Experimental and Mundane

Despite only running for 14 episodes the original version of The Office is arguably one of the most influential TV shows of the 21st century, which can largely be boiled down to three things.

First, it helped to cement and popularise the single-camera, no-laugh-track sitcom format. A rarity in the British TV landscape at the time. This was helped by its use of a mockumentary style. This made the production feel more real. Allowing us to relate more to the characters and thereby making the funny and poignant moments hit harder.

Secondly, it focused on scenarios and characters that were incredibly relatable for viewers. From workplace romance to the cringe-worthy boss trying to be a friend to his employees without realising the power dynamics in the relationship, to the threat of downsizing and the awkward interactions and personalities you encounter in office work, many viewers were able to identify with what the Office brought to TV.

And lastly, it acted as a platform/launching pad for some great UK comedic and acting talent. The show would catapult most of its central cast, with relatively small CVs at the time, including Ricky Gervais, Martin Freeman and Mackenzie Crook into lengthy media careers. Plus it included bit appearances from future big-hitting UK talent alongside established names. Including Stephen Merchant, Ralph Ineson, Olivia Colman and Martha Howe-Douglas. Among others.

International Appeal

Since the Office ended in 2003 it has been remade in many different countries. These include Germany, Brazil, the USA, France, Canada, Chile, Israel, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Finland, India, Poland, Saudi Arabia and now Australia. These projects have had mixed responses. The US version is considered to be just as good, if not better than, the original series. The German and Brazilian adaptations also have high audience ratings on IMDb. Some adaptations may not be rated highly like Poland, Israel and Finland but they were at least popular enough to have several series made of them. Meanwhile, some remakes that only ran for a single series are rated very highly (Chile) while others are viewed very unfavourably (Canada).

Does It Always Work?

With so many different adaptations, all of which adhered to the mockumentary style, writing that focuses on realistic or/and relatable situations and most of them helping to give platforms to up-and-coming as well as smaller already active talent, what else is crucial for other adaptations of The Office to succeed?

This is a much more difficult question to answer. Many would say that it has to bring something new to the table rather than just parroting the original. And with examples like the more slapstick and over-the-top antics of the US version and the darker streak of Germany’s version that would appear to be the magic ingredient.

However one can argue that adapting to a different cultural context alone provides a reason for a remake to exist because office culture differs across geographical boundaries. For example, the commentary on racism in the Israeli and Chilean versions are pointed observations on racism in both countries. Yet one is looked on more favourably than the other. Additionally, the focus of the Australian version on the boss being a woman places a lens on workplace gender politics. A unique thing for a normally male-dominated franchise. The series has not been received well though (discounting review bombing from hate watchers).

A Missing Ingredient

Ultimately for a new Office project to work it doesn’t just have to do something new with the old formula while also recapturing the surface elements that made the original show work. It must also create characters that draw us in through compelling personalities that audiences attach to. The scenarios, presentation and stars are part of The Office’s appeal and a unique take on the material is a great thing to have. Although without an emotional anchor, The Office is just as dull as actual office work.

Also Read: Ten Great Mockumentaries To Watch

The post The Global Legacy of ‘The Office’: What Makes Some Remakes a Hit and Others a Miss? appeared first on Big Picture Film Club.

The Story

Based on the biography of Dick Cheney, as well as interviews with known associates, Vice tells the life story of Dick Cheney (played by Christian Bale). The film documents the period of him being kicked out of Yale University to the end of George W. Bush’s administration, for which he served as Vice President. The viewer is guided through his life story by the narrator, Kurt (Jesse Plemons), we later discover how these two individuals are connected.

The supporting cast includes Amy Adams (Arrival, Justice League) as Dick Cheney’s wife, Lynne Cheney; Steve Carell (Beautiful Boy, Welcome to Marwen) as Donald Rumsfeld; Tyler Perry (Nobody’s Fool) as Colin Powell; and Sam Rockwell (Three Billboards) as President George W Bush.

Hitting The Mark

Over the years, Christian Bale has proven himself to be a master at immersing himself in the characters he plays, fortunately, this remains true with his depiction of Dick Cheney. From the stoic demeanour and gravelly voice, Christian Bale’s performance is on par with previous performances in American Hustle & The Fighter.

Lynne Cheney is very much the backbone of the Cheney family. Her motivations are often a lot clearer than Dick Cheney’s, which allows Amy Adams to play her role with greater depth. Her need for a sense of security in her relationship, based on her parent’s abusive relationship and her wishes to realise her own ambitions, at a time women couldn’t so easily do, gives her character a sense of drive. One that is felt constantly throughout the film.

Sam Rockwell’s depiction of George W Bush largely stays true to the former president and is as equally believable as Christian Bale’s Cheney. One of the stronger points of Vice is exploring the relationship between George W. Bush and Dick Cheney. George W. Bush once described his relationship with Dick Cheney as “cordial” and that’s largely how their relationship is shown on screen.

Most of the film revolves around three periods, which has defined modern-day Conservative politics in the U.S: The power-vacuum formed after the resignation of President Nixon because of the Watergate Scandal, the rise of the Bush family in the Republican Party & 9/11.

The film also makes references to how the wider landscape of how Conservative politics developed: from Roger Ailes’ initial wish to form a Conservative Party News Channel, which then became Fox News; to billionaires, the Koch brothers and their influence on the party.

Thought Process

Despite being accurate on key events, a downfall of the film is understanding Dick Cheney’s motivation in the first place. Early on in the film he is described as a “so-so student” and having been expelled from Yale and battling drinking, his decision to study and enter into politics, much less the long ascent to becoming the United States’ most powerful Vice President ever, isn’t given the on-screen time that it should have.

Is Dick Cheney motivated by hatred? fear? Or atriotism? Without this explored it can make light of the ruthlessness in which the real Dick Cheney moulded the Republican Party over the past decades. And whilst the director, Adam McKay, does present some facts and figures, it does little to show the motivating factors in pursuing the “War on Terror” as viciously as Dick Cheney did.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a fan of The Big Short, you’ll certainly enjoy this. The supporting cast is great and Christian Bale is believable in his depiction of Dick Cheney. Even though it doesn’t quite reach the captivating heights of a film like Wolf of Wall Street in describing a “rise to power” story, it’s an intriguing look at how the political landscape of Republican politics has changed over the last four decades.

Verdict: (3.5 / 5)

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