“Career Opportunities” (1991)

Comedy

Running Time: 83 minutes

Written by: John Hughes

Directed by: Bryan Gordon

Featuring: Frank Whaley, Jennifer Connelly and Dermot Mulroney

Josie: “And you’re happy, you know, you’re happy.”

Jim Dodge: “I’m not happy. I’m working nights, everybody thinks I’m a liar, my whole family’s laughing at me… Reverend Harwell gave me the finger last week!”

Critical Commentary

“Career Opportunities,” directed by Bryan Gordon, is a film that holds a unique place in the history of cinema, particularly in the context of career opportunities within the movie industry itself. Released in 1991, the film not only entertains but also provides a backdrop against which we can explore the multifaceted nature of careers in the film business during that era. In this essay, we will delve into the film “Career Opportunities,” analyze its themes, characters, and production, and discuss the broader career opportunities available in the movie industry at the time.

Directed by Bryan Gordon, “Career Opportunities” is a coming-of-age comedy that tells the story of Jim Dodge, played by Frank Whaley, a young man with dreams much bigger than his small-town life. The film’s events transpire over the course of one night when Jim, a night janitor at a local department store, finds himself locked in with an equally disenchanted co-worker, Josie McClellan, portrayed by Jennifer Connelly. As they navigate their confinement, the film explores themes of ambition, escape, and the pursuit of personal and professional fulfillment.

Jim and Josie represent two contrasting perspectives on career opportunities. Jim is a dreamer, aspiring to escape his seemingly dead-end job, while Josie, a disillusioned rich girl, is unsure about her own path.

The film delves into the idea that careers are not just about making a living but also about self-discovery and personal growth.

To fully appreciate the significance of “Career Opportunities” within the context of career opportunities in the movie industry in 1991, it is essential to examine the various roles and professions within the film business during that era.

Acting:

Acting remained a highly sought-after career in the movie industry. Established actors continued to thrive, while newcomers like Frank Whaley, who played Jim, sought their break in the industry.

The film industry offered opportunities for character actors, supporting roles, and leads, all of which required diverse acting skills.

Writing and Directing:

Aspiring writers and directors looked for opportunities to tell unique stories, much like John Hughes, who had left an indelible mark on the teen movie genre in the 1980s and early 1990s. Filmmakers sought to create compelling narratives that resonated with audiences, as exemplified by “Career Opportunities.”

Production and Behind-the-Scenes Roles:

The film industry relied on a vast network of professionals working behind the scenes. Producers, production managers, and coordinators played essential roles in managing the logistics of filmmaking. Cinematographers, editors, and visual effects artists worked tirelessly to bring stories to life, enhancing the visual and emotional impact of films.

III. Bryan Gordon: A Director’s Journey

Bryan Gordon, the director of “Career Opportunities,” had a unique career path within the film industry. His experience sheds light on the opportunities available to directors during this era.

Television Background:

Before directing “Career Opportunities,” Gordon was known for his work in television, including episodes of the popular series “Parks and Recreation” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” Television served as a platform for many directors to showcase their skills and transition into feature films.

Transition to Film:

“Career Opportunities” marked Gordon’s foray into feature films, highlighting the dynamic nature of career opportunities within the entertainment industry.

The film industry often welcomed directors with a strong background in television, recognizing their ability to tell engaging stories.

While “Career Opportunities” may not have achieved the same level of critical acclaim or commercial success as some other films of the era, it remains a valuable snapshot of the cinematic landscape in 1991. Its exploration of career choices and personal growth resonated with audiences then and continues to hold relevance today.

The film served as an example of how stories about personal and professional development could find a place in cinema. Aspiring directors and writers could draw inspiration from Bryan Gordon’s journey and the film’s thematic exploration.

“Career Opportunities” encapsulated the aspirations and challenges of a generation coming of age in the early 1990s. The film’s setting and characters reflected the societal and economic realities of the period.

“Career Opportunities” (1991), directed by Bryan Gordon, offers not only a nostalgic look back at the early 1990s but also a window into the career opportunities that existed within the movie industry at that time. The film’s themes of ambition, escape, and personal growth resonate with those pursuing careers in the entertainment business, which often requires perseverance, creativity, and a willingness to embrace unexpected opportunities. In Bryan Gordon’s own career journey, we see the malleability of roles within the industry and the potential for growth and evolution, making it a testament to the ever-changing and dynamic nature of careers in the movie business.

Technical Commentary

Video

Presented in an aspect ratio of 2.35:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, Career Opportunitiesarrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Kino Lorber. 

I would not be surprised if it is was confirmed that the same person that prepared the existing master for Lost Highwaywas placed in charge with the preparation of the master that was used to produce this release of Career Opportunities. These masters are older, but both have very strong and practically identical organic qualities that I like a lot. 

I am going to point out the two areas where some minor but meaningful improvements can be made. First, there is some extremely light crushing that flattens select nuances. However, even in very dark areas there is still plenty of very good detail to see and appreciate. If a new master is created on a modern equipment, the flattened nuances will be better exposed and easier to recognized, especially on a larger screen where these types of details become more prominent. Second, the grain can have slightly tighter and more even appearance. However, this is a very small complaint because the density levels on the current master are very, very good, and if you decide to upscale it to 4K, the issue is instantly resolved. Also, the fluidity of the visuals is already very good, so the uptick in quality will not be dramatic. The rest looks either very good or great. For example, depth is consistently pleasing. Clarity and sharpness are proper as well. Color saturation and balance are wonderful. Yes, a couple of minor adjustment can be made to strengthen a few ranges of supporting nuances, but the primaries look great. Image stability is excellent. The entire film looks clean as well. All in all, this is a very solid master that makes Career Opportunities look about as good as it can. 

Audio

There is only one standard audio track on this Blu-ray release: English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided for the main feature. When turned on, they appear inside the image frame. 

On my system the audio sounded fantastic. In fact, I think that it is on par with what you will get from the redone lossless tracks on the various restorations of John Hughes’ big hits that have been made available on Blu-ray. Clarity, sharpness, depth, and balance are terrific, so if possible, when you view Career Opportunities turn up the volume as much as you can. There is some great music in this film. 

Special Features

• 1080P High-definition presentation on Blu-ray from a 2K scan
• Audio Commentary by director Bryan Gordon (2023)
• Interior. Night. – director of photography Donald McAlpine on filming Career Opportunities (2023)
• Crafting Criminals – Interview with actors Dermot and Kieran Mulroney (2023)
• Theatrical Trailer
• Optional English HOH Subtitles
• Audio English LPCM 2.0 Stereo
• Aspect Ratio 2.35:1