After the Axe
After the Axe is a 1982 Canadian drama film about executive firings directed by Sturla Gunnarsson. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.[1] The film explores the experiences of managers getting fired and the emergence of a new industry specialized in handling such terminations. Despite its Oscar nomination in the documentary category, After the Axe is closer to a docufiction film, made with the cooperation of members of the Canadian business community, which provided locations and helped script scenes during filming. The film's protagonist, D.R. "Biff" Wilson, is a composite character based on the filmmakers' conversations with fired executives, while the other Canadian executives play themselves.[2]
| After the Axe | |
|---|---|
 Film poster | |
| Directed by | Sturla Gunnarsson |
| Produced by | Sturla Gunnarsson Arthur Hammond Steve Lucas |
| Written by | Steve Lucas |
| Narrated by | Roger Mattiussi |
| Cinematography | Andreas Poulsson |
| Edited by | Roger Mattiussi |
Production company | |
Release date |
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| Country | Canada |
| Language | English |
Premise
Wilson, a senior marketing executive, is laid off from a food company after fifteen years of good service. Losing his status and security, he is relegated to the role of dependent house husband, resented by his children and shunned by former colleagues.[3]
Cast
- James B. Douglas as Biff Wilson
- Janine Manatis as Wife
- Anne Christison as Daughter
- Randy Solomon as Son
- Roger Mattiussi as Narrator (voice)
- Eric Barton as Himself (relocation counsellor)
- Jim Paupst as Himself
- Stanley Warshaw as Himself (Forty Plus Club, N.Y.C.)
See also
References
- "NY Times: After the Axe". NY Times. Retrieved 16 November 2008.
- "After the Axe". National Film Board of Canada website. Retrieved 17 September 2009.
- "After the Axe". Canadian Film Encyclopedia. Toronto International Film Festival. Archived from the original on 7 January 2014. Retrieved 3 May 2012.