Podcast Summary: "Working Girl" Episode of The Rewatchables

Introduction In this episode of The Rewatchables, hosted by Bill Simmons from The Ringer, alongside Amanda Dobbins and Joanna Robinson, the trio delves deep into the 1988 romantic comedy classic, Working Girl. The discussion explores why this film remains a beloved rewatchable, examining its cultural significance, stellar performances, and enduring themes.

Overview Working Girl serves as the focal point of this episode, with the hosts analyzing its portrayal of female empowerment in the workplace, the dynamics between its characters, and the directorial prowess of Mike Nichols. The conversation intertwines personal anecdotes, critical insights, and humorous "award" segments that highlight memorable moments from the film.

Acting Performances The hosts commend Melanie Griffith's portrayal of Tess McGill, highlighting her transformation from a secretary to a confident professional. Amanda praises Griffith as the "perfect romantic comedy" lead and a cultural icon, stating, “It's like a Cinderella story... one of the great movie songs” ([02:57]). Joanna Robinson lauds Griffith's nuanced performance, noting, “She is more than your stereotypical rom-com lead,” and emphasizes how Griffith brings vulnerability and determination to her character ([12:23]).

Sigourney Weaver's role as Tess's boss receives significant attention. Bill Simmons remarks, “I actually like her the most than Dave,” referring to Weaver’s multifaceted roles ([28:07]). The discussion also touches on Weaver's versatility, comparing her Working Girl character to her iconic roles in Alien and Aliens, describing her performance as “a very weird Sigourney Weaver in a good way” ([24:54]).

Harrison Ford's portrayal of Jack Trainer is celebrated for bringing charm and depth to the character. Amanda highlights Ford’s “hilarious” and “charming” performance, especially in scenes where he supports Tess ([31:11]). Joanna adds, “The shirtless scene is very good,” appreciating Ford’s ability to blend humor with vulnerability ([31:42]).

Direction and Mike Nichols Mike Nichols’ direction is praised for his ability to craft believable, intricate characters and navigate complex workplace dynamics. Amanda describes Nichols as “really good at people talking and characters being believable,” crediting him for the film’s authentic feel ([38:19]). The hosts discuss Nichols' illustrious career, referencing his other works like Silkwood and Postcards from the Edge, and how his collaboration with strong female leads has left a lasting impact on cinema ([37:50]).

Cultural Context and 80s Romcoms Working Girl is contextualized within the 1980s’ landscape of professional women in film. Amanda explains, “It is really fascinating to watch them now... this is how I learned how I was supposed to go to work and supposed to dress” ([09:07]). The film’s portrayal of Wall Street and corporate ambition reflects the era’s cultural aspirations, with themes like “greed is good” permeating the storyline ([05:30]).

Joanna Robinson draws parallels between Working Girl and other quintessential 80s films like Die Hard and The Breakfast Club, noting how these movies collectively capture the spirit of the decade ([04:15]). The hosts discuss how 80s romcoms like Working Girl offered edgier narratives compared to modern iterations, providing deeper character development and unpredictability ([130:26]).

Oscar Nominations and Competition The episode delves into Working Girl's six Academy Award nominations, exploring why Melanie Griffith did not win Best Actress despite her remarkable performance. Bill Simmons muses, “I can't believe she got nominated because Elizabeth Perkins in Big,” underscoring the unpredictable nature of Oscar selections ([47:02]). The hosts compare the film’s nominations to its contemporaries like Rain Man and Dangerous Liaisons, debating which film deserved the accolades ([43:46]).

Memorable Scenes and Quotes Several standout scenes from Working Girl are dissected:

• The Makeover Montage ([14:44]): The transformation of Tess from a disheveled secretary to a polished professional symbolizes her personal and professional growth.

• Meeting at the Bar ([36:39]): The “meet cute” between Tess and Jack Trainer is highlighted as a pivotal moment, featuring memorable lines like, “Do you know me?” ([54:05]).

• The Elevator Showdown ([58:00]): A humorous yet tense confrontation that showcases the film’s blend of comedy and drama.

• The Luau Wedding Party ([56:45]): Celebrated for its vibrant depiction of 80s party culture and the chemistry between characters ([56:43]).

Notable quotes include Tess's determination, “You don't get anywhere in this world by waiting for what you want to come to you. Make it happen” ([35:07]), and Jack Trainer’s charismatic lines, adding depth to his role ([53:58]).

Casting What-ifs The hosts engage in speculative casting discussions, pondering how different actors could have influenced the film:

• Demi Moore: Discussed as an alternative to Melanie Griffith, but unanimously deemed unsuitable due to lack of vulnerability ([88:46]).

• Joan Cusack: Praised for her role as Tess’s assistant, reflecting on her potential and impact on the storyline ([74:07]).

• Whoopi Goldberg and Meg Ryan: Considered but ultimately rejected for their versions of Tess, maintaining the consensus that Melanie Griffith was the perfect fit ([91:50]).

Humorous Awards Segment Injecting humor into their analysis, the hosts create playful award categories specific to Working Girl:

• Best Scene: Awarded for the transformation montage and the bar meeting between Tess and Jack ([62:07]).

• Best Pop Culture Song: Debated between Carly Simon’s “Let the River Run” and other era-defining tracks ([66:05]).

• Worst Movie Element: Highlighting minor plot inconsistencies and character decisions, like Tess's abrupt career moves ([78:49]).

These segments add levity and showcase the hosts' affectionate critique of the film’s quirks.

Comparative Analysis and Legacy The discussion compares Working Girl to other romantic comedies across different decades, emphasizing its uniqueness and lasting appeal. Amanda notes that older romcoms like Working Girl offered more “edge” and unpredictability compared to the “glossiness” of modern films ([132:33]).

Craig comments on the depth of characters in 80s and 90s romcoms, appreciating their complexity and the balance between professional ambition and romantic endeavors ([126:04]). The hosts argue that Working Girl set a benchmark for strong female leads in romantic comedies, influencing subsequent films in the genre.

Conclusion The trio concludes by reaffirming Working Girl’s status as a rewatchable classic, celebrating its blend of humor, romance, and sharp social commentary. They reflect on how the film’s themes resonate across generations, making it a timeless piece that continues to inspire and entertain audiences today.

Notable Quotes

• Tess McGill (Melanie Griffith): “You don't get anywhere in this world by waiting for what you want to come to you. Make it happen.” ([35:07])
• Jack Trainer (Harrison Ford): “Would you like a nightcap? I guess not. It’s too late for coffee.” ([31:42])
• Amanda Dobbins: “I dunked my face in a bowl of ice water this morning inspired by Melanie Griffith.” ([19:33])
• Joanna Robinson: “Have you done a baby boom rewatch? Is that what we're pitching right now?” ([09:51])

This episode offers a comprehensive and entertaining exploration of Working Girl, providing listeners with rich insights and a renewed appreciation for its place in cinematic history.