If you had any social media activity circa 2017, you are likely aware of the #MeToo movement that swept across Hollywood amidst the dismantling of Harvey Weinstein and his cohorts. The Assistant is a look into the type of workplace setting that could allow that inappropriate behavior to thrive, particularly in the film industry. This claustrophobic view into that environment as seen by the lowest person on the proverbial totem pole feels accurate, but be forewarned that you will also want to punch your wall. Let’s discuss The Assistant.
The Gist
A young assistant to a powerful film executive takes note of his inappropriate work behaviors towards the women at the company and tries to take a stand against it.
Check out the trailer here:
MPAA Rating: R
The Take
Much of The Assistant is shrouded in mystery; there is no exposition as to whom any of the characters are, and the audience must pick up subtle clues along the way to understand their roles within the company. Even the name of the boss remains unuttered, and this lack of information only increases the enormity of his presence in a boogeyman sense. This is not the type of film that can be seen with one eye on the screen and the other on a phone; the subtleties will be lost without your full attention, and it will hinder your understanding of the story. Even the camera works to avoid being too forthcoming with information, with many lingering scenes in buildings or empty spaces rather than following characters.
This is a film that is truly “for the girls” because all of the men portrayed are completely insufferable. They look at the women who work in the office as nuisances, annoyed by any noise a woman or girl makes as they undermine a woman’s presence. The men are all loud, vulgar, and entitled, pushing off any unwanted tasks – like appeasing the boss’s wife over the phone – to the women in their orbit. The women are quieter, their interactions involving murmuring words and significant glances that telegraph more information than any dialogue out of the men’s mouths. Much of Jane’s (Julia Garner) early scenes involve little talking on her end, her nervous energy communicating more than she is able to speak. While the film device is a bit heavy-handed at times, it mostly succeeds in showing a woman who does not know how to voice her discomfort over the atrocities taking place at her boss’s hands.
As glamorous as the film industry is often portrayed, The Assistant focuses more on the mundane and commonplace aspects of a producer’s office. The myriad cubicles, harsh lighting, and ancient technology center the story in a much more approachable setting than an over-the-top office setting, making the events of the story feel that much more possible. Jane’s life as an office assistant seems fairly boring and straightforward, which provides a stark contrast to the scenes of manipulation that threaten to kill her career before it begins in order to force her compliance. As the story progresses, the benign office tasks increase in volume until they fill the scenes with a claustrophobic feeling.
More than anything else, this film sends the message that these environments flourish because of the people who are complicit in enabling them. Even the few co-workers who show moments of politeness to Jane are aware and unwilling to speak up for positive change because they have their own agendas to protect. Jane herself struggles with her ambition throughout the story, showing inner conflict because she wants her boss’s validation even as she disagrees with his actions. HR, the department that is arguably the best equipped to help with the issues, actively works to gaslight and undermine Jane’s protestations. This is where the subtlety of the film became more frustrating than fascinating to me, because the apparent apathy from everyone involved made me want her to burn down the whole office. While an accurate portrayal of the workings of a toxic work environment, I ultimately felt dissatisfied that more was not done to make things right.
Jane is arguably the person least likely to make positive change in her workplace, because of her inexperience and the sheer amount of power her boss has over everyone’s careers. The Assistant succeeds in showing how futile her drive for good outcomes is, but at times I wish something would happen that could change the outcome. It is a bleak, if accurate, showing of these villainous producers and the people beneath them and their powerlessness, but I did finish the film wanting at least a hint of hope.
Rating: 7/10
Memorable Moments
"I don't think you have anything to worry about... You're not his type."
"Okay... Then send me a f****** apology."
The second phone call with the wife was heartbreaking.
Try It If...
You want to see an artistic portrayal of the predatory nature of the film industry.
You enjoy a day-in-the-life style story.
Subtle performances are appealing to you.
Avoid It If...
You want a story with a happy ending.
Stories involving sexual assault or coercion are difficult for you to watch.
You prefer a movie to have a lot of plot or exposition.
The Assistant is available to stream on Max.
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