A SHOCK TO THE SYSTEM (1990)
Released on Blu-ray May 27th 2024
Releasing this May on Blu-ray for the first time in the UK, 101 Films presents the Michael Caine-led black comedy A Shock to the System (1990).
After winning his first Academy Award in 1986 for Hannah and Her Sisters, Caine took on a series of varied comedic roles in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988), A Shock to the System and The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) bringing his iconic presence and consummate acting skill to each.
An entertaining and darkly satisfying feature, A Shock to the System stands out as one of Caine’s lesser known and underseen performances but one he is clearly enjoying, committing fully to the twisted and subtly comedic killer, ensuring that the viewer can’t help but will him on.
Loyal and hardworking executive Graham Marshall (screen legend Michael Caine) has paid his dues. He has suffered through mounting bills, the indignities of climbing the corporate ladder, and a nagging wife (Swoosie Kurtz, Sisters) with only an anxiously awaited promotion to keep him going. But that all changes when his promotion is instead given to a boorish associate (Peter Riegert, National Lampoon’s Animal House). Annoyed and frustrated, Graham unleashes his rage ... in the form of an accidental killing with
which he gets away clean! Emboldened by his newfound talent for murder, Graham begins to rethink his business strategy - with deadly results. Elizabeth McGovern (Ragtime, The Handmaid’s Tale), Will Patton (Remember the Titans, No Way Out), and Jenny Wright (Near Dark, The Lawnmower Man) also star in this electrifyingly pitch-black comedy of Madison Avenue and murder.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
• Audio commentary with Director Jan Egleson
• Interview with Jan Egleson
• Alternate ending
• Theatrical trailer
• Still gallery
