David Cross’s directorial debut, What Had Happened Was…, answers the question it implicitly poses with unsettling clarity: sometimes, the mundane horror of human interaction, the subtle cruelties and miscommunications that fester beneath polite surfaces, are more terrifying than any monster or slasher. The film meticulously dissects the power dynamics and unspoken anxieties that permeate a seemingly ordinary evening between two office workers, Margaret and Michael, revealing the chasm between their internal worlds and their external presentations.
A Microcosm of Misery: The Premise Unpacked
The film unfolds almost entirely in Margaret’s claustrophobic apartment. The premise is simple: Michael, a co-worker Margaret harbors a muted crush on, is invited over for dinner. What ensues is a painfully awkward, alcohol-fueled dance of suppressed desires, professional grievances, and social anxieties. Cross masterfully uses minimalist staging and dialogue-driven storytelling to amplify the discomfort and expose the raw nerves of human connection. The lack of external plot forces the audience to confront the uncomfortable truths embedded in the characters’ interactions. We are privy to their internal monologues, contrasting sharply with their often-stilted conversations, highlighting the gap between what they think and what they say. This dissonance is the core of the film’s brilliance.
The Power of Interiority: Voices in the Void
A crucial element of What Had Happened Was… is its innovative use of internal monologues. These voiceovers, delivered directly to the camera, provide a raw and unfiltered glimpse into Margaret and Michael’s thoughts, often revealing their deepest insecurities and unspoken judgments. This technique allows Cross to create a stark contrast between their external performance – the social masks they wear – and their internal realities. The audience becomes complicit in their secret anxieties, understanding the motivations behind their awkwardness and cruelty, even as they cringe at their actions.
The film never explicitly judges its characters. Instead, it presents them as flawed individuals struggling to navigate the complexities of human interaction. Margaret’s yearning for connection is palpable, even as her anxieties manifest in passive-aggressive barbs and self-deprecating humor. Michael’s aloofness and subtle condescension betray his own insecurities and fear of vulnerability.
The Unspoken Language of Power: Workplace Dynamics
Beyond the romantic subplot, What Had Happened Was… offers a sharp commentary on workplace power dynamics. Margaret and Michael’s interactions are colored by their positions within the company hierarchy. Michael, seemingly higher up the ladder, unconsciously wields his power through subtle dismissals and veiled criticisms. Margaret, desperate to impress and be seen as competent, often resorts to performative enthusiasm and nervous laughter. The film highlights how these power imbalances infiltrate personal relationships, creating a breeding ground for resentment and miscommunication. The workplace becomes a microcosm of broader societal inequalities, where individuals are forced to navigate a minefield of unspoken rules and expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: Is What Had Happened Was… based on a true story?
While not directly based on specific events from David Cross’s life, What Had Happened Was… is deeply rooted in his observations of human behavior and social dynamics. The film draws inspiration from the awkwardness and anxieties of everyday interactions, particularly in the workplace and in romantic pursuits. It’s more accurate to say it’s inspired by a universal truth, rather than a specific incident.
FAQ 2: Who are the actors playing Margaret and Michael?
The film stars Carolyn Lawrence as Margaret and David Cross as Michael. Both actors deliver nuanced and compelling performances, perfectly capturing the awkwardness and vulnerability of their characters. Carolyn Lawrence is best known for her voice work as Sandy Cheeks in SpongeBob SquarePants, a role that contrasts sharply with the quiet desperation of Margaret.
FAQ 3: What makes What Had Happened Was… considered a “dark comedy”?
The film is considered a dark comedy because it finds humor in uncomfortable and often painful situations. It satirizes the superficiality of social interactions, the anxieties of modern life, and the power imbalances that exist in both personal and professional relationships. The humor is often cringe-worthy, forcing the audience to confront their own awkward moments and social anxieties.
FAQ 4: Why is the film shot in black and white?
The choice to shoot in black and white serves several purposes. Firstly, it enhances the film’s claustrophobic atmosphere, creating a sense of confinement and isolation. Secondly, it lends the film a timeless quality, making it feel like a contemporary piece while simultaneously evoking classic cinema. Finally, it helps to emphasize the film’s starkness and unflinching portrayal of human behavior.
FAQ 5: What is the significance of the ending?
The ending of What Had Happened Was… is deliberately ambiguous. While Margaret and Michael seem to reach a tentative understanding, it’s unclear whether their relationship will evolve beyond this awkward encounter. The ambiguity reflects the uncertainty and complexity of human relationships, suggesting that even after hours of uncomfortable conversation, genuine connection remains elusive.
FAQ 6: What are some similar films to What Had Happened Was…?
Films that explore similar themes of social awkwardness, workplace dynamics, and the anxieties of modern life include Office Space, Ghost World, Napoleon Dynamite, and The Office (both US and UK versions). These films, like What Had Happened Was…, find humor in the mundane and the uncomfortable, offering a satirical look at contemporary society.
FAQ 7: Is What Had Happened Was… difficult to watch?
For some viewers, What Had Happened Was… can be difficult to watch due to its intense focus on social awkwardness and anxiety. The film does not shy away from uncomfortable moments, and its minimalist style can feel claustrophobic. However, this discomfort is precisely what makes the film so compelling and thought-provoking.
FAQ 8: What is David Cross trying to say with this movie?
David Cross is not explicitly trying to say one specific thing. Instead, he’s presenting a nuanced and complex portrait of human relationships, exposing the anxieties, insecurities, and power dynamics that often lie beneath the surface. The film invites viewers to reflect on their own experiences with social awkwardness, workplace dynamics, and the challenges of genuine connection.
FAQ 9: How does the film use sound design to enhance the tension?
The film’s sound design plays a crucial role in amplifying the tension. The frequent use of silence and natural sounds, like the clinking of glasses or the shuffling of papers, highlights the awkwardness of the situation. The absence of a traditional musical score further emphasizes the film’s stark realism and intensifies the sense of unease.
FAQ 10: Where can I watch What Had Happened Was…?
Unfortunately, What Had Happened Was… is not readily available on major streaming services. You may need to purchase or rent the film on platforms like Amazon Prime Video or iTunes, if available. Physical copies (DVDs) might also be an option. Availability may vary depending on your region.
FAQ 11: What critical acclaim did What Had Happened Was…? receive?
What Had Happened Was… garnered critical acclaim for its sharp writing, nuanced performances, and unflinching portrayal of human interaction. While not a mainstream blockbuster, it was praised for its originality and its willingness to explore uncomfortable themes. It won the Sundance Grand Jury Prize for Dramatic Film in 1994, solidifying its place as an important independent film.
FAQ 12: What are the key takeaways from What Had Happened Was…?
The key takeaways from What Had Happened Was… are the importance of self-awareness in social interactions, the recognition of power dynamics in the workplace, and the understanding that genuine connection requires vulnerability and authenticity. The film reminds us that everyone carries their own anxieties and insecurities, and that even the most mundane interactions can be fraught with unspoken tensions. The film encourages us to look beyond the surface and to consider the complex motivations behind human behavior.