Corner Office: echoes from the other side of reality (dark fantasy movie: trailer).
The title of the dark fantasy film, “Corner Office“, may initially lead you to believe that it’s a satirical jab at corporate ladder-climbing, but this Joachim Back directed movie takes a much darker, and admittedly hilarious, turn down the rabbit hole of reality distortion.
Jon Hamm, known for his serious and suave portrayal of ad man Don Draper, slips into the shoes of Orson – a seemingly mild-mannered bureaucrat who stumbles upon a secret office space that endows him with extraordinary productivity. The catch? His coworkers are convinced that the room doesn’t exist. Are they right? Is Orson’s corner office real, or merely a figment of his imagination?
Danny Pudi of “Community” fame provides an excellent foil to Hamm’s character as Rakesh, who oscillates between the role of a helpful office mate and the suspicious observer of Orson’s eccentricities. Sarah Gadon as the office receptionist adds another layer of intrigue to the tale, while Christopher Heyerdahl as boss-man Andrew delivers doses of absurd hilarity, paired with an unsettling undercurrent of tension.
Of particular note is a scene where Heyerdahl, playing Andrew, advises Hamm’s character to ‘think about the floor.’ Is this a commentary on the soul-crushing monotony of office work, where even the floor becomes an object of deep contemplation? Or is it just a ruse, a part of the office’s collective attempt to gaslight Orson?
Despite the initial negative reception on Rotten Tomatoes, we’re of the firm belief that “Corner Office” is one of those rare black comedies that may require a second viewing to appreciate its genius. After all, not every day does an office comedy blend Kafkaesque themes with the psychological horror reminiscent of “The Shining.” The mundane snow-covered parking lot and the apparent concern for the office floor hygiene add to the contrast between normality and impending doom.
Also, the film’s dialogue is a delightful showcase of dry humor. When Rakesh, observing Orson standing aloof, asks what he’s doing, Orson replies with a perplexed, ‘What are you talking about?’ It’s these moments of brilliant awkwardness that propel “Corner Office” into a league of its own.
And let’s not forget the closing lines of the trailer, ‘I can view the world as something ominous, looming, or, I can choose to see the light. I chose to see the light.’ While it’s hard to tell whether Orson is on the brink of a breakthrough or a breakdown, his journey promises to be an entertaining one.
The ensemble cast, the smart script by Ted Kupper, and Joachim Back’s assured direction are reasons enough for the sci-fi and black comedy fans among us to mark August 4 on our calendars. After all, who wouldn’t want to watch Don Draper, err… Jon Hamm, dance with a mysterious woman in a snow-filled auditorium, while grappling with the perception of his reality? In conclusion, “Corner Office” looks set to offer a fun, offbeat retreat from the typical summer blockbuster fare. And we here at SFcrowsnest can’t wait to join Orson in his ‘corner office’, real or not.
