Directed by Camille Hardman and Gary Lane, when number one comedy, 9 to 5, starring Jane Fonda, Dolly Parton, Lily Tomlin and Dabney Coleman, exploded on the screens in 1980, the laughs came with a serious message about women in the office. Also starring: Rita Moreno, Allison Janney and Patricia Resnick.
You would hope that in the over forty years since 9 to 5 was first released, that all the issues faced by working women would have been resolved but sadly, that’s not the case. That’s what makes it interesting to have those involved in making the film take a look back, to see how far we’ve come and how far there is left to go. Still Working 9 to 5 dives into the issues that the film explored and the difference between now and then; with the Me Too movement, equal rights, equal pay and the gig economy. It doesn’t really have the time to dig deeply into these issues but it also doesn’t have to, it presents itself as if you’re looking at a time capsule, reflecting on how time has passed.
It’s also wonderful to discuss the film’s legacy and how iconic it was to put those three incredible women together onscreen, especially because of the many ways it almost didn’t come together. Jane Fonda, Dolly Parton and Lily Tomlin are potentially one of the strongest female trios to have ever been featured in film. Not only did they create touching friendships and were genuinely funny but they also had something important to say. So it’s not a surprise that the film continues to be popular today. One of the great elements of Still Working 9 to 5 is how it captures the energy of the original film, centring on female empowerment, independence and supporting one another.
The mix of talking heads that they use, on top of all of those involved with the making of the original film creates a fantastic variety. It’s great to hear from women with different areas of expertise on the issues, as well as from some of the members of the 9to5 organisation for working women, that the film was based on. Perhaps its only key weakness is dipping into the topic of Harvey Weinstein, while it does create its segue into talking about sexual harassment, particularly in the film industry, it feels unnecessary, adding a sour note.
Still Working 9 to 5 is both a homage to the original film and a snapshot of the past and present of issues facing working women. It’s got a great energy and it’s always a joy to see Fonda, Tomlin and Parton. It’s interesting to reflect on the press from the 1980 release and how some of the interpretations of the film were themselves misogynist, especially from journalists in high positions. It may not have the time to dive deep into every issue but it’s captivating to portray the progress, or in places lack there of, that has been made for women.
FilmCarnage.com 