How can evil be defined? Sure that many can name tons of real life people who are two faced and as such doing demonic things which are so unforgivable. But when was the last time in the movies you really saw some one and thought that you never want to be associated with a person like this in this life time? Here it is Chad (Aaron Eckhart) whose vicious nature not only specializes in devising plan to hurt some one but also take a company along with him, Howard (Matt Maloy). These two are big time corporate executives going on business project. They are scheduled to stay there for six weeks. Both know each other right from the school but Howard is the new boss. Chad is a terrific smart person who is right on target in completing the job. Both start of their journey discussing how each other has been terribly hurt by their current relationship. Both come to know each other’s break up and Chad the master of evil plans devise something to bring some closure to their self proclaimed dignity. He says that both of them to go on an emotionally fragile, actively looking and desperate woman. Swinging with her by both these people, the plan is to break up instantly at the end of their business. Howard who is the better of these two in character is convinced easily by Chad. Now if this is insensitive, Chad picks up their woman from the office they are posted, Christine (Stacy Edwards) who is deaf. As the weeks go by, the unthinkable happens and we see Chad slowly falling for her and so is Howard. How this story goes and the twists in the end is something to be watched.
The film also gives the corporate culture which seems verbally profane. The person who is not in the room gets his character smashed and his private parts and its performances questioned. They are crass, competitive and completely characterless. If this is the office I need to work, then it will take five minutes to quit. But wait, may be I am running too fast on this. The movie portrays the dark side of it and hence it need not be generalized as a whole. Yet the devilish side of the so called ergonomics is given as a shot of tequila. It goes easy but hits you hard.
Howard is the new boss and yes he can easily be manipulated too. Chad does not show any signs of envy even though he mentions that he was passed by for the position. Howard is submissive and thinks of being the nicest guy. He is the normal guy who believes to be super nice. The problem is when some one starts thinking that; they expect good things to happen. They see unfairness when bad things happen. And it shows the ugly face of hypocrisy when the denial gets faced with the reality. Howard goes through the phase in this movie. He has got all the bad influence and nice support from Chad. I can see Howard falling for Christine any day.
The film is dark and devilish. The ending is cruel. As for the substance like this, there is a strong disapproval from me which is evident from the reviews of “Beijing Bicycle” and “Swimming with Sharks”. What I liked about this movie is the end which gives the option of thinking good things happening after that. If there is even a slightest hint of hope in a convincing manner then it deserves its piece of cake.
I can see how come Aaron Eckhart cracked the role of Nick Naylor in “Thank You for Smoking” and also got selected for the role of Harvey Dent in the “The Dark Knight” which is the sequel for the “Batman Begins”. He delivers the crass with the class every one can easily digest. He brings in the evil with freshness that he makes it to be entertaining. Every one has the dark side and the super nice side to expect in return. The conscience to choose in between those two to do the right thing without any expectations marks the personality and character of any one. Chad and Howard are the two completely different faces but still attached. Howard is equally corruptive as Chad but he has the conscience. He is the instantly emotional person who can attach and detach with the same zeal. He brings in the same love and fury to both the cases. And here he plays chess with his emotions. It is a check mate any time in his life.
Neil LaBute successfully makes us witness the happening of evil in all way possible. True that there is no loss of life and it’s all only pure emotions getting played. For some reason at the end of the movie, we are stunned by Chad rather than wishing him death. I guess it is no surprise from a character like him. While we watch him with our mouths wide open with surprise, Howard cannot believe the depth of machinations this unforgivable soul has in him. I am sure that I can identify Chad any day in real life beneath the impressive smooth talking face but will the women be able to?
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