The Intern
Introduction
The
Intern, a wonderful dramedy that cuts across generational boundaries, was
directed by Nancy Meyers and starred Academy Award winners Robert De Niro and
Anne Hathaway. It was released in 2015. The movie is a celebration of human
development, respect for one another, and mentoring. It skillfully strikes a
balance between humor and emotion, providing a humorous tale as well as a
perceptive examination of contemporary interpersonal and professional
relationships. The Intern effectively conveys a story full of empathy, style,
and life lessons via the experiences of Jules Ostin, a young, overworked CEO
attempting to balance her career and personal life, and Ben Whittaker, a
retired executive who returns to the workforce as a senior intern at an online
fashion company.
Plot
Overview
The
protagonist of the tale is 70-year-old widower Ben Whittaker (Robert De Niro),
who experiences the emptiness of retirement. He applies for a senior intern
program at About The Fit, an e-commerce fashion firm run by Jules Ostin (Anne
Hathaway), in an attempt to remain involved and active. Jules is first
apprehensive about hiring an elderly intern, but she quickly comes to
appreciate Ben's composed manner, knowledge, and insight, which greatly benefit
both her business and her own hectic life.
Ben's
professionalism, genuine friendliness, and gentlemanly manners soon win over
the workers. He gradually gains Jules's trust while serving as a confidant and
mentor to his younger coworkers. Ben provides a calming influence in Jules's
increasingly chaotic life as their relationship develops. Jules, who is
juggling marital tensions and investor pressure to appoint a more experienced
CEO, discovers in Ben not just an intern but a genuine friend and mentor.
Themes
Explored
1.
Intergenerational Bonding
The
intergenerational bond is among the film's most poignant and powerful themes.
The Intern promotes the importance of experience and wisdom in a society that
is fixated on youth and technology. Ben isn't presented as outdated or
unintelligent; rather, his conventional beliefs, painstaking work ethic, and
composed demeanor make a striking contrast to the hectic, high-stress
atmosphere of a computer firm. In addition to providing amusing moments, this
juxtaposition teaches important lessons about respect for one another across
age levels.
2.
Feminism and Female Leadership
Through
Jules Ostin, Nancy Meyers creates a complex portrait of a contemporary working
woman. Despite her ambition, vision, and empathy, the film doesn't hold back
from exposing her weaknesses. Jules battles the demands of maintaining her
individuality, being there for her family, and managing a developing company.
Since the issue of whether women can really "have it all" is
addressed honestly, many female professionals will find Jules to be a realistic
and relevant heroine.
3.
Purpose After Retirement
Finding
meaning in later life is a subject that is rarely explored in popular movies,
but Ben's journey tackles it. Being retired does not mean that one is no longer
relevant or productive. Ben chose to participate in the internship program more
for the purpose of maintaining involvement, feeling valuable, and making new
friends than for financial gain. His narrative encourages viewers to think that
it's never too late to make a fresh start.
4.
Work-Life Balance
The movie
examines the significance of striking a balance between one's personal and
professional obligations through Ben and Jules. Jules's dedication to her
business has an impact on her family life, resulting in marital and emotional
difficulties. Ben, on the other hand, offers a realistic viewpoint,
demonstrating that although aspiration is noble, balance and presence are the
keys to personal fulfillment.
Performances
and Character Development
Robert De
Niro as Ben Whittaker
De Niro
gives an outstanding performance, playing Ben with poise, wit, and subtle
charm. De Niro is well-known for his dramatic parts, so it's nice to watch him
portray a kind and modest figure. Ben is quite lovable because of his quiet
strength and gentlemanly demeanor. De Niro's seasoned subtlety enriches the
film rather than overpowering it.
Anne
Hathaway as Jules Ostin
As the
ambitious but fragile CEO, Hathaway delivers a powerful performance. Her
portrayal of Jules is complex; she is sympathetic but overwhelmed, self-assured
but not self-centered. The inner turmoil of a woman attempting to fulfill her
responsibilities as a mother, wife, and leader is captured by Hathaway. The
film's emotional core is formed by her and De Niro's natural and endearing
relationship.
Supporting
Cast
The
dynamics of the movie are enhanced by the supporting cast, which includes Adam
Devine, Zack Pearlman, Rene Russo, and Anders Holm. Fiona, the office masseuse
who falls in love with Ben, is portrayed by Russo in particular. Without
detracting from the main action, their subplot offers a hint of tenderness and
romance.
Direction
and Cinematic Style
Like Something's Gotta Give and The Holiday, Nancy Meyers is renowned for making chic, comfortable, and emotionally charged movies, and The Intern is no exception. From the outfit selections to the interior architecture of the office, the movie's visuals portray a carefully planned, Pinterest-worthy environment that is aesthetically beautiful without being overpowering. The tone is serious without being melodramatic and light without being silly. The picture achieves the ideal balance between humor and emotional depth thanks to Meyers' directing.
There are many humorous, endearing, and wise moments in the conversation, which
is incisive and realistic. Character growth feels natural because of the slow
pacing. The movie's general feel-good feeling is enhanced by the soundtrack, which
includes lively and heartfelt songs.
Cultural
and Social Relevance
Modern
Workplace Dynamics
The
workaholism, casual business settings, and generational divides that
characterize startup culture are subtly criticized in The Intern. The hectic
millennial workplace, which frequently lacks emotional stability and guidance,
is realistically portrayed in the film. Ben's presence closes this gap and
emphasizes how crucial mentoring is to both professional and personal
development.
The
Gender Debate
The
difficulties women encounter in leadership roles are depicted in the movie
without holding back. Many actual CEOs can relate to Jules's battle of being
viewed more negatively due to her gender. Even now, society still feels uneasy
about strong women, which is reflected in the subplot of the board asking her
to resign in favor of a more seasoned male CEO.
Mental
Health and Burnout
The
emotional toll that leadership and the pressure to perform may have is another
aspect of Jules's character that is highlighted. Instead of portraying her
breakdowns as signs of weakness, the movie humanizes her stress, which is a
progressive approach to mental health in the workplace.
Memorable
Scenes
1. Ben
Cleaning His Desk
One of
the most poignant scenes is when Ben, after being ignored for days, cleans his
desk and organizes the space meticulously. It’s symbolic of how he brings order
and respect to his environment, even when not acknowledged. This small gesture
earns him the attention and admiration of his colleagues.
2. Jules
Breaking Down in the Hotel Room
Jules
confides in Ben while traveling to San Francisco, asking him if she should
resign as CEO. Hathaway does a remarkable job in this emotionally raw scene,
which emphasizes how even the best leaders require support from others.
3. The
Break-In Scene
In a
humorous side story, Ben and his coworkers break into Jules's mother's home in
order to remove an email that was sent by mistake. This humorous pause fosters
camaraderie and injects humor without detracting from the story.
Criticism
and Counterpoints
The
Intern has earned a lot of praise for its storytelling and performances, but it
has also drawn criticism.
Predictability
Critics
claim that the plot lacks conflict and is overly predictable. Because there
aren't many plot twists, the story is more focused on the characters than it is
on the storyline. Others, on the other hand, value its soothing, soothing
cadence and view this as a positive.
Idealized
Workplace
The way
relationships and the workplace are portrayed could come across as idealized or
too polished. The staff are odd yet endearing, the office is well designed, and
the resolution occurs with little conflict. Although this adds to the movie's
feel-good appeal, some people might find it implausible.
Ben's Almost Perfect
Despite
being endearing, Ben's character is occasionally presented as being too
perfect. He feels more like a symbol than a genuine person because he has no
imperfections or internal strife. Ben acts as the moral compass and a stabilizing
influence rather than a dynamic, evolving character, so this could be done on
purpose.
Emotional
Impact
The
emotional depth of The Intern is what really sets it apart. Although it isn't a
romance, it is brimming with love—love for life, for people, and for work. It's
a tale of second chances, meaning-finding, and the silent force of compassion.
Ben and Jules' relationship develops into something that is rarely seen in
Hollywood: a straightforward, platonic friendship based on respect and sincere
love.
The movie challenges audiences to reevaluate how they define success, how they
treat elder generations, and how they strike a balance between happiness and
ambition. It’s a reminder that wisdom doesn’t retire and that empathy is
timeless.
Conclusion
The Intern is a moving story about connection, purpose, and the importance of experience that goes beyond being a simple office comedy. The movie is both amusing and thought-provoking thanks to Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway's flawless performances, Nancy Meyers' astute direction, and a charming and genuine storyline. It is light and welcoming while gently questioning social standards.
The Intern has something to offer everyone, whether they are retired professionals, new business owners, or just looking for compelling narratives. It serves as a reminder that genuine friendships may form in the most unlikely of settings and that every stage of life has promise. Long after the credits have rolled, you will still be thinking about, feeling, and thinking about this film.
