Although the primary goal of movies is entertainment, in many cases they reflect daily life during the time period they are published. It is important for movies to showcase workplace issues with because they help raise awareness and spark important conversations about behavior, policy, expectations and current issues.
Nine to Five, 1980
The 1980 film *Nine to Five*, starring Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton, offers a pointed and humorous critique of workplace inequities, particularly those affecting women. Set in a corporate office environment, the movie addresses issues such as gender-based discrimination, unequal pay, lack of opportunities for advancement, and sexual harassment. The oppressive and misogynistic behavior of the office manager, Franklin Hart Jr., serves as a symbol of systemic workplace injustice. Through their struggle to challenge his authority, the female protagonists illuminate how women are often undervalued and subjected to both overt and covert forms of sexism, which hinder their professional growth and personal well-being.
The film also emphasizes the power of collaboration and solidarity in addressing workplace challenges. By uniting to overthrow their tyrannical boss and implement progressive changes, the women demonstrate the transformative potential of mutual support and shared goals. The reforms they introduce, such as flexible hours, childcare options, and merit-based promotions, reflect forward-thinking workplace practices that remain relevant in discussions about equity and inclusion today.
*Nine to Five* uses satire to highlight the frustrations and aspirations of workers, making it both a critique of past workplace norms and a call to action for employers and team mates alike.
Some Like It Hot, 1959 (Marilyn Monroe, Jack Lemmon)
The 1959 classic film Some Like It Hot, starring Marilyn Monroe, Jack Lemmon, and Tony Curtis, presents a comedic yet insightful lens on workplace issues, particularly gender dynamics and harassment. Through its farcical plot, where two male musicians disguise themselves as women to evade gangsters, the film delves into the treatment of women in professional spaces. Marilyn Monroe’s character, Sugar Kane, works as a singer in an all-female band, where she endures objectification and a lack of professional respect. Her experiences highlight the challenges women faced during the era, including being valued more for their appearance than their talent, navigating unwanted advances, and limited career mobility within male-dominated industries. These themes remain relevant as workplaces continue striving for equitable treatment and safe environments for all employees.
The film also underscores the complexities of workplace relationships and identity. Joe (Tony Curtis) and Jerry (Jack Lemmon) disguised as “Josephine” and “Daphne,” experience firsthand the biases and challenges faced by women in professional settings. Their dual identities amplify the comedic tension but also highlight deeper issues, such as the pervasive lack of boundaries and respect in workplace interactions. The camaraderie and support among the female band members offer a glimpse of solidarity in challenging circumstances, reflecting how professional relationships can foster resilience. By blending humor with sharp social commentary, Some Like It Hot subtly critiques the gender inequities and inappropriate behaviors that often went unaddressed in the workplace of its time.
Movie: Terms of Endearment, 1983. (Jack Nicholson, Shirley McLaine)
Predator Behavior: Garrett Breedlove (Jack Nicholson) is propositioning his neighbor Aurora (Shirley MacLaine) for sex when he touches her arm with his finger. He does it a second time, even though she flinches and pulls her sweater more tightly around her.
The 1983 film Terms of Endearment explores the complexities of personal relationships, but it also addresses notable workplace issues, particularly as they intersect with gender roles and family responsibilities. Emma Greenway Horton, a central character, struggles to balance her roles as a mother, wife, and employee after her marriage deteriorates. Her economic vulnerability highlights the limited professional opportunities available to women in the early 1980s, especially those with caregiving responsibilities. Emma’s financial challenges and reliance on low-paying jobs reflect the systemic barriers that women faced in achieving career advancement and economic independence, underscoring the inequities in workplace structures and societal expectations.
The film also portrays workplace sexism and power imbalances through various interactions. Emma’s attempts to secure employment reveal the limited agency afforded to women, particularly those reentering the workforce after prioritizing family responsibilities. Furthermore, the movie subtly critiques the lack of support systems for working mothers, such as affordable childcare and flexible work arrangements, which exacerbates the difficulties Emma faces. These challenges illustrate broader societal issues that prevent women from fully participating in professional environments, often forcing them to make sacrifices in either their personal or professional lives.
The movie serves as a poignant exploration of how personal and professional spheres are intertwined, particularly for women navigating societal and workplace inequities. Emma’s story highlights the need for structural changes in the workplace to support employees with caregiving responsibilities, promote gender equity, and provide opportunities for meaningful career progression. By portraying these struggles with emotional depth and authenticity, the film invites audiences to reflect on the systemic challenges that continue to affect workers.
Movie: Tootsie, 1982 (Dustin Hoffman, George Gaynes)
The 1982 film *Tootsie*, starring Dustin Hoffman, offers a satirical yet poignant exploration of gender roles and workplace behavior, including instances of sexual misconduct and predatory behavior.
Michael Dorsey (Dustin Hoffman) is a struggling actor who masquerades as “Dorothy Michaels” to get a part. Dorothy Michaels’ co-star, John Van Horn (George Gaynes) forcibly kisses Dorothy in the workplace. Later in the movie, he goes to her apartment and tries to physically force her to have sex with him as she struggles and says she does not want to. He releases Dorothy when her roommate walks into the apartment. “Nothing happened here tonight,” John says apologetically to the roommate as he leaves. John tries to rape Dorothy, but John does not know Dorothy is a man. He would not want to rape her if he knew.
Below are several additional examples from the film that highlight predatory workplace behavior, including:
1. Ron Carlisle’s Inappropriate Advances: Ron, the soap opera director, frequently displays predatory behavior toward the female cast members, including Dorothy Michaels (Michael Dorsey in disguise). His advances and unprofessional conduct exemplify the abuse of power by individuals in supervisory roles, creating an environment of discomfort and exploitation.
2. Sexual Objectification of Dorothy: As Dorothy, Michael experiences firsthand how women are often treated in the workplace. Male colleagues and superiors frequently comment on her appearance and make unwelcome advances, highlighting the pervasive issue of objectification and its impact on women’s ability to perform their jobs without interference.
3. John Van Horn’s Predatory Behavior: John Van Horn, a lecherous actor on the soap opera, repeatedly attempts to seduce Dorothy, ignoring her apparent lack of interest. His actions, which include physical advances, underscore how predatory behavior can create unsafe and hostile working conditions, particularly for women.
4. Michael’s Reflection on Gender Dynamics: As he experiences workplace harassment in the guise of Dorothy, Michael gains insight into the pervasive sexism women endure. This realization forces him to confront his own past behavior and recognize the harmful impact of unchecked power dynamics and sexualized interactions in professional settings.
5. Julie’s Experience with Ron: Julie Nichols, a fellow actor and Michael’s love interest, shares her frustrations with Ron’s condescending and flirtatious behavior. Her experiences shed light on how such conduct not only undermines women’s confidence but also hinders their ability to advance in their careers without compromising their boundaries.
These examples demonstrate *Tootsie’s* nuanced commentary on workplace harassment and the systemic inequalities faced by women. Through its comedic yet incisive lens, the film exposes the harm caused by predatory behavior and emphasizes the need for respect and equity in professional environments.
Movie: Men in Black II, 2002 (Will Smith, Rosario Dawson)
In the 2002 film Men in Black II, the issue of workplace sexual harassment is subtly implied through specific character interactions, particularly involving Serleena, the alien antagonist. Serleena, portrayed as a highly sexualized character, uses her appearance to manipulate others and gain power. This depiction, while aligned with the comedic and action-oriented tone of the movie, mirrors real-world workplace dynamics where inappropriate behavior or objectification can disrupt professional environments.
The exaggerated portrayal of her character calls attention to the discomfort and boundary violations that can arise when individuals exploit their positions or physical attributes to exert control.
Agent J’s interactions with other characters, including women, also touch on the theme of maintaining professionalism in workplace relationships. While much of the film’s humor derives from its lighthearted approach to character dynamics, some moments may blur the line between collegial banter and inappropriate commentary.
In Men in Black II, sexualized or predator-like behavior is mostly played for comedic effect but can still serve as examples of inappropriate interactions or boundary violations in a workplace context. Below are five notable examples from the film:
- Serleena’s Seductive Manipulation: Serleena, the alien antagonist, frequently uses her physical appearance and overtly sexualized behavior to manipulate others. Early in the film, she exploits her seductive demeanor to intimidate and control her targets, demonstrating how power dynamics can intersect with sexualized behavior in manipulative ways.
- The Magazine Kiosk Scene: Serleena initially takes on the form of a lingerie model from a magazine cover, reinforcing the trope of women being objectified or reduced to their physical appearance. While intended for humor, this depiction reinforces stereotypes that can perpetuate inappropriate behavior in real-world workplaces by normalizing the objectification of women.
- Jeebs’ Inappropriate Comments: Jeebs, the alien pawnshop owner, makes flirtatious and suggestive remarks in some of his interactions. While the comments are meant to inject humor, they reflect behaviors that could create a hostile or uncomfortable environment in a professional setting if they were directed at colleagues.
- Agent J’s Flirting with Laura: Agent J exhibits a romantic interest in Laura Vasquez, the film’s human protagonist. While his behavior does not escalate to overt harassment, the blending of personal feelings and professional duty highlights how workplace romance can complicate professional boundaries, particularly in hierarchical or high-stakes environments.
- The Worm Aliens’ Behavior: The worm-like aliens, who provide comic relief, are shown to be flirtatious and lewd in their interactions. While they are depicted as harmless, their behavior exemplifies how overly casual or inappropriate remarks in a workplace can undermine professionalism and make others uncomfortable.
These examples, while often exaggerated for comedic or dramatic effect, serve as reminders of the importance of fostering respectful workplace environments. They highlight behaviors that, in real-world settings, could contribute to a culture of harassment or discomfort if left unchecked.
These instances, while not overtly framed as harassment, underscore the importance of clear boundaries and respect in professional settings, particularly in hierarchical organizations like the Men in Black agency. Such dynamics can perpetuate discomfort and power imbalances if left unaddressed, affecting team cohesion and morale.
The film provides an opportunity to reflect on how the media portrays workplace interactions and the implications of those portrayals.
While Men in Black II primarily focuses on its action and comedic elements, the underlying themes of power, manipulation, and respect in professional relationships are relevant in real-world discussions about workplace culture. Addressing harassment and fostering an environment of mutual respect are critical for any organization, fictional or otherwise, to ensure a safe and equitable space for all members.
Movie: The Wolf of Wall Street, 2013 (Leonardo DiCaprio; Jonah Hill)
The 2013 film The Wolf of Wall Street, directed by Martin Scorsese, is a satirical and exaggerated portrayal of Wall Street excesses in the 1990s, including rampant unethical behavior, substance abuse, and predatory sexual conduct in the workplace. Below are seven examples from the film that highlight issues of sexual behavior and predatory conduct in professional settings:
- Strippers and Sex in the Office: The Stratton Oakmont office culture normalizes the hiring of strippers and the use of the workplace for sexual encounters. This blatant disregard for professional boundaries reflects a toxic environment where women are objectified and treated as entertainment rather than colleagues.
- Sexual Harassment of Female Employees: The firm’s culture actively encourages inappropriate behavior toward female employees, including public objectification and sexual comments. Female staff are frequently treated as subordinate or solely valued for their physical appearance, fostering a hostile and unsafe work environment.
- Naomi Lapaglia’s Introduction: Jordan Belfort meets Naomi at a party, where she is introduced as a trophy-like figure, reinforcing the perception of women as status symbols. This dynamic carries into the workplace, where similar attitudes toward women perpetuate gender inequities and predatory behavior.
- Publicly Degrading Employee for Sexual Incentives: In one infamous scene, a female employee is coerced into shaving her head in exchange for monetary rewards to fund breast implants, a decision made under immense peer pressure and for the amusement of her male colleagues. This act demonstrates how power imbalances can lead to humiliating and exploitative treatment.
- Sexualized Hiring Practices: The hiring of assistants and other employees at Stratton Oakmont often appears to prioritize physical attractiveness over qualifications, reflecting discriminatory and unethical practices that undermine professional standards and perpetuate objectification.
- Jordan’s Affairs and Misconduct: Jordan’s numerous affairs, some of which involve employees or business associates, blur professional boundaries and demonstrate how those in power may exploit their positions for personal gratification, creating an atmosphere of favoritism and misconduct.
- Drug-Fueled Party Culture: The pervasive use of drugs in the office contributes to an environment where inhibitions are lowered, and predatory behavior becomes rampant. This culture enables inappropriate sexual advances, harassment, and exploitation under the guise of camaraderie and celebration.
These examples highlight the toxic workplace culture depicted in The Wolf of Wall Street, where unethical practices and a lack of accountability foster an environment rife with exploitation and harassment. While exaggerated for cinematic effect, the film reflects serious workplace issues that undermine professionalism, equity, and safety.
A notable issue: the feelings of the victims are never touched on.
By portraying real-life struggles, films can humanize the issue, encouraging empathy and understanding. They can also challenge harmful norms, empower victims, and inspire organizational and cultural change.
Additionally, these portrayals provide a platform for discussing preventive measures and the importance of accountability in work environments, which can contribute to fostering safer, more respectful workplaces. Ultimately, films can play a critical role in shifting societal attitudes and encouraging legal and policy reforms.
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