Clockwatchers Blu-ray Review: An Unsettlingly Honest Film

I’ve never held a job in my entire life, but I’m kind of glad I’ve never had a job in an office. It just seems the most boring and mundane existence to be in. There have been many films that accurately represent this, perhaps a little too well. One of my favorites is Jill Sprecher’s underrated 1997 downbeat comedy Clockwatchers.

Toni Collette (one of my favorite actresses, in an early role) is Iris, a shy young woman who joins Global Credit as a temp worker, being constantly ignored by other office employees. However, she finds solidarity and kinship with other three temps: cynical Margaret (’90s indie icon/It Girl Parker Posey), wannabe-starlet Paula (Lisa Kudrow), and pampered Jane (Alanna Ubach), as they try to keep their dignity and sanity intact. But when their boss hires a new assistant, the foursome find not just their jobs, but also their friendship in danger.

Clockwatchers remains an unsettlingly honest film about the “Hell on Earth” experienced by temporary office people, who are often mistreated by higher authority, accused of stealing, and even have their lunch stolen. They are usually on the bottom of the employee food chain, where they can be easily replaced without a single moment’s notice.

I also enjoy the chemistry between all four actresses who play their parts wonderfully. They talk, walk, and behave like real people. You can tell that the film is made by a woman, because Sprecher gets everything right: the atmosphere, locations, dialogue, character ticks, alliances, and weird moments (like the stealing of paper clips, journals, and hairpins).

Despite the Blu-ray from Shout Factory being exceedingly bare bones, I’m glad to have my own copy. I have always loved the film and its depiction of the numbing emptiness of the office world.