A Shock to the System 1990
"Climbing the corporate ladder can be murder."
In *A Shock to the System* (1990), Jan Egleson crafts a darkly comedic thriller about Graham Marshall, a seasoned advertising executive whose career ambitions take a sinister turn after he's passed over for a promotion.
Director: Jan Egleson
Cast
Michael Caine
Graham Marshall
Elizabeth McGovern
Stella Anderson
Peter Riegert
Robert Benham
Swoosie Kurtz
Leslie Marshall
Will Patton
Lt. Laker
Jenny Wright
Melanie O'Conner
John McMartin
George Brewster
Barbara Baxley
Lillian
Haviland Morris
Tara Liston
Philip Moon
Henry Park
Frequently Asked Questions
What is A Shock to the System (1990) about?
The film follows Graham Marshall, a high-powered advertising executive whose life spirals into chaos after he's denied a well-deserved promotion. Frustrated and desperate, he turns to drastic measures to reclaim his standing, blurring the line between right and wrong in this twisted tale of ambition and revenge.
Who directed A Shock to the System?
Jan Egleson directed *A Shock to the System*, bringing a sharp eye for psychological tension and dark humor to the screen.
Who stars in A Shock to the System?
The film features Michael Caine, Elizabeth McGovern, Peter Riegert, Swoosie Kurtz, and Will Patton in pivotal roles.
Is A Shock to the System (1990) worth watching?
While not a blockbuster, *A Shock to the System* stands out as a clever, underrated thriller with a stellar lead performance from Michael Caine. Its mix of crime and comedy, along with a tight runtime, makes it a compelling watch for fans of dark, character-driven stories.
How long is A Shock to the System?
The film runs for 91 minutes, a brisk runtime that keeps the tension tight and the pacing sharp.
🎥 Trailer
About A Shock to the System (1990) — A Dark Comedy Thriller Starring Michael Caine
In *A Shock to the System* (1990), Jan Egleson crafts a darkly comedic thriller about Graham Marshall, a seasoned advertising executive whose career ambitions take a sinister turn after he's passed over for a promotion. Played with icy precision by Michael Caine, Graham's veneer of professionalism cracks as his simmering resentment boils over into calculated violence. The film blends razor-sharp satire with the unpredictability of a psychological thriller, exploring themes of corporate ruthlessness, the cost of pride, and the fine line between ambition and madness.
Set against the sterile backdrop of corporate America, the story unfolds with a grim sense of inevitability, as Graham's descent into chaos is mirrored by the cold efficiency of the world he once thrived in. Elizabeth McGovern adds emotional depth as his wife, struggling to reconcile her love for him with the chilling transformation she witnesses. With its biting social commentary and taut pacing, *A Shock to the System* delivers a memorable critique of power and ambition, wrapped in the sleek, black humor of a thriller that lingers long after the credits roll.
