The Intern is an expression of contemporary norms and a challenge towards gender behaviours and expectations through societies’ transition to a more equal way of life.
Written and directed by Nancy Myers, this feel-good comedy is set in Brooklyn New York. The film follows Ben Whittaker (Robert De Niro), a seventy-year-old widower whom is struggling to feel fulfilled in his retirement, and how he soon regains his sense of purpose by becoming a senior intern at a popular online fashion website; created by a young female entrepreneur Jules Ostin (Anne Hathaway).
Uninterested and dissatisfied with life after work, Ben stumbles upon the position of a senior internship for a popular and trendy fashion business, and decides to go for an interview. Following his successful application Ben soon discovers that this business is nothing like what he has been involved in before; with its ultra-modern way of doing things, use of technology, the different attitudes of the young workers, and ultimately their casual dress code and language. Ben is appointed intern to the founder of the company by Jules Ostin herself. At first Ben feels useless in aiding Jules’ fashion empire and learns that she is consistently busy and is unable to keep up with her fast-paced business. Deciding to start off from the bottom by helping with the little things around the office Jules soon notices the huge impact that Ben is having. Ben becomes more involved in the life of Jules and the two become unlikely friends. Ben’s outlook towards life and work further plays a major role by influencing the behaviours and attitudes of his co-workers at a more traditional level.
We discover as the film progresses that Jules’ family life is effected by her busy schedule and her relationship with her stay-at-home husband and her young daughter has become jeopardized. Through both the characters of Ben and Jules the audience is able to notice the difference between the generations, how we have advanced within society and the different roles we now play. Ben as a senior with a wealth of knowledge, depicts the courtesy, generosity and constant well maintained appearance of his generation, along with Jules who represents a hardworking, busy and innovative businesswoman. Myers has portrayed characters that perfectly balance each other out in a way that demonstrates how the two characters are able to impact and alter each-others’ lives for the better.
This comedy film, though is humorous at times, is more of a feel good lighthearted film that highlights how we are shifting to a more equal society yet that there are still things that we need to learn and maintain along the way. Myers has effectively contrasted the two generations in a light that creates not only comedy but also a deeper understanding for what it means to be a good person within society.
The Intern is most fitted to those who appreciate something heartfelt, cheerful and enjoy a good laugh here and there.
Score: THREE STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
The Intern is available on DVD now.
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