The Business of Strangers (2001)

Slow pace in the most part of the movie.

Captivating movie !

A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.

Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.

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.

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.

Stockard Channing balances toughness and vulnerability in this intimate glimpse of how deception digs its hooks into a hard-driving corporate executive who meets a cool bohemian (Julia Stiles) with a plan and decides to go along for the ride.There's an uneasy and unconvincing bonding between the two - not the buddy kind of Thelma and Louise - that puts this story on edge. Channing brings as much life to her character as possible, yet the path she follows doesn't ring true. While she has reached a pinnacle in her career that leads to the inevitable, "What now?" question, her falling in with the Stiles character doesn't make a good enough answer.It could be the basic incongruity of this camaraderie, though, that makes it a viable thriller. I wanted to yell, "No, don't do it!" to each of the main characters at various times. And I felt that sense of dread when things started the inevitable downward spiral from bad to worse.These bad-to-worse actions of the two main characters can elicit a squirmy discomfort on the part of the viewer. Sometimes the movie's just too hard to watch. Yes, there's tension and excitement. But there's also a little too much mean-spirited violent behavior (not necessarily raw violence) that makes for difficult viewing.The movie feels like a stage play, demanding that the dialog carry the story. Unfortunately, it lacks wit and compassion, and the thin plot and weak resolution don't help out any. The best part is Channing. 6 stars.

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.