A Shock to the System (1990)

When you think you're at the top of the corporate ladder and then discover they have managed to pull that ladder away, sometimes you have to take it upon yourself to "level" the playing ... See full summary »

Director:

Jan Egleson

Writers:

Simon Brett (novel), Andrew Klavan (screenplay)

Stars:

Michael Caine, Elizabeth McGovern, Peter Riegert

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Michael Caine	...	Graham Marshall
Elizabeth McGovern	...	Stella Anderson
Peter Riegert	...	Robert Benham
Swoosie Kurtz	...	Leslie Marshall
Will Patton	...	Lt. Laker
Jenny Wright	...	Melanie O'Conner
John McMartin	...	George Brewster
Barbara Baxley	...	Lillian
Haviland Morris	...	Tara Liston
Philip Moon	...	Henry Park
Kent Broadhurst	...	Executive #1
Zach Grenier	...	Executive #2
David Schramm	...	Executive #3
Sam Schacht	...	David Jones
Christopher Durang	...	Convention Speaker

Storyline

When you think you're at the top of the corporate ladder and then discover they have managed to pull that ladder away, sometimes you have to take it upon yourself to "level" the playing field, both professionally and personally. Sir Michael Caine delivers an electrifying performance as Graham Marshall, who quickly catches onto the possibilities as he clears all the hurdles to occupy the corner office.

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Plot Keywords:

advertising | new york city | murder | based on novel | city | 

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Taglines:

Climbing the corporate ladder can be murder.

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Genres:

Comedy | Crime | Thriller

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Certificate:

R

Did You Know?

Trivia

Star Billing: Sir Michael Caine (first), Elizabeth McGovern (second), Peter Riegert (third), Swoosie Kurtz (fourth), and Will Patton (fifth).

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Goofs

In the climax scene on the subway platform, Elizabeth McGovern's hair changes from being neatly styled, to noticeably frizzy and loose, then back again.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Graham Marshall: It all began one night when the lights went out.

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Connections

References Cinderella (1950)

User Reviews

Once again Cain proves he is able.

Anyone who has ever wished an annoying person in their life would just disappear will vicariously enjoy Graham Marshall (Cain) in the sardonic comedy "Shock to the System" who, belittled at home and passed over at the office, decides to take control of his destiny by eliminating those interfering with his happiness. Self narrated by Cain, often in the third person to impart a sense of detachment, the film manages to make the murderous Marshall both hero and villain as he courts a lovely secretary (McGovern) while befuddling a nosey homicide investigator (Patton). Cain's performance makes this otherwise mediocre film well worth watching. (B-)

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

23 March 1990 (USA)

Also Known As:

A Shock to the System

Filming Locations:

Essex Fells, New Jersey, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$12,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$1,002,158, 25 March 1990

Gross USA:

$3,417,056

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$3,417,056

Company Credits

Production Co:

Brigand Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

88 min 89 min (Ontario)

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1