Office Space Redux

As King of the Hill goes into its umpteenth season on the Fox Network schedule, I have to wonder how this pedestrian show overshadows Mike Judge’s true contribution to pop culture: the cinematic wonder that is 1999’s Office Space. This low-budget offering barely made back its production costs during its run at the cineplex, thanks to some piss-poor promotion from 20th Century FOx and the general indifference of critics who largely didn’t care one way or another about the film.

Shortly after its video release and feature on pay movie channels, Office Space began to take on a rabid cult following. Today, you hear phrases lifted from that movie at workplaces all across this country–phrases like “sounds like somebody’s got a case of ‘The Mondays'” and “Did you get that memo about the TPS Reports?” (“TPS” has become an office bacronym for things like “Totally Pointless Stuff” and “To Paper Shredder”.) The Swingline Stapler company even put a bright red stapler into production because of the demand for one “Like Milton used”. (The red Swingline used in the movie was custom-painted to match the stapler used in the original “Milton” Shorts.)

I guess the genius of this film is just how relatable it is. Anyone who works in a salaried, data-driven, cube-farm environment understands the hell of reporting to multiple bosses, efficiency audits, being tagged to work weekend hours and dealing with other employees who are too consumed with their own misery to care about yours. Face it; most of us are–at least in some way–dissatisfied and unfulfilled by their job. And who hasn’t fantasized about beating a contrary piece of office equipment into the ground with a Geto Boys soundtrack cheering you on? (“Die, Motherfucker. Die, Motherfucker–Still, fool…)

Given the universal nature of the film’s storyline, it’s fair to wonder if it would still be relevent in another context. To find out, watch this video, which masterfully dubs Office Space dialogue over the 70s animated Super Friends series. Enjoy!

-soylent ape

 

Bagel note: Hey, Kids! Go check out Jesse’s guest spot at Cartridge Comics! Yay!