by Tom Michaels

Created on: November 13, 2009

In Office Space, Peter Gibbons is an average guy who can't seem to catch a break. He hates his job, but isn't willing to do anything about it. His relationship is falling apart, and he can't figure out how to make things work. In an attempt to make things work in his relationship, and at his girlfriend's suggestion, he goes to a hypnotherapist. While under hypnosis, Peter is put into a state of happiness/bliss, but is never pulled out of the hypnosis due to the therapist's untimely death. Thus, Peter begins to realize he only wants to do those things that make his happy, so he begins to flake on work. During this time, the company he works at, Initech, is doing layoffs, which could cause problems with Peter's current state of mind. However, the consultants take a liking to him and he is rewarded for his unique thought process.

At the same time, his co-workers and friends decide to implement a plan to steal small amounts of money from Initech (which over a period of time would amount to a lot of money that in their opinion the company would not notice). When something goes wrong with their plan, Peter and his friends must find a solution quickly in order to avoid the possible jail-time associated with their crime.

What makes Office Space such a great movie is the true to life comedy that first-time director Mike Judge puts forth. So many people work in a cubicle style job with managers and middle-managers who only do what is best to advance their own career, not the company as a whole. There always seems to be meaningless tasks that unless done perfectly, like the TPS Reports that drive Peter crazy, you risk causing unwanted negative attention from your bosses. Every job has co-workers like Milton, who seem to be constantly ignored and used since they'll always do what is asked.

Additionally, specific scenes always come to mind after having viewed the movie, because of their implications in our own lives. For example, the scene where Peter and his friends destroy a copy machine with baseball bats to a hip-hop soundtrack is so memorable because it is a hidden desire of a lot of us when technology seems to work against us. Or single quotes like Lumbergh's (Peter's boss) Peter, what's happening? and Yeaaaa, I'm gonna have to ask you to come in on Saturday, because they remind us of our own bosses.

Overall, Office Space is a great movie. Even though a lot of the events seem to happen by coincidence, the story is something everyone can relate to. A job we dislike and the desire to get out of it. Peter's blissful need to do what makes him happy is something we all could/should strive for, even if not in exactly the way Peter does.

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