In Good Company

US (c) 2004 Universal. P: Paul Weitz, Chris Weitz. D+SC: Paul Weitz. DP: Remi Adefarasin. M: a nice selection of tracks by Steely Dan, Peter Gabriel, etc. Starring Dennis Quaid (Dan Foreman), Topher Grace (Carter Duryea), Scarlett Johansson (Alex Foreman). Released thru Focus, German subtitles by Frank Sahlberger. In the presence of Paul Weitz, Dennis Quaid, Topher Grace, etc. Viewed at Berlinale-Palast, Berlin Film Festival (competition), 13 Feb 2005. The story of a 50+ advertising executive and his family and his company is told with such wit, insight and observation that Paul Weitz, who made About a Boy, as a director does indeed find himself in good company, namely in that of Billy Wilder. The satire of the business world and the dialogue are sharp, and Paul Weitz seems also to have a good grip on the theme of the sentimental education. I look forward to revisiting this film and more from Paul Weitz. ***½