TV MINI-SERIES REVIEW
A Shock to the System
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Genre: Comedy, Crime, Thriller
Year Released: 1990, 2024 101 Films Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 28m
Director(s): Jan Egleson
Writer(s): Simon Brett, Andrew Klavan
Cast: Michael Caine, Elizabeth McGovern, Peter Riegert, Swoosie Kurtz, Will Patton, Jenny Wright, John McMartin, Barbara Baxley, Haviland Morris, Philip Moon
Where To Watch: releases on Blu-ray May 27, 2024; pre-order here www.101-films-store.com

RAVING REVIEW: From its opening moments, A SHOCK TO THE SYSTEM sets the stage for a riveting story of unchecked ambition and ethical compromise. As the formidable Graham Marshall, Michael Caine navigates a venomous corporate landscape where backstabbing and power plays are par for the course. Directed by Jan Egleson, the film captures the relentless intensity of the 1980s corporate scene, where professional advancement often comes at a significant moral cost.

Marshall’s story unfolds as he stands on the brink of what he perceives as a well-deserved promotion. However, his ascent is thwarted by a younger, more cunning adversary, Robert Riegert (Robert Benham), igniting a firestorm of revenge that spirals into the extremes. This narrative pivot is carefully depicted, heightening the suspense as Marshall's personal and professional lives collide. Swoosie Kurtz delivers a compelling performance as Marshall’s wife, Leslie, and her materialistic personality adds further tension to the escalating story.

Egleson's direction delves deep into Marshall's psyche, capturing his evolution from a disillusioned executive to a cold-blooded strategist. The film's sharp screenplay and meticulous character framing enhance this transformation, creating a rich tale of intrigue. The supporting cast, including Elizabeth McGovern and John McMartin, injects additional depth, portraying characters who are both complex and compelling in their own right. If you like that 90s thriller vibe, this film will be right up your alley!

The film sharply criticizes the era's rampant capitalism, depicting the office landscape in A SHOCK TO THE SYSTEM as a brutal arena of manipulation. Based on Simon Brett’s novel of the same name, Andrew Klavan's script weaves dark humor with taut suspense, painting a stark picture of the corporate world's often murky ethical waters.

The visual storytelling in A SHOCK TO THE SYSTEM is as compelling as its narrative. Cinematographer Paul Goldsmith and editors William M. Anderson and Peter C. Frank collaborate seamlessly to enhance the film's dual themes of decay and duplicity. The slick corporate settings contrast starkly with the shadowy, menacing streets of New York, encapsulating the film’s overarching motifs of deception and moral decline.

While A SHOCK TO THE SYSTEM excels in many areas, it does face challenges. The film's pacing and short runtime constrain the development of some characters, notably McGovern’s, whose full narrative potential remains tantalizingly out of reach. Despite these minor setbacks, A SHOCK TO THE SYSTEM remains an incisive critique of the corporate world, propelled by Caine’s unforgettable performance. His depiction of Marshall terrifies and fascinates, securing the film's status as a notable exploration of the dangerous interplay between power and ethics.

A SHOCK TO THE SYSTEM is a potent reminder of the profound sacrifices required in the ruthless pursuit of power. Boasting a stellar ensemble, dynamic direction, and a script that navigates the complexities of corporate amorality, the film offers a compelling, cautionary tale about the perils of unchecked ambition and the steep ethical price of corporate success.

SPECIAL FEATURES:
Audio commentary with Director Jan Egleson
Interview with Jan Egleson
Alternate ending
Theatrical trailer
Still gallery

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[photo courtesy of 101 FILMS]

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