The Business of Strangers

2001
6.3| 1h24m| R| en| More Info
Released: 13 September 2001 Released
Producted By: i5 Films
Country:
Budget: 0
Revenue: 0
Official Website:
Info

A dark thriller about a successful businesswoman and her young assistant who toy with a slow-witted businessman while stuck at an airport hotel.

Genre

Drama, Thriller

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Director

Patrick Stettner

Production Companies

i5 Films

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The Business of Strangers Audience Reviews

Dynamixor The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.
ThedevilChoose When a movie has you begging for it to end not even half way through it's pure crap. We've all seen this movie and this characters millions of times, nothing new in it. Don't waste your time.
ChanFamous I wanted to like it more than I actually did... But much of the humor totally escaped me and I walked out only mildly impressed.
Jenna Walter The film may be flawed, but its message is not.
Jay Raskin I gave this film 8 out of 10 points, but I automatically give any film with Julia Stiles at least a 7. She is always sultry and seductive and here is no exception. She is the Lauren Bacall of our time.Anyways, I have to agree with those that saw this as a taunt female thriller of the "Single White Female" variety. I have to disagree that the ending is unsatisfactory in comparison to that movie. This movie simply moves back into a realistic mode, instead of going for a psycho-bloodbath and gore finish.The movie really reminded me of David Mamet's writing. It is the surprise revelations about the characters that happen every couple of minutes that keep you fascinated throughout. That you have two great actresses playing here keeps things together.I found it filled with enough fun and unexpected moments to recommend it. It doesn't make you jump to the edge of your seat, but it does make you lean forward a few times.
ddurkee For a film that is focused on character performances, this is excellent. I have worked around many 40-something silicon valley female executives and Stockard Channing nails the part to the point of an Academy-Award level performance. I *hated* Julia Stiles character, which is what the director intended, I believe, so she did well too. It is an interesting study of people, not a perfect movie by any means, but if I were the director, or an actor, I'd be proud.Seeing Stockard Channing's icy response to her promotion to CEO - while expecting she'd get fired, was so perfect for the up and down positions in high-tech companies. Remember this was made during the dot-bomb market. Her playful time at the gym and pool (and the elevator discussion about the *black* dildo) with Julie Stiles was so typical of women (or men) trying to bridge the generational gap.
gabriel2001-1 There's a lot more to this movie than meets the eye. This is a brain movie, and so those who might easily dismiss is as the sum of its symbolisms, or the transparency of plot line, just don't get it. (I feel a need to dismiss those who would dismiss the film). But from the postings, I see most people do get it, or at least are groping towards an understanding. So what if the plot is a reversal of "In The Company of Men". What is the film saying about women's sexuality when they go into business?--Leave it at the front door? (First generation of feminist thinkers).--Use it or lose it baby? (Generation Next). So this tension is beautifully played upon by the two protagonists. (And who's the antagonist?--Nick (clearly a shill), Business (you're getting warmer)--Our culture at large? (Bulls Eye!) Stylles character wants to assert it's hyper-cool attitude: a "free-lancer" (look it up in the dictionary: A Medieval Knight with no allegiance to prince or crown--available to the highest bidder). Plays the post-modern game of business like nobody's business. She's the working girl for the 21st century. Just tell her how much you have to spend and she'll tell you when the ride is through.Channing: Old School, played by the rules and now she's on top. And what a price she's payed. Allienation, Loneliness, Confusion about means and ends. Now vulnerable, but she's always lived by her wits, and she's not going to fold now.This is a movie I can confidently recommend to my young adult daughters.
SnoopyStyle Julie Styron (Stockard Channing) suspects she may be getting fired and hires headhunter Nick Harris (Fred Weller). She fires new assistant Paula Murphy (Julia Stiles). She is surprised when she is promoted to CEO. They later run into each other at a bar. They are joined by Nick when Paula reveals a shocking story to Julie.You should be able to see the ending coming a mile away. You know exactly the big reveal as soon as the "story" unfolds. It could've been interesting if something REAL edgy happens, but they might as well have a sing-along for the climax. Stockard Channing plays a smart, hard-nose executive, but couldn't ask the right questions to the guy? She's smart enough to run a multi-million dollar company, but so stupid she buys into the story. It's too bad. It has a good premise.