Watch The Efficiency Expert

The Efficiency Expert is a 1991 Australian comedy-drama film starring Anthony Hopkins, Ben Mendelsohn, and Alwyn Kurts. Directed by Mark Joffe, the film follows the story of an ambitious and ruthless efficiency expert named Graham Marshall (Hopkins) who is hired to improve the operations of a failing Australian brassiere factory. Marshall's arrival is met with resistance from the factory workers, including the foreman (Kurts) and his son, Gerry (Mendelsohn). The factory has been in decline for years, and the workers fear that Marshall's proposed changes will lead to job cuts and the closure of the factory.

As the story unfolds, Marshall faces a number of challenges, including the difficult task of modernizing the factory's outdated machinery, navigating complex workplace relationships, and dealing with a meddling union representative who is determined to protect the interests of the workers at any cost.

Despite these obstacles, Marshall remains focused on his task, using his sharp analytical mind and business acumen to implement a series of changes aimed at improving the factory's efficiency and increasing its profitability. His efforts are met with mixed results, however, as the workers continue to resist his plans and tensions escalate between management and labor.

As the film progresses, Marshall begins to develop a deeper understanding of the people and the culture of the factory. He starts to see things from the perspective of the workers and realizes that his initial approach may not have been the best way to win their trust and support. Marshall's character undergoes a significant transformation, as he shifts his focus from cost-cutting and efficiency to a more collaborative and inclusive approach that values the input and contributions of all stakeholders.

The Efficiency Expert is a well-crafted film that offers a complex and engaging exploration of themes such as leadership, teamwork, and organizational culture. The performances are uniformly excellent, with Hopkins delivering a standout turn as the charismatic and complex Graham Marshall. The supporting cast also shines, particularly Mendelsohn, who brings a depth and humanity to his portrayal of the conflicted and troubled Gerry.

The film presents a nuanced and thought-provoking commentary on the challenges facing modern organizations, particularly those in industries undergoing significant technological and economic change. Its message is a timely and relevant one, even today, as companies continue to grapple with the need to balance the demands of shareholders with the needs of their workers and the broader society.

Overall, The Efficiency Expert is a must-see film that offers a compelling and entertaining look at the world of business and the complex web of relationships that underpins organizational success. It is a film that will resonate with anyone who has ever worked in a factory or struggled to navigate the complex dynamics of modern organizations.

The Efficiency Expert is a 1992 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.