The Company Men

The Company Men

Year: 2011

Runtime: 109 min

Language: English

Director: John Wells

Drama

When corporate layoffs disrupt their careers, Bobby Walker, Phil Woodward, and Gene McClary find themselves grappling with questions of identity, family, and purpose. Forced to reassess their lives and careers, they navigate the challenges of unemployment and the changing definition of success, confronting difficult choices and redefining what it means to be a man, a husband, and a father during times of economic uncertainty.

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Timeline – The Company Men (2011)

Trace every key event in The Company Men (2011) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Downsizing at GTX

Global Transportation Systems (GTX) announces a significant downsizing due to the recession, leaving many employees without jobs. This decision impacts the financial stability and morale of the firm's workforce, leading to a series of personal crises for those affected.

During the recession Global Transportation Systems Headquarters
2

Bobby Walker's Layoff

Bobby Walker, once a successful six-figure salary earner, finds himself laid off as part of the company's downsizing efforts. The abrupt loss of his job sends him spiraling into a world of financial uncertainty and emotional distress, as he grapples with the abrupt shift in his lifestyle.

3

Selling Luxuries

As Bobby's financial situation worsens, he is forced to sell his elegant Porsche and give up his cherished country club membership. Eventually, he sells his luxurious home, moving his family back into his parents' house, which marks a significant downturn in his family's standard of living.

4

Struggles with Job Searching

Despite receiving outplacement services from GTX, Bobby struggles to find a new job, facing multiple rejections. This job search becomes a source of frustration and anxiety, further affecting his relationship with his family and his self-worth.

5

Manual Labor Role

Eventually, Bobby is compelled to accept a manual labor position working under his blue-collar brother-in-law, Jack Dolan. This role starkly contrasts with his previous white-collar lifestyle, driving home the harsh realities of the economic downturn.

6

Tensions in Management

As layoffs continue, tensions within GTX management escalate. Gene McClary, the Executive Vice President, challenges CEO James Salinger about the ethics of lavish spending against the backdrop of layoffs, highlighting a deepening divide in leadership perspectives.

GTX Corporate Office
7

Phil Woodward's Termination

Phil Woodward, a senior manager with over 30 years at GTX, finds himself unexpectedly laid off. His situation reflects the broader trend of unceremonious dismissals in the company, as McClary learns that even his intervention cannot save Phil from termination.

8

Phil's Tragic Decision

Struggling to adapt to life after losing his job, Phil faces the harsh reality of age discrimination in the job market. Overwhelmed by despair, he takes a tragic step that has a profound impact on his family and colleagues, underlining the severe consequences of the layoffs.

9

Gene's Turnaround

Despite his anger over the layoffs and the impact on his colleagues, Gene McClary profits from his GTX stock as the company's value increases. Guided by a sense of guilt and determination, he decides to leave GTX and pursue a new opportunity in the maritime shipbuilding industry.

10

New Beginnings in Maritime Industry

Gene McClary embarks on a new venture in the maritime shipbuilding industry, marking a fresh start after leaving GTX. He aims to create a place where former colleagues can reclaim their dignity and worth in the professional world.

11

Bobby Joins McClary

Bobby Walker is invited by Gene McClary to be the first hire in his new company. This opportunity signifies a crucial turning point for Bobby, as he strives to rebuild his career and life alongside his former boss and mentor.

12

Hope in Bare Offices

The newly established company resonates with hope as former GTX employees gather in bare offices. Each individual yearns for a chance to reclaim their professional identities and rebuild their lives after the devastating layoffs they experienced.

Last Updated: November 08, 2024 at 02:57

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The Company Men Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Company Men

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Company Men

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