year for Sigourney Weaver, as her portrayal of the tyrannical boss received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting actress, and she also had a Best Actress nomination for her leading role in “Gorillas in the Mist” … good for her. Lastly, Joan Cusack portrayed Tess’s best friend Cynthia and gets a very fun scene when she poses as Tess’s secretary. She too received an Oscar Nomination for Best Supporting Actress, but both she and Sigourney Weaver lost to Geena Davis in her respected role from “The Accidental Tourist”.
The cast in general is solid, with Alec Baldwin, Kevin Spacey, Oliver Platt and Philip Bosco in minor, but decent supporting roles. Harrison Ford naturally is our leading love interest Jack Trainer, and while he’s a reliable screen presence, this does bring me to my one reservation with the film. For a movie labeled as a romance picture, I found the romantic relationship between our leads the least interesting aspect of the narrative. Melanie Griffith and Harrison Ford are charming on their own, but aside from one or two moments, I didn’t feel much chemistry between them. Honestly, the movie itself feels more interested in Tess’s journey and personal growth, and the romance feels more like an add-on. Even the closing scene of the film is focused entirely on Tess’s solo triumph in the working world, and showing her place in it, with zero focus on her love interest. Quick sidenote: the final closing shot of the film is terrific and highlights that in hindsight, cinematographer Michael Ballhaus should have received an Oscar nomination.
Even when the movie builds to it’s inevitable “Lier Revealed” moment, it glances over any conflict between the characters and moves on … actually, I wish more movies would do that. Less credible is the scene when our leads first meet, as she gets drunk, passes out, and wakes up in his bed … with him sleeping beside her … and they’re not even on a first name bass yet. Somehow, if this movie was released today, I don’t think this scene would meet approval from contemporary audiences. Also, Alec Baldwin’s character does some inexcusable actions that are too easily forgiven. On a final reservation note, I found some of the R-ratted content unnecessary … one topless scene too many.
All that said, I do feel “Working Girl” mostly holds up, as it’s charming, engaging and the cast makes it worthwhile. As said in the opening, the film was a commercial and critical success for its time, and received the Oscar nomination for Best Picture, but lost to “Rain Man”. Now days, “Working Girl” doesn’t seem to get much attention or notice, but I think it’s worth looking back on. It feels like a movie of a bygone age, and something that we don’t really get these days. Had this movie been released today, there would likely be more of a focus on big and loud situational comedy as a means to hook viewers, but “Working Girl” for its time didn’t need an obvious hook or gimmick, outside of the recognizable cast and a pleasant soundtrack. That’s not to say it’s any kind of unsung masterpiece, but it’s worth a recommendation. It’s old-fashioned, but appealing in its simplicity, and sometimes, that’s all I really need.
Thanks for
reading my review of the 1988 romance picture “Working Girl” … and
continue to enjoy the movies you Love!
