Revisiting ‘Working Girl,’ a tribute to the bold hairstyles and ambitious women of the 1980s, felt like a time warp back to my middle school days. It’s been 27 years, yet the film resonated just as deeply as it did back then. In 1988, I was a teenager, Harrison Ford was 46, and Joan Cusack was the comedic queen of Staten Island. But with nearly three decades gone by, my perspective had undoubtedly shifted. Here are 25 thoughts that crossed my mind while watching ‘Working Girl’ in 2015.
- Alec Baldwin as Mick, Tess’s untrustworthy boyfriend, is a perfect snapshot of 1980s charm.
- The film opens with a shot of the World Trade Center—what a bittersweet reminder of a bygone era.
- Carly Simon’s “Let the River Run” makes me want to don my Hammer pants and run laps, arms pumping.
- Joan Cusack’s line, “Whaddya need speech class for, you tawk fine,” is a cinematic gem.
- Her makeup is something else—those eyes took a solid 45 minutes to create! She looks like a glam rock star decked out in Sunbrella.
- Mick reading Motor Trend magazine while Tess struggles with her garter belt captures the essence of countless disappointing relationships. She nails the feeling when she says, “Just once I could go for a sweater or some earrings.”
- Kevin Spacey is spot on as Bob, embodying that carefree, reckless energy perfectly.
- Tess gets back at her sexist boss by typing “David Lutz is a sleazoid pimp with a tiny little dick” on the office’s big screen—a satisfying fantasy for anyone who’s dealt with workplace harassment.
- The three women in the film—Joan as the realist, Olympia Dukakis as the opportunist, and Sigourney Weaver as the ruthless boss—represent various ways women navigate sexism. Tess, however, charts her own course, albeit as an imposter.
- HARRISON FORD TAKES HIS SHIRT OFF.
- Tess discovers a $6,000 dress in her boss’s closet. In 1988, I dreamed of owning one. In 2015, I think, “Can I even wash a $6,000 dress?” Because I’d probably spill marinara on it right away.
- Joan Cusack’s reaction: “Six thousand dollars! It’s not even leather!”
- After the kids are asleep, I could really use “Valium, in the convenient economy size,” paired with tequila.
- Harrison Ford with his shirt off would be a nice addition to my post-bedtime relaxation routine too.
- Catherine’s reminder to never burn bridges is spot on: “Today’s junior prick, tomorrow’s senior partner.”
- Ricki Lake, a bridesmaid in the wedding! I need to rewatch Hairspray now.
- David Duchovny also pops up as a party guest! Time to revisit The X-Files.
- When Tess declares, “I have a head for business and a bod for sin,” I cringe a bit—who even says that? But I roll with it, imagining her reading romance novels between meetings.
- When Harrison Ford carries Melanie Griffith up the stairs, my heart skips a beat—she’s tall!
- Joan Cusack shines in this ensemble: “Can I get you anything, Mr. Trainor? Coffee, tea, me?”
- I appreciate how Jack supports Tess in her spontaneous wedding crash. He’s a bit hesitant but ultimately goes along for the ride, even if it means hiding during a themed wedding.
- Chris de Burgh serenading with “Lady in Red” at the engagement party takes me back—time for some self-care in the tub with an apricot scrub.
- On Tess’s first workday, Jack packs her lunch in a nostalgic tin box, complete with a shiny apple and sharp pencils.
- Then she confidently outlines her expectations with her new secretary, essentially dismantling many barriers women face in the workplace.
- Right?
In summary, ‘Working Girl’ brilliantly captures the spirit of ambition and resilience in a time when women were still breaking through barriers. It’s a nostalgic trip, reminding us of the ongoing challenges and victories in the workforce.