groovymarlin Is this movie slow? Occasionally boring? Kind of depressing? Yes. Unfortunately, that is the reality of working as a temp in an office! Take it from one who's been there. I spent several years temping on breaks from college in the late 80s, and this movie brought it all back, vividly. The office politics, the way the permanent workers "look down" on the temps, the menial and mind-numbing tasks, the good old boys (mostly white males, at that time) who were in charge and above it all. Not all of my jobs were as horrible as the office depicted in this movie, but enough were that it occasionally gave me chills. I hope that things have improved, with the proliferation of computers and other advanced technology, at least in terms of the work itself. But I can guarantee that in some places, that temp vs. perm "caste system" will always be there, regardless of how the jobs get done.The performances in the movie were excellent. I really liked Parker Posey's exuberant portrayal, as well as Toni Collette's studied, more subtle effort. She expresses so much pain and frustration through her facial expressions and quiet, even-toned narration.The movie is not for everyone, and some viewers will no doubt be bored and/or confused by it. But if you've ever been a temp of any kind, or worked in an office, I think it will resonate with you.

noralee When the credits started for "Clockwatchers" - Toni Collette, Parker Posey and Lisa Kudrow - the senior citizens around me in the art house theater complained they hadn't heard of anybody. (There were also choice bit roles by James Elliott of "Jag," Bob Balaban and Paul Dooley and they didn't recognize them either.) There was a row of young kids in the front for some reason who talked as much as the seniors through the movie and kept going in and out to get food and slamming the door. All of which is hard to take during a comedy. This is a great movie for those of us in unsatisfactory office cubicle jobs - ideal for those in temp hell. Not necessarily laugh out loud funny all the way through but biting social satire about office life today for those at the bottom end of a ladder that doesn't go anywhere.Collette's central character is almost too bland and vacant towards the end as there's no ringing conclusion just some small revenges, but it's all in character and place. Kudrow gets to be a bit nastier and practical life-facing than her usual roles.Clearly the sister creators of this movie have spent some time as temps! And temporary office placement companies are now the largest employers in the country.(originally written 5/26/1998)

hayleeM01 Many of you have posted comments on "Clockwatchers" as a portrayal of "Office Life"... Not true!! It is a movie based on each of the 4 main characters personal "Identity Struggle" and nothing more than that. Watch it again and "Forget" that they are in an "Office" setting, focus on the personalities you see in each of the 4 main characters. I'll give you a hint, Lisa Kudrow's character has Bulimia Nervosa.Guess who has OCD?"Never ignore the Obvious and Never over-look the Obscure"A great Movie! 10 "stars"

Pangborne CLOCKWATCHERS is mainly about friendship, and the various ambitions andsuspicions that can destroy it. In fact, it's one of the best moviesyou'll see on the subject of twenty-something female friends. It is notexactly skillfully made or written, but somehow it works anyway. Myrecollection of it was that it was bitingly funny, but when I watched ita second time, what hit me was the sadness. I hate the Voice Over, andLOVE Parker Posey (some of her best work). The rest of the cast is aces,too. (This is the movie that made me fall in love with Toni Col