Name : Vipul Raj Jha

Department : CSSS
Roll Number : 2021435

SHORT ASSIGNMENT

I will move with the concept of Alienation given by Marx to discuss the film and this is
based on certain conclusions that I drew after a thorough analysis of the film. This
concept is highly relevant with the context that is drawn by the alienation and it clearly
shows how disinterest and boredom can compel individuals to commit illegal things that
can manifestate life they wanted, although the risk associated has been ignored. The
modern work environments can lead to the estrangement and disconnection of workers
from their labor, their coworkers, and even themselves and this is the case where
alienation can be practically displayed.

The film depicts characters who are experiencing various degrees of disconnection from
their work, colleagues, and even themselves. Peter is the main protagonist in the film
and he feels disconnected from the job as a software programmer and because he is
disillusioned from his job and doesn’t find any interest in doing the same repetitive thing
again and again, he feels he need an eternal rest and has went in the phase where he
want to reach nothingness. Similarly, other characters, such as Milton and Lumbergh,
also exhibit signs of alienation from their work and this case is evident from the fact that
when the inspecting team asked Lumbergh about his contribution on reviewing the
reports, he was awestruck . Talking about Bill Lumbergh who is shown as an antagonist
in the film, is also shown to be affected by alienation. He lacks empathy and
understanding towards the individual needs and desires of his staff and treats them as
cogs and his only goal is maintaining the status quo and profitability from the employee
and harnessing them to achieve maximum possible output. Lumbergh is a symbol of the
oppressive structures of corporate culture, which values profit over the well-being of
employees. He embodies the dehumanizing effects of capitalism, which sees workers
as mere resources to be exploited for profit. His constant micromanaging and lack of
respect for his employees leads to their feelings of alienation and disaffection from their
work. Although Lumbergh is depicted negatively in the film, his character represents the
unequal power relations that exist in contemporary workplaces. The portrayal of his
character is a commentary on the need for a more employee-centric work culture that
prioritizes the independence and welfare of workers instead of solely focusing on
maximizing profits.
We are shown a scathing critique of the inhumane convention of office culture which
sees workers as mere cogs in the machine to be exploited for profit. This oppressive
structure prevents employees from finding purpose and fulfillment in their work, leading
to a pervasive sense of isolation and disconnection from their labor, colleagues, and
selves.

Throughout this film, the characters are shown to struggle in forming meaningful
connections with each other and peoples are shown to be related to each other on a
practical basis rather than sharing emotional values that are generally exhibited in
materialistic solidarity and contradictory to this , it is a condition of extreme organic
solidarity. Despite their individual struggles, the characters find a common ground when
they are stuck in traffic. This momentary pause from their usual routine offers a glimpse
into their humanity, as they engage in genuine conversation and empathy with each
other. They share their frustrations and grievances, forming a temporary bond over their
shared experiences. This moment is a testament to the human desire for connection
and understanding, even in the face of alienation and disconnection. It highlights the
importance of finding ways to foster meaningful connections with others, as it can
provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment in an otherwise lonely and isolating work
environment. Overall, this scene is a powerful example of the film's critique of modern
corporate culture, where individuality is suppressed in the pursuit of profit, and the
human desire for connection and empathy is often neglected.

There are positive as well as negative about the human behavior that are talked about
in the film. Alienation is the reason that such negatives are continuously propagating
regardless of the fact that the people shown in the film are educated and have definitely
gone through moral values. Although it’s good for the organization to judge individuals
on their caliber and the aptitude towards work but way Milton Waddams was
continuously being replaced from his sitting position and how his calculator was taken
from him humiliating him is a scenario that identifies how inhumane capitalism works. In
other ways it also reflects the way alienation can make people anti social and they find
attachment in non living objects as well like calculators.

The concept of alienation is a central theme in Marxist theory, and it provides a useful
lens through which to understand the experiences of the characters in the movie "Office
Space". Marxist theory argues that workers are alienated under capitalism, where they
are separated from the products of their labor, the means of production, and from one
another. This results in a loss of autonomy and agency, making them subservient to the
needs of the capitalist class.Throughout this movie we have seen several instances
where the marxist theory has proved itself to be true.

The character of Peter Gibbons serves as a prime example of this. He is disillusioned

with his job as a software programmer, feeling detached and apathetic towards his
work. He is micromanaged and lacks autonomy, which further exacerbates his sense of
disconnection from his labor. Milton Waddams is also a character who is highly
alienated from his work, working in the basement of the company and largely ignored by
his coworkers and many times his position has been changed in order to harass him
and such level of negligence is very common in contemporary office spaces as well.

Before making any overall conclusion, it should rather be examined about what is the
reason for alienation in this movie? If we consider the perspective of Peter Gibbons, we
see Peter's job involves the tedious and repetitive task of data entry, which is made all
the more intolerable by the use of antiquated technology. This creates a sense of
frustration and disillusionment in Peter, who finds himself increasingly disconnected
from his work and his colleagues.The character of Michael Bolton further exemplifies
this issue, as he is compelled to conform to the company's standards, despite his
passion for music and desire for individual expression. Along with alienation , there is
also some ingredient of office politics that pave the way for employees flattering their
bosses being promoted and others being neglected. Michael Bolton and Sameer are
practical examples of such .

In "Office Space", the characters are disconnected from the final product of their labor.
Their work involves data entry and other administrative tasks that do not provide them
with a clear sense of how their work contributes to the larger goals of the company. This
lack of connection between the workers and the final product of their labor exacerbates
their sense of alienation, as they feel that their work is meaningless and has no
real-world impact. The film depicts how this disconnect contributes to a sense of
disempowerment and detachment, further highlighting the broader societal issues of
how workers are alienated from the products of their labor under a capitalist system.

Marx believed that modern workers experience alienation from their labor, their
coworkers, and themselves due to the dehumanizing effects of capitalism. He saw
alienation as a natural consequence of a system that treats workers as mere resources
to be exploited for profit, leading to a sense of disconnection and disaffection. This view
is reflected in the film 'Office Space,' which critiques the dehumanizing effects of
corporate culture and highlights the importance of meaningful connections and
relationships in our lives. Through its portrayal of characters struggling with various
degrees of alienation, the film highlights the importance of meaningful connections and
relationships in our lives.

Through this movie we have gone through several flaws in the modern office culture,
such as monotonous work, micromanagement, lack of autonomy, and an emphasis on
corporate hierarchy over individual creativity. To address these issues, companies can
adopt various strategies such as providing more autonomy and flexibility to employees,
promoting a culture of trust and collaboration, encouraging innovation and creativity,
and implementing employee wellness programs. By creating a more engaging and
fulfilling work environment, companies can increase employee satisfaction, productivity,
and retention, and ultimately, improve their bottom line. Additionally, it's essential to
recognize the unique needs and preferences of each employee and create a
personalized experience that caters to their strengths and interests. Overall, a happy
and motivated workforce is essential to the success and growth of any organization, and
companies should prioritize creating a work environment that fosters these qualities.

Office Space is a movie that reminds that individuals need to find fulfillment in their
work and personal lives. The movie suggests that working for the sole purpose of
earning a paycheck and fulfilling societal expectations is not fulfilling in the long run.
Instead, people should strive to pursue their passions and interests, and find work that
aligns with their values and goals. Additionally, the movie highlights the importance of
communication, authenticity, and taking action to improve one's circumstances. In
essence, the conclusion of the movie is that individuals need to take control of their own
lives and actively seek out happiness and fulfillment, both in their personal and
professional lives.

THE END :)