The Education (2011) - Dir: Dirk Lütter
An intense exploration of the corporate office space. Nothing much happens, but the constant threat of being made redundant looms. Spying on your colleagues and reporting anything that may make them look bad to bosses is actively encouraged, which seems rather similar to the way KGB or the Stasi operated. The smallest bit of information that you provide may mean the loss of a much-needed job to someone. This affects the way people interact in the office environment. The icy cold, steel-grey palette used enhances the threat and plays down anything mildly warm. The only escape is shopping malls, gadgets and other objects of pleasure available, such as games. The few outdoor scenes provide only a limited relief to the characters and to viewers, which in turn enhances the claustrophobia of the work environment. A must-watch for service-sector employees and those who hope to boost their economic situation thanks to them.
