The Efficiency Expert (1992)

Efficiency consultant Errol is in the middle of a rough patch. He and his partner are facing backlash from the union at a large factory due their recently-submitted report advising significant layoffs. His marriage is also unsteady due to his well-honed pragmatism and long hours. His new client Mr. Ball has called him in to assess his moccasin factory, which feels like a workplace in a cartoon. The messy and unfocused employees (most of whom come to work in the company's moccasins) barely spare a thought for speed or optimal practices.

As Errol gathers the data he needs, the employees welcome him. No one other than a young salesman grasps what his presence there portends -- least of all Mr. Ball. The assumption seems to be that he's there to make their work easier, which means that no one's ashamed of being caught taking a long lunch or dancing a jig while working machines. Is it any wonder that these lovely people manage to break open Errol's heart?

It's a gentle, life-affirming story reminding us that people should be at least as important as the bottom line. Plus it's amazing seeing Russell Crowe, Ben Mendelsohn and Toni Collette with such baby faces!

B+