The Associate 1996
"Behind every great man is a woman... Wishing he'd get the hell out of her way."
In Donald Petrie's sharp 1996 comedy *The Associate*, Whoopi Goldberg delivers a standout performance as Laurel Ayres, a brilliant but overlooked businesswoman in the cutthroat world of investment finance.
Director: Donald Petrie
Cast
Whoopi Goldberg
Laurel Ayres
Dianne Wiest
Sally Dugan
Eli Wallach
Donald Fallon
Tim Daly
Frank Peterson
Bebe Neuwirth
Camille Scott
Austin Pendleton
Aesop Franklin
Lainie Kazan
Cindy Mason
George Martin
Walter Manchester
Kenny Kerr
Charlie
Lee Wilkof
Bissel
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Associate (1996) about?
*The Associate* follows Laurel Ayres, a talented but underestimated investment banker who strikes out on her own after her male colleagues take credit for her work. To attract clients and prove herself, she invents a fictitious male partner, Robert Cutty, setting off a series of hilarious and complicated situations as she tries to keep her deception intact while building her business.
Who directed The Associate?
Donald Petrie directed *The Associate*. Known for his work in comedies like *Mystic Pizza* and *The Perfect Man*, Petrie brings a sharp eye for character-driven humor to this satire of corporate culture.
Who stars in The Associate?
The film stars Whoopi Goldberg as Laurel Ayres, alongside Dianne Wiest, Eli Wallach, Tim Daly, Bebe Neuwirth, and Austin Pendleton, creating a dynamic ensemble that brings depth and charm to the story.
Is The Associate (1996) worth watching?
*The Associate* is a clever and engaging comedy with a strong lead performance from Whoopi Goldberg, making it a solid choice for fans of workplace comedies. While it doesn't rely on slapstick humor, its blend of wit and social commentary gives it lasting appeal, especially for those who enjoy smart, character-driven films.
How long is The Associate?
*The Associate* runs for 114 minutes, offering a tight and entertaining runtime perfect for a single sitting.
🎥 Trailer
About The Associate (1996) — A Brilliant Comedy About Ambition and Deception
In Donald Petrie's sharp 1996 comedy *The Associate*, Whoopi Goldberg delivers a standout performance as Laurel Ayres, a brilliant but overlooked businesswoman in the cutthroat world of investment finance. Frustrated by the lack of recognition from her male colleagues, Laurel decides to take matters into her own hands by founding her own firm. However, to gain clients and credibility, she concocts an audacious ruse—posing as Robert Cutty, her fictional male business partner. As Laurel navigates the challenges of running a company while maintaining the charade, the film explores themes of ambition, gender bias, and the lengths one might go to be taken seriously in a male-dominated industry. The Associate (1996) blends wit and satire, offering a savvy critique of workplace dynamics.
Backed by a stellar ensemble cast that includes Dianne Wiest, Eli Wallach, and Bebe Neuwirth, the story balances humor with poignant moments, making it as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. With its clever premise and Goldberg's charismatic performance at its core, *The Associate* is a sparkling comedy with a message worth hearing.
