The Company Men 2011
Directed by
John Wells
Made by
Weinstein Company, The
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of The Company Men (2011). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
When the publicly traded shipbuilding firm, Global Transportation Systems (GTX), faces significant downsizing during a recession, many of its employees find themselves laid off, including Bobby Walker. Once a successful white-collar professional earning a six-figure salary, Bobby struggles to cope as he loses the comforts of life—his country club membership fades, his elegant Porsche is sold, and he ultimately sells his luxurious home, moving his family into his parents’ house.
Despite receiving outplacement services from GTX, Bobby is unable to secure a new position and is eventually forced to take a manual labor role under his blue-collar brother-in-law, Jack Dolan. This downward spiral highlights the stark realities faced by many during economic downturns.
Meanwhile, tensions rise within the company’s upper management. Gene McClary, the Executive Vice President, openly challenges James Salinger, the GTX CEO, questioning the ethics behind the decision to lay off employees while the company spends lavishly on new corporate headquarters. In an effort to justify his harsh measures, Salinger insists that drastic cutbacks are essential for boosting profits and keeping the stock value stable amidst fears of a hostile takeover.
As further layoffs loom, Phil Woodward, a senior manager who had built his career over three decades, also finds himself out of a job. When McClary tries to intervene on Phil’s behalf, he learns that he too faces termination. This fallout prompts McClary to leave his wife and start a new life with his mistress, Sally Wilcox.
As Phil struggles to secure a new position, he faces the harsh reality of age discrimination, leading to his tragic suicide. Despite McClary’s anger over the cuts, he profits greatly from his GTX stock, which rises due to the downsizing. Consumed by guilt for the devastation caused by the layoffs, he resolves to create a fresh start in the maritime shipbuilding industry, the very sector from which GTX originated.
Bobby Walker becomes McClary’s first hire in the new venture, as they both strive to rebuild lives for themselves and their former colleagues. The bare offices echo with the hopes of many, yearning to reclaim their worth in a world that seemed to have turned its back on them.
Timeline
Track the key events of The Company Men (2011) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring The Company Men (2011) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Bobby Walker
Bobby Walker, once a successful executive, faces a drastic fall from grace after being laid off. His journey reflects the struggles of adapting to a lower socioeconomic status and grappling with his sense of worth. Bobby's character highlights resilience as he seeks to rebuild his life amidst tremendous challenges.
Gene McClary
Gene McClary serves as the Executive Vice President who grapples with the ethics of corporate decisions. His internal conflict and moral compass challenge the ruthless decisions made by the company. Despite his financial gains from the layoffs, he remains tormented by guilt, hinting at his desire for a more honorable path.
Phil Woodward
Phil Woodward is a seasoned manager who faces the harsh realities of age discrimination. His struggles to find new employment reflect the challenges many older workers experience during economic hardships. Phil's tragic end underscores the severe consequences that can arise from corporate negligence and societal attitudes.
Setting
Uncover the settings of The Company Men (2011), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
2000s
The film takes place during the 2000s, a time marked by economic uncertainty and corporate restructuring. The recession causes widespread layoffs, influencing the lives of many white-collar workers. The economic climate serves as a critical theme, reflecting the struggles and vulnerabilities of individuals in the corporate world.
Location
United States, Corporate Offices, Shipbuilding Industry
The movie is set against the backdrop of the United States during a recession, highlighting both corporate offices and the shipbuilding industry. Global Transportation Systems (GTX) serves as a focal point, known for its high-stakes corporate culture. Eventually, the narrative shifts to the shipbuilding industry as the characters seek to rebuild their lives.
Themes
Explore the core themes of The Company Men (2011). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Economic Downturn
The film explores the devastating impact of economic downturns on individuals and families. Through Bobby Walker's story, it showcases how losing a job can lead to a loss of identity and lifestyle. The theme highlights the fragility of economic status and the harsh realities faced by many during financial crises.
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Loss and Redemption
The characters in the movie experience profound losses that affect their personal and professional lives. Bobby's transformation from a successful executive to a manual laborer encapsulates the struggle for redemption in the face of adversity. The theme emphasizes resilience, as the characters seek new beginnings despite their setbacks.
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Ethics and Morality
The tension between corporate ethics and profitability is a key theme in the film. Gene McClary's moral dilemmas regarding layoffs and executive decisions challenge the integrity of corporate practices. This theme questions what is sacrificed in the pursuit of profit and the responsibility companies hold to their employees.
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