9
to 5 - Sexist, Egotistical, Lying Hypocritical Bigot Edition (Widescreen)
Picture: B Sound:
B- Extras: A Film: B+
Back before sexual harassment officially had a name, 9 to
5 became the second-highest grossing film released
in 1980, behind only The Empire Strikes Back, and just
ahead of Stir Crazy. It was not only a hit with
women, but men and children as well. The film's subject matter obviously
struck a cord with people from all walks of life -- after all, who hasn't
felt abused or taken advantage of by someone in a position of authority
over them?
9 to 5 is a frequently hilarious comic revenge fantasy where
most viewers can easily identify with three mistreated secretaries, and
vicariously revel in their eventual retribution. We've all met the film's
antagonist, Mr. Franklin Hart (Dabney Coleman in a masterful portrayal of comic
villainy), in some form or another. You know the
type: The self-important autocrat who makes life miserable for all
those under him/her. One character sums up Hart perfectly when she
calls him a "sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot."
Hart runs an entire floor in an office building, where
he passes off much of his work to one of his long-suffering
secretaries, Violet Newstead (Lily Tomlin), while constantly making unwanted
passes at another, Doralee Rhodes (Dolly Parton acting for the first time,
and providing the film's unforgettable title song). The movie opens
with the hiring of another secretary, Jane Fonda effectively cast against type
as the most timid of the bunch, the recently divorced Judy Bernly.
Another instantly recognizable villain is the obsequious office
snitch named Roz (Elizabeth Wilson). As sure as the sky is blue and
water is wet, anything even slightly amiss seen or heard by Roz will
be brought to Hart's attention within minutes.
Violet, Judy and Doralee's commiseration about Hart leads to them
becoming fast friends. Then, through some well-constructed comic
contrivances, they'll eventually kidnap their hated boss and hold him hostage
for weeks in his own house while his unsuspecting airhead of a wife is out of
town. And as luck would have it, Mr. Hart is so unpopular with so many
people that perpetual suck-up Roz is the only one who notices his absence.
None of this is remotely believable, but 9 to 5
is exceedingly well written, directed and performed, and the laughs just
keep on coming. This is one of those rare comedies where all the
elements gel. But one key ingredient to the film's success is
the decision to play it straight, so even when the plot departs from
reality, the characters don't.
Fox's new special edition DVD, aptly called the "Sexist,
Egotistical, Lying Hypocritical Bigot Edition," is truly special. The
1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer has a nice clear picture with good color
and above-average Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo sound from what seems to have been a
four channel magnetic stereo release. Fox has also gone out of its
way to dig up lots of interesting extras, making this an
absolute must-have for all 9 to 5 fans. You come away
wishing all old favorites were given such a thorough treatment on DVD.
The special features include a very entertaining feature-length audio
commentary by Fonda, Tomlin, Parton and producer Bruce Gilbert, an in-depth
featurette with up-to-date interviews, 10 deleted scenes, a gag reel, a tribute
to the film's late director, Colin Higgins, a gag reel and an instrumental
version of Parton's smash-hit title song accompanied by clips of the film and
song lyrics so fans can sing along Karaoke style.
- Chuck O'Leary
