Watch Office Killer

Office Killer is a dark comedy film directed by Cindy Sherman and released in 1997. The movie follows the story of Dorine Douglas (played by Carol Kane), a shy and introverted proofreader at a magazine company. Dorine is looked down on by her colleagues and boss, and is given very little attention despite her hard work. When the magazine company decides to transfer the proofreading work to a new software, Dorine becomes outraged and frustrated, and her already shaky mental state starts to deteriorate.

Meanwhile, her mother is hospitalized, and Dorine has to take care of her house. She decides to bring her work home with her, and in the process, she starts to develop a morbid fascination with her power tools. This fascination becomes insidious, and Dorine starts to invite her colleagues to her house under the pretense of a dinner party. However, once they arrive, Dorine resorts to her newfound obsession and starts to kill them off one by one, in a twisted act of revenge for the way they've treated her.

The film explores themes of mental illness, workplace toxicity, and the consequences of social isolation. Dorine's descent into madness is portrayed in a chilling manner, and Kane's performance is both haunting and poignant. The supporting cast, including Florina Rodov, Jason Brill, and Eddie Malavarca, all play their roles with precision and skill, contributing to the overall atmospheric quality of the film.

One of the film's strengths is its attention to detail. As a photographer and visual artist, Sherman has a keen eye for composition and lighting, and this translates into the film's aesthetics. The office scenes are sterile and cold, with drab lighting and muted colors, emphasizing the bleakness of Dorine's work environment. Conversely, her home scenes are warm and cozy, with bright colors and warm lighting, lulling the viewer into a false sense of security before the horror ensues.

Another strength is the film's humor. While the subject matter is dark and disturbing, the film presents a satirical take on workplace culture and the superficiality of human relationships. The characters are caricatures, with exaggerated personalities and flaws that are meant to be both humorous and critical. For instance, one character is obsessed with her appearance and plastic surgery, while another is fixated on climbing the corporate ladder at any cost. Through these characters, the film explores the toxicity of ambition and the commodification of human bodies.

However, the film does have its weaknesses. Some critics have pointed out that the film's pacing is slow, with too much emphasis on atmosphere and not enough on plot development. Additionally, the film's violence is often graphic and disturbing, which may not be suitable for all audiences. As a result, the film may be better suited for those who enjoy psychological horror and black humor, rather than traditional slasher films.

Overall, Office Killer is a unique and thought-provoking film that blurs the line between horror and comedy. It is a bold debut for Sherman, and a testament to her vision and creativity as an artist. Through her use of subversive humor and nightmarish imagery, she presents a biting critique of capitalist culture and the dehumanizing effects of modern technology. While the film may not be for everyone, it is undoubtedly a unique and evocative piece of cinema that deserves recognition.