Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway in a humorous take on The Devil Wears Prada?
Don’t be misled by the movie title — The Intern isn’t about some clumsy fresh graduate who turns out to be the next Bill Gates or something like that. This movie is also not to be confused with The Internship, a 2013 comedy about middle-aged guys who Googled their way out of their mid-life crises.
This new film, The Intern, looks like a refreshingly unconventional take on office comedy. Robert De Niro (the very legend from Raging Bull, The Godfather Part II, etc.) is Ben Whittaker, a 70-year-old widower who isn’t enjoying retirement as much as he would like. He jumps at the opportunity to work for an online fashion portal.
The thing is, Ben is joining the company as an intern for a young editor. This spells an interesting scenario about to unfold.
Tough act turns tough nut
De Niro’s appearance as a gentle and caring worker is a big change from his usual tough-guy act, firmly established in his roles as an aggressive boxer in Raging Bull (1980), a frustrated ex-Marine in Taxi Driver (1976) and a merciless mafia kingpin in The Godfather Part II (1974).
Now, imagine this surly man working under a fashionista for an online magazine.
The website in question is run by style icon Jules Ostin, who is played by the elegant and talented Anne Hathaway (of Les Misérables, The Devil Wears Prada and Interstellar).
In the movie’s trailer, De Niro’s character Ben explains his decision to join the publication: “I tried yoga, learned to cook, bought some plants, took classes in Mandarin… I’ve tried everything. I just know there’s a hole in my life and I need to fill it.”
So, in turn, Ben is recruited to fill a hole in the publication. Comically, he becomes the sage intern who imparts wisdom to everyone in the office and turns out to be an invaluable asset — especially for leading lady Jules.
The best man for the job?
Filmmaker Nancy Meyers — who has directed comedy hits like The Parent Trap (1998) and It’s Complicated (2009) — paints a sobering but realistic backstory to the character of Ben.
“This one is about retirement, when you’re 70 but you’re fully healthy, but you don’t have that thing you do every day anymore. You don’t have that purpose,” Meyers told Entertainment Weekly.
Meyers also shared that Ben is her favourite movie man ever. She said, “I think he’s the best guy I’ve ever written. He’s a really good man, and he comes to the aid of our girl Jules in many ways.”
In the trailer, he is seen swooping to Jules’ rescue when she runs into ‘roadblocks’, such as the doubt of investors, relationship problems and a sloppily-dressed editorial team.
Sounds like many of us could use a gentlemanly advisor like Ben in our offices too.
Setting the office apart
Aside from its uncommon take on office drama and comedy, The Intern continues the trend of stylish settings and coveted rooms that Meyers’ movies are known for.
The publication’s office, for one, is a show stopper with its big and bright communal space that channels a modern monochrome aesthetic. Jules also owns a gorgeous kitchen in her Brooklyn brownstone home, which I’m sure many an urbanite will be drooling over.
Meyers’ research for the film included visiting the office spaces of fashion brands Nasty Gal and Moda Operandi — where she “fell in love” with what she saw — as well as collecting wardrobe ideas on Pinterest for her characters. No wonder the set and costumes are so alluring.
On the whole, for office, career and fashion goals, or even for a good laugh and cry, this is one movie for everyone look out for.
By Pamela Chow
The Intern [PG13]
Director: Nancy Meyers
Starring: Robert De Niro, Anne Hathaway, Rene Russo & Adam DeVine
Genre: Comedy
Run length: 121 min
Release: 24 Sep
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