The American Success Company Poster

The American Success Company 1980

★ 4.910 votes91 min📅 1980-03-01

"A movie dedicated to the fine art of making it."

Dive into the sharp social satire of *The American Success Company (1980)*, a darkly comedic drama directed by William Richert. The film follows a disillusioned everyman whose life unravels under the weight of workplace humiliation and domestic strife.

Director: William Richert

Cast

Jeff Bridges
Jeff Bridges
Harry
Belinda Bauer
Belinda Bauer
Sarah
Ned Beatty
Ned Beatty
Mr. Elliott
Steven Keats
Steven Keats
Rick Duprez
Bianca Jagger
Bianca Jagger
Corinne
John Glover
John Glover
Ernst
Mascha Gonska
Mascha Gonska
Greta
Michael Durrell
Michael Durrell
Herman
Eva Maria Meineke
Eva Maria Meineke
Mrs. Heinemann
Günter Meisner
Maitre 'd

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The American Success Company (1980) about?

The film centers on a man pushed to his limits by a toxic job and a failing marriage. To reclaim control, he devises a high-stakes scheme involving deceit, money, and revenge, hiring a prostitute to help execute his plan. It's a scathing look at how far people go to escape their failures.

Who directed The American Success Company?

William Richert helmed the film, bringing a distinctive blend of dark humor and social commentary to the project.

Who stars in The American Success Company?

The main cast includes Jeff Bridges, Belinda Bauer, Ned Beatty, Bianca Jagger, and John Glover, each delivering standout performances in this biting satire.

Is The American Success Company (1980) worth watching?

While not a mainstream hit, *The American Success Company* is a compelling watch for fans of 1980s dark comedies and character-driven dramas. Its unflinching portrayal of ambition and moral decay makes it a cult favorite worth exploring, even if its tone won't appeal to everyone.

How long is The American Success Company?

The film runs for 91 minutes.

About The American Success Company (1980) — Dark Comedy Explores the Cost of Success

Dive into the sharp social satire of *The American Success Company (1980)*, a darkly comedic drama directed by William Richert. The film follows a disillusioned everyman whose life unravels under the weight of workplace humiliation and domestic strife. Desperate for change, he enlists an unconventional ally—a prostitute—to orchestrate a ruthless plan for revenge and fortune. Set against the gritty backdrop of 1980s corporate culture, the story explores themes of ambition, moral compromise, and the cost of climbing the ladder at any price. With a tone that oscillates between biting cynicism and raw humanity, Richert crafts a biting critique of American success myths.

Jeff Bridges headlines the ensemble cast, delivering a career-defining performance as the protagonist navigating a world of greed and betrayal. Alongside him, Belinda Bauer, Ned Beatty, Bianca Jagger, and John Glover bring depth and intensity to their roles, each embodying the film's themes of power and corruption. Blending sharp dialogue with stark visuals, *The American Success Company* is a provocative exploration of what it truly means to "make it" in a system designed to exploit the vulnerable.