Starring: Robert De Niro, Anne Hathaway, Rene Russo, Adam DeVine, Snoop Dogg, Natt Wolff
Providing an innovative meaning to the word ‘internship’ , this week’s movie is not to be missed. Instead of employing inexperienced ‘newbies’, The Intern focuses on providing employment for those over 65 who aren’t ready to retire although they have been forced to do so at their company’s mandatory age.
Let’s set the scene. Jules Ostin (Anne Hathaway) has established an extremely successful e-commerce venture, but she is overworked and over-stressed, juggling balls and hoping not to drop any.
On the other hand, Ben Whittaker (Robert De Niro) is an extremely competent organiser who isn’t happy whittling away his time – he’s ready and willing to continue working, even if it means starting at the bottom.
Anne states in the production notes: ‘It was a fun playground, with two generations colliding. Among the technological and social advances we’ve made, a lot of things that were holding us back are slowly dying away. Unfortunately, something that also seems to be disappearing is a sense of gentility.’
Robert De Niro adds: ‘There is definitely something to be said for experience and tradition, and that’s what Nancy’s expressing in the story. It’s a tale of age over youth, if you will.’
That generation gap has also given way to a somewhat intriguing reversal, which is reflected in the film.
Director – Nancy Meyers explains, ‘As women went from girls to women, men went from men to boys. While girls were being told they could accomplish anything, I think guys got a little lost in the shuffle and are still trying to figure it all out.’
As for me … not only did I really enjoy the movie and leave the cinema uplifted, but I love the idea of older people sharing their skills and expertise… and although, in the movie, Jules is dead set against having an assistant, she soon finds him indispensable.
I would love to hear your comments…. Do you think this is something that could really help young South Africans to garner necessary business skills, while at the same time it is an opportunity to mentor and make a retired person feel as though he/she still has something to offer the community at large?
Let’s start the conversation – who knows where it will go? Tweet us @ZOPublications
Do yourselves a favour, The Intern is a definite MUST SEE!!
Written by: Ailsa Windsor
