In the Company of Men - A-

Long before Aaron Eckhart was flipping coins and getting half his face burned off, he became an instant star in high demand after this low budget indie hit the big screen in 1997. Eckhart stars as Chad, a smooth-talking, charismatic businessman who’s a rising star with the company. He’s on his way to a small town for 6 weeks with Howard (a nicely restrained and appropriately awkward Matt Malloy). Howard is a little nervous since he has been given his first assignment as boss. After Howard describes his recent breakup with his girlfriend, Chad suggests the two should find a vulnerable local woman and both wine and dine her during their 6 week stay before abruptly dumping her. After initial hesitation, Howard reluctantly agrees and they find their perfect victim in Christine (Stacy Edwards), a temp secretary who just happens to be deaf . . .
The dialogue is frequently funny, and only occasionally too calculated (the scene in the boardroom where Chad tells everyone who he hates). Writer-director Neil Labute does a nice subtle job letting Chad’s ultimate plan slowly creep to the surface before pulling the rug out on the audience (just as Chad pulls it on Christine - and others). As director, Labute gives his actors lots of room with long takes, probably a necessity given the low budget. There are also some nicely placed shots: low angle, overhead, etc. Some viewers will complain about the obvious misogyny and indeed, this is a very rough and un-PC movie. But Chad isn’t so much misogynistic as he is misanthropic. He doesn’t let anyone stand in his way: men or women, black or white. He's an equal opportunity offender. And Howard isn't much better, he's just a weaker, dumber, less attractive version. It seems truer today than it was then. A-

Revised Top Ten Films from 1997
1. Boogie Nights
2. L.A. Confidential
3. The Sweet Hereafter
4. Waiting for Guffman
5. Hard Eight (Sydney)
6. In the Company of Men
7. Good Will Hunting
8. Wag the Dog
9. The Apostle
10. The Game
Other Doctor-approved 1997 films: Donnie Brasco, Lost Highway, Copland