The Associates (1996)

Directed by: Donald Petrie | 114 minutes | comedy | Actors: Whoopi Goldberg, Dianne Wiest, Eli Wallach, Timothy Daly, Bebe Neuwirth, Austin Pendleton, Lainie Kazan, George Martin, Kenny Kerr, Lee Wilkof, Helen Hanft, George Morfoken, Zeljko Ivanek, Miles Chapin, Jean De Baer

If you had to describe this movie in one word, that word would be average. The story is average, the acting performances are average (except for the supporting role of Dianne Wiest), the direction is average; everything is average. Although the film starts strong, unfortunately it quickly deteriorates into a weak and predictable whole. There’s no spice in it, but you won’t fall asleep either. It’s the kind of movie that is entertaining in itself, but once you zap to another net, you’ve completely forgotten about the movie. Not an impresser.

‘The Associate’ is a real American remake of the French film of the same name. The film has been dulled until it fits perfectly into the American straitjacket. Socially correct; the film mocks the male business world and emphasizes Whoopi’s complexion. After all, she is not just a woman who invades the male world, she is a black woman.

Whoopi Goldberg’s character, Laurel Ayres, isn’t as consistent as she should be. On the one hand, she wants to be accepted by the men on Wall Street, but she eventually achieves this by using the female bag of tricks. There are some tears here and there and some gossip spread. In fact, she eats both ways; a male and a female wallet. This contrast gives a bit more color to the character and takes away the sharp edges of feminism.

The supporting role of Dianne Wiest as secretary of Cutty & Ayres is heartwarming. She is reminiscent of a sweet elderly aunt who is ready with a cup of hot chocolate when you come in from the cold rain. A caring, but extremely observant and discreet personality. The role is perfect for her and she plays it very convincingly. In addition to the supporting role of Dianne Wiest, there is another striking supporting role. None other than Donald Trump, the figurehead of the business world, is just around the corner. Of course he plays himself.

As the film progresses and Laurel has to physically form her made-up companion, the film turns into a slapstick comedy à la ‘Hot Shots’ and ‘Dumb and Dumber’. Cringe-inducing crazy dressing up is the result that does not benefit the film.

Although ‘The Associate’ is not boring or annoying (except for the dressing up), the film is not recommended. You can watch it when there’s really nothing else on the television, but please don’t go out and rent it! Like I said, the movie is just average.