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Spotswood is a 1991 Australian comedy-drama film that explores the daily operations of Ballarat Office Works, a Melbourne-based company that specializes in manufacturing rubber erasers. The movie stars Anthony Hopkins as Mr. Ballarat, the company's eccentric founder, and Ben Mendelsohn as Carey, a newly-appointed executive tasked with modernizing the company's practices.

The movie takes place during the 1960s when the Australian economy is booming, and businesses are expanding. However, Ballarat Office Works is lagging behind due to its outdated methods and lack of innovation. Carey, a young and ambitious executive, sees the potential in the company and proposes several changes that could improve efficiency and increase profits.

However, Carey's ideas are met with resistance from the company's senior staff, who are happy with the status quo. In particular, Mr. Ballarat is apprehensive about changing anything in his company, as he believes that he has built something special and doesn't want to jeopardize its success. Thus, Carey has a difficult job getting everyone on board, as the company's culture and processes have been deeply ingrained over the years.

As the story unfolds, we see the various employees of Ballarat Office Works going about their daily routines. Among them is Wallace (Alwyn Kurts), one of the company's long-time workers, who is tasked with showing Carey around and helping him understand the company's ins and outs. Wallace, a traditionalist who is resistant to change, is skeptical of Carey's proposals, but keeps an open mind.

The movie also introduces us to several other characters who work at the company, each with their quirks and personalities that contribute to the overall atmosphere of the film. For example, we have Cheryl (Rebecca Rigg), a shy but ambitious secretary who has a crush on Carey, and Jerry (Toni Collette), a young and rebellious temp-worker who is constantly feuding with her boss.

Despite the movie's comedic tone, Spotswood also tackles some serious themes, such as the resentment between the old and the new guard in the workplace, the struggles of working-class life, and the delicate balance between innovation and tradition. It offers a nuanced portrayal of these issues, highlighting the pros and cons of each perspective.

What makes Spotswood stand out is its humanistic approach to storytelling. The characters feel like real people with their unique personalities, struggles, and ambitions. The movie doesn't demonize anyone or take sides but rather presents a complex and nuanced portrayal of a workplace in transition.

Overall, Spotswood is a gem of a movie, packed with witty dialogue, memorable characters, and poignant themes. It's a must-watch for fans of delightful workplace comedies with a heart.

Spotswood is a 1991 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.