Plot: What’s it about?
Tess McGill (Melanie Griffith) is a working class woman, but she has worked hard and as such, carries a degree in business. She went through night school to do so, which has her behind others, who attended name colleges and such. Nonetheless, she pushes forward and tries to make it past her secretary duties, no matter what it takes. After her bosses try to get her to sleep with a client (Kevin Spacey), she quits in a huff and searches for a new position, though this is the last chance the temp agency will offer her. So she takes on a job as an assistant to Katherine Parker (Sigourney Weaver), a no nonsense executive who seems nice enough, but has a severe killer instinct. When Katherine tries to steal an idea from Tess, she ends up in a ski accident and soon, Tess decides to take a chance and make some moves. Can she strike a deal in this window of chance, or will she once again be left behind?
This film was well received back around its release, both from critics and audiences, who seemed to love the picture. It has remained a popular movie since and as time passes, it picks up even more fans as it rolls along. I’d seen this film on cable television a few times, but this was my first chance to see it uncut and in widescreen, so I was looking forward to this disc. I liked the movie a lot this time around and was pleased to see it in widescreen, but I don’t think it deserves the “modern classic” label it is often given. The elements are all good, from Mike Nichols’ solid direction to the more than able cast, but it never clicked that much with me, perhaps it just wasn’t aimed at me, who knows. But I did like the movie and especially the performances, from Melanie Griffith, Harrison Ford, Sigourney Weaver, and in a hilarious smaller role, Kevin Spacey. I think this is a well made, well written effort and if you need something to rent, I’d give this a strong recommendation. If you’re a fan however, this is one disc you will want to own, to be sure, thanks to the much improved video, though not many extras were included.
Melanie Griffith was nominated for an Oscar for her turn in this film, [Editor: That’s what’s wrong with the world these days…] which is enough to make some give this a spin, just to see Griffith in a great performance. I happen to like Griffith’s style and choice of roles, but not everyone does and as time passes, she seems to slip even further from the spotlight, to be sure. But her quirky presence sometimes nails the characters and in this case, that is just what happens. I do think the terrific supporting players add to her effort, but Griffith is the central force here, at least I think so. You can also see Griffith in such films as Cherry 2000, Pacific Heights, Body Double, Something Wild, and Another Day In Paradise. The cast here also includes Harrison Ford (Patriot Games, Return of the Jedi), Sigourney Weaver (Ghostbusters, Aliens), Alec Baldwin (Pearl Harbor, The Edge), Oliver Platt (Ready to Rumble, Diggstown), and Kevin Spacey (American Beauty, The Usual Suspects).
Video: How does it look?
Working Girl is presented in a 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer. I was very pleased with this presentation and while the image looks a tad dated at times, I don’t think anyone will be let down with this one. I do think some scenes look softer than I’d like, but not too often and most of the time, the picture is quite sharp. The film’s grounded color scheme is well presented, with normal hues and accurate flesh tones, while contrast is even handed and never falters. I was worried this transfer might be too dated, but Fox has supplied the finest home video treatment yet, which should delight fans of the movie.
Audio: How does it sound?
The included 3.0 surround track provides an excellent front channel based experience, so I never missed the rear speakers for a second. The elements seemed richer and more expansive in the 3.0 mix, as compared to the 2.0 surround option also included. The music and various sound effects come across in fine form, with no problems in the least to discuss. No issues in terms of dialogue either, as vocals sound rich and crisp at all times. This disc also includes 2.0 surround tracks in English and French, as well as subtitles in English and Spanish.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc includes two theatrical trailers, as well as a trio of television spots.
