Classic 80s Movie: “Working Girl”
Today’s Classic 80s Movie guest post comes from Melissa Willis.
Movie Title: Working Girl
Year: 1988
Writers: Kevin Wade
Lead Actors: Melanie Griffith, Sigourney Weaver, Harrison Ford
Director: Mike Nichols
Plot Summary: When a fed-up secretary’s idea is stolen by her boss, she seizes an opportunity to steal it back by pretending she has her boss’s job.
Why I Think This Is a Classic 80s Movie: The hair! The shoulder pads! The powder blue make-up! While the fashion of this movie is very relevant to the time, that’s only part of what makes it a classic. It’s a modern Cinderella story that is anchored in reality as our princess, a struggling Staten Island secretary (Tess — Griffith), tries to get a foothold in the Man’s World of Wall Street only to be held back by her female boss (Katherine — Weaver). Even now, 25 years later, it’s rather astounding how well this story both resonates with and inspires not only me personally but also countless others who are roughly my age (33) as a simple web search will show you. Even though most of us would never consider pretending to be our invalid boss and take her job, office, clients, clothes, and gentleman friend in the process, I’m sure we’ve all had “What if…” moments while desperately trying to get our feet in the door only to have it slammed shut. That’s what makes Tess likeable and why I root for her. You know that this an abysmal idea and that she could be ruined if she’s ever caught, but she executes it flawlessly with her business savvy, her charm, and a lot of luck. Not only does she end up with Prince Charming in the end, but she also gets that great new job and office with a spectacular view. It’s every secretary’s dream come true. It’s also why this an 80s classic.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the Carly Simon song, the movie’s Grammy, Golden Globe, and Oscar-winning theme song, “Let the River Run.” Every time I hear those first few notes and the swell of the chorus, I get all hopeful and nostalgic for the 80s.
My Favorite Moment in the Movie: It’s hard for me to pick a favorite moment because there are so many great ones, but the best of the best would have to be watching both Tess and Katherine get what they deserve. I’ve always had the impression that this wasn’t the first time Katherine has stolen a colleague’s idea and she’s gotten by with it by using her acumen and her ability to play people. I eagerly awaited the moment when Katherine would be exposed for the fraud that she is and that Tess would be recognized for her true talents, which culminated in Katherine being fired in disgrace and Tess obtaining an entry level position with Trask Industries. Tess goes to her new job expecting to start at the very bottom as — you guessed it — a secretary, only to discover, after several moments of disbelief, that the job, office, and assistant are all hers. It’s a magical moment.
My Favorite Dialogue in the Movie:
1) Tess McGill: You can bend the rules plenty once you get to the top, but not while you’re trying to get there. And if you’re someone like me, you can’t get there without bending the rules.
Oren Trask: You’ve got a real fire in your belly, or was this just a one-time stunt that you pulled?Tess McGill: I’m not quite sure what you mean, sir. I’ve got something in my belly, but I think it’s nervous knots.
2) Alice Baxter: Uhm, Ms. McGill?
Tess McGill: Yes.
Alice Baxter: [pointing to private office] That’s your desk… in there…
Tess McGill: I don’t think so.
Alice Baxter: Oh, yes.
Tess McGill: Sorry, I thought the secretary would sit out here…
Alice Baxter: That’s right, I’m the secretary. If you don’t mind, I’d prefer assistant.
3) Tess McGill: [on the phone] Cyn! Guess where I am… [giggles]
Cyn: [stands up, screams to secretaries] She got out! Oh my god! I can’t believe it, she’s out — she made it out! She got out! She has her own office!
Key Things You Should Look for When Watching this Movie:
1) While Katherine is pretty despicable, she’s also brilliant. She often dispenses great career advice that is still worth listening to and following.
2) Joan Cusack stealing the show. She’s a secondary character, but probably the most quotable.
3) The small and supporting role casting is great. Watch out for Kevin Spacey, Oliver Platt, Olympia Dukakis, Alec Baldwin, Philip Basco, and a pre-famous Ricky Lake.
4) Take note of the way both Tess and Katherine schmooze with their clients/colleagues. They put on a clinic.
5) The social commentary that the film makes on office politics and dynamics and women working in a boy’s club.
Thanks, Melissa! To show our gratitude for your guest post, here’s a dash of creative juju for you. Whoosh!
Tomorrow: Another Classic 80s Movie!
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