Clockwatchers (1997)

Iris can best be described as a wallflower. She begins her first day as a temp for the nondescript Global Credit Association by waiting in a chair for two hours. This sets the scene for her... See full summary »

Director:

Jill Sprecher

Writers:

Jill Sprecher, Karen Sprecher

Stars:

Toni Collette, Parker Posey, Lisa Kudrow

2 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Toni Collette	...	Iris Chapman
Parker Posey	...	Margaret Burre
Lisa Kudrow	...	Paula
Alanna Ubach	...	Jane
Helen FitzGerald	...	Cleo
Stanley DeSantis	...	Art
Jamie Kennedy	...	Eddie
David James Elliott	...	Mr. MacNamee
Debra Jo Rupp	...	Barbara
Kevin Cooney	...	Mr. Kilmer
Bob Balaban	...	Milton Lasky
Paul Dooley	...	Bud Chapman
Scott Mosenson	...	Jack Shoberg
Irene Olga López	...	Coffee Lady (as Irene Olga Lopez)
Joshua Malina	...	Global Credit Receptionist

Storyline

Iris can best be described as a wallflower. She begins her first day as a temp for the nondescript Global Credit Association by waiting in a chair for two hours. This sets the scene for her (mis)adventures with the other "corporate orphans", Margaret, Paula and Jane. Led by Margaret, they find subtle ways to lessen the ennui of corporate oppression. The tension escalates when the new permanent hire, Cleo, enters the picture.

---

Plot Keywords:

office | security camera | temporary worker | office politics | revenge | 

---

Taglines:

FOUR GIRLS. FOUR DREAMS. ONE OFFICE.

---

Genres:

Comedy | Drama

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for brief language

Details

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 May 1998 (USA)

Also Known As:

Avokonttorin prinsessat

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$34,838 (USA) (15 May 1998)

Gross:

$444,354 (USA) (21 August 1998)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Goldcrest Films International, John Flock Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

96 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Goofs

When Iris addresses the recommendation letter that she got for Margaret, she writes her last name as Burrell, when it is actually Burre.

---

Quotes

Margaret: See that old woman over there? That's me in a few years.

---

Connections

Referenced in Siskel & Ebert: Episode dated 24 October 1998 (1998)

---

Soundtracks

"For Cripe's Sake"
Written by Joseph L. Altruda
Performed by Joey Altruda and His Cocktail Crew
Published by Josho Publishing/Careers-BMG Music Publishing, Inc. (BMI)
Courtesy of Ocean Park Music Group

User Reviews

So accurate, it hurts

Is this movie slow? Occasionally boring? Kind of depressing? Yes. Unfortunately, that is the reality of working as a temp in an office! Take it from one who's been there. I spent several years temping on breaks from college in the late 80s, and this movie brought it all back, vividly. The office politics, the way the permanent workers "look down" on the temps, the menial and mind-numbing tasks, the good old boys (mostly white males, at that time) who were in charge and above it all. Not all of my jobs were as horrible as the office depicted in this movie, but enough were that it occasionally gave me chills. I hope that things have improved, with the proliferation of computers and other advanced technology, at least in terms of the work itself. But I can guarantee that in some places, that temp vs. perm "caste system" will always be there, regardless of how the jobs get done.

The performances in the movie were excellent. I really liked Parker Posey's exuberant portrayal, as well as Toni Collette's studied, more subtle effort. She expresses so much pain and frustration through her facial expressions and quiet, even-toned narration.

The movie is not for everyone, and some viewers will no doubt be bored and/or confused by it. But if you've ever been a temp of any kind, or worked in an office, I think it will resonate with you.