In the Company of Men

In the Company of Men

Year: 1997

Runtime: 97 min

Language: English

Director: Neil LaBute

DramaComedy

Two disenchanted executives, Chad and Howard, embark on a six-week business venture, fueled by their own heartbreaks. As they navigate their professional duties, they concoct a twisted game of power dynamics, targeting a vulnerable deaf secretary. Their manipulative intentions aim to shatter her fragile confidence, but will their malevolent plans ultimately consume them?

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen In the Company of Men yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – In the Company of Men (1997)
Explore the full timeline and setting of In the Company of Men (1997). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The events of the movie unfold in contemporary times, mirroring modern societal issues surrounding workplace relationships and manipulative behavior. The story highlights the struggles individuals face in the context of corporate power dynamics and personal failures.

Location

Midwestern American City

The movie is set in a nameless Midwestern American city, characterized by its corporate atmosphere and suburban layout. This environment reflects the mundane yet cutthroat nature of office culture, where personal and professional lines blur, leading to ethical dilemmas.

📍 Location 🏙️ City

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:08

Main Characters – In the Company of Men (1997)
Meet the key characters of In the Company of Men (1997), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Chad (Aaron Eckhart)

Chad is a cunning and manipulative middle-management employee who orchestrates a cruel plan against a vulnerable woman. His misogynistic tendencies and lack of empathy are prominently displayed as he prioritizes his ambition over human decency.

👔 Corporate 🚫 Manipulative 🥀 Misogynistic

Howard (Matt Malloy)

Howard acts as a passive counterpart to Chad, initially going along with the plotting but ultimately reveals his own feelings and moral struggles. His journey showcases the dangers of complicity and the emotional weight of betrayal.

😔 Passive 🥀 Betrayed 💼 Corporate

Christine (Stacy Edwards)

Christine is a deaf woman who becomes the target of Chad and Howard's deceptive romantic scheme. She is portrayed as emotionally vulnerable, navigating the complexities of relationships while yearning for genuine connection amid manipulation.

💔 Vulnerable 🗣️ Deaf ❤️ Innocent

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:08

Major Themes – In the Company of Men (1997)
Explore the central themes of In the Company of Men (1997), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🖤 Manipulation

Manipulation plays a central role in the narrative, as the characters engage in a deceitful plan that exploits a vulnerable woman. This theme illustrates the destructive impact of selfish motivations on relationships and the consequences of using others for personal gain.

💔 Betrayal

Betrayal is a critical theme that defines the relationships among the characters. Upon discovering the truth, Christine feels deeply hurt by Chad's and Howard's actions, showcasing how betrayal can lead to emotional turmoil and a breakdown of trust.

⚖️ Morality

The film explores complex moral questions, particularly how individuals justify unethical behavior for personal advancement. Chad's lack of remorse serves as a chilling reminder of the potential for moral depravity in a competitive corporate environment.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:08

Similar Movies to In the Company of Men
Discover movies like In the Company of Men that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.