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Movies / On DVD / The Business of Strangers
The Business of Strangers

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The Business of Strangers (2001)

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80 %
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Reviews Counted: 92

Fresh: 74

Rotten:18

Average Rating: 6.6/10

Consensus: The Business of Strangers showcases a complex, compelling performance by Channing. Her interactions and clashes with Stiles make for riveting viewing.

Rated: R [See Full Rating] for strong language and some sexuality

Runtime: 84 mins

Genre: Dramas

Theatrical Release:Dec 7, 2001 Limited

Box Office: $495,907

Synopsis: Stockard Channing turns in a nuanced performance as Julie, a simmering corporate drone who has sacrificed family life for power and control. At an out-of-town business presentation, her assistant... Stockard Channing turns in a nuanced performance as Julie, a simmering corporate drone who has sacrificed family life for power and control. At an out-of-town business presentation, her assistant Paula (Julia Stiles) arrives forty-five minutes late, and, in a fit of rage, Julie fires her on the spot. That afternoon, the CEO of Julie's company informs her that she's been promoted--she'll be taking his position. In the mood to celebrate, Julie heads to the hotel bar where, to her surprise, she encounters Paula. Julie wants to make amends; Paula is cool but willing. The two hit it off and spend the rest of the evening palling around the hotel. When Julie's headhunter Nick (Frederick Weller) shows up unexpectedly, things get interesting. Paula tells Julie that he raped her friend in Boston and so the two plot revenge to teach him a lesson. The rest is a study in debauchery that leaves Julie unsure of herself. Stiles and Channing play smoothly off each other, slowly tightening the screws to win control. The outward coolness of the characters is reflected in the even tracking shots, but the tension between them is reflected in the mise-en-scene, becoming more cramped and claustrophobic as the picture unfolds. [More]

Starring: Stockard Channing, Julia Stiles, Fred Weller

Starring: Stockard Channing, Julia Stiles, Fred Weller

Director: Patrick Stettner

Director: Patrick Stettner
Screenwriter: Patrick Stettner
Producer: Susan A. Stover, Robert Nathan
Composer: Alexander Lasarenko
Studio: IFC Films

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Release:

Aug 6, 2002

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Reviews for The Business of Strangers

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1 - 20 (sorted by date)
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N/R

Click to read the article

Full Review Source: Flick Filosopher | comment Comment
11/19/08
MaryAnn Johanson
Flick Filosopher

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Full Review Source: Sacramento News & Review | comment Comment
08/07/08
Mark Halverson
Sacramento News & Review
N/R

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Full Review Source: Variety | comment Comment
05/20/08
David Rooney
Variety
Top Critic Icon Top Critic
N/R

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Full Review Source: Time Out | comment Comment
06/24/06
Time Out
Top Critic Icon Top Critic
N/R

Click to read the article

Full Review Source: Combustible Celluloid | comment Comment
05/26/06
Jeffrey M. Anderson
Combustible Celluloid

As a satire of the corporate world, Patrick Stettner's movie is inspired by LaBute's superior In the Company of Men, changing the gender of the protags into two female execs placed on the opposite side of the professional and economic spectrum.

Full Review Source: EmanuelLevy.Com | comment Comment
05/10/06
Emanuel Levy
EmanuelLevy.Com

Channing gives a marvelously chilling performance.

Full Review Source: Ozus' World Movie Reviews | comment Comment
01/09/06
Dennis Schwartz
Ozus' World Movie Reviews

Click to read the article

Full Review Source: Film Threat | comment Comment
12/06/05
Film Threat
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

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Full Review Source: Film Threat | comment Comment
12/06/05
Film Threat
Top Critic Icon Top Critic
N/R

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Full Review Source: Zap2it.com | comment Comment
02/25/04
Andrew Rodgers
Zap2it.com
N/R

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Full Review Source: This is London | comment Comment
12/15/03
Alexander Walker
This is London
N/R

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Full Review Source: Daily Mail [UK] | comment Comment
12/15/03
Christopher Tookey
Daily Mail [UK]

What The Business of Strangers really boils down to is a couple of good performances and some really interesting dialogue.

Full Review Source: Reel Film Reviews | comment Comment
08/01/03
David Nusair
Reel Film Reviews

Click to read the article

Full Review Source: Empire Magazine | comment Comment
05/02/03
Empire Magazine
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

If The Business of Strangers clunks as a whole, at least several of its parts offer momentary pleasures.

Full Review Source: Nick's Flick Picks | comment Comment
03/19/03
Nick Davis
Nick's Flick Picks

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Full Review Source: Austin Chronicle | comment Comment
03/10/03
Marrit Ingman
Austin Chronicle

'The Business of Strangers' partners one of Hollywood's most under-rated older actresses with arguably one of its most over-rated younger ones.

Full Review Source: RTE Interactive (Dublin, Ireland) | comment Comment
02/13/03
Tom Grealis
RTE Interactive (Dublin, Ireland)
N/R

Click to read the article

Full Review Source: Hot Button | comment Comment
01/07/03
David Poland
Hot Button

Stiles' role and the ferocity with which she attacks it may make her turn the showiest, but Channing ultimately impresses the most with her nuanced portrayal of Julie's complex internal stew of anguish, frustration, and regret.

Full Review Source: Film Threat | comment Comment
12/08/02
Michael Dequina
Film Threat

This is a stunning examination of issues of doubt and control, as well as a cracking good little thriller.

Full Review Source: Film Threat | comment Comment
12/08/02
Rich Cline
Film Threat
 
 
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Latest News for The Business of Strangers

December 10, 2001: Call it In the Company of Women. Stettner's chilling debut won raves at this year's Sundance Film Festival. Opens in new window
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