Haiku Tunnel

Haiku Tunnel is an independent film directed by Jacob and Josh Kornbluth, based on the one-man show of the same name by Josh Kornbluth. It's a comedic venture that highlights office insanity and temp agency labour issues. It doesn't offer slapstick comedy, instead, it focuses on sophisticated humor, subtle dialogues, and thought-provoking punchlines, presenting a unique perspective of office culture, and the never-ending treadmill that is often office life.

The movie, first released in 2001, is centered around the somewhat unconventional but lovable character Josh Kornbluth, played by Josh Kornbluth himself. He is an affable, somewhat eccentric, and definitely quirky San Francisco temp worker, who finds himself in a limbo between the comfort of temporary jobs and the pressure of full-time employment. Josh's standard mode is to just do temporary jobs, which he enjoys because of the independence and flexibility the temp lifestyle affords. His mantra is “Don’t get in too deep!

The main plot is centered around when Josh is instructed to mail out seventeen very important letters for a high-pressure law firm where he was temping, but his failure to accomplish this basic task leads to comic complications that form the backbone of the plot. The task seems simple enough - mail 17 letters for his boss Bob Shelby (Warren Keith). But this simple task, made complicated through his own procrastination and fear of commitment, becomes an all-consuming obsession that threatens to unravel his life.

Throughout the film, we see Josh wrestling with his disdain for permanent employment, while also grappling with a burgeoning attraction towards a paralegal named Marlina D'Amore (played by Helen Shumaker). The audience also gets to see the fun-loving temp wrestle with his responsibilities and commitments to the law firm, and his own romantic life.

What makes Haiku Tunnel unique is its narrative structure that breaks the fourth wall frequently. As the story unfolds, Josh speaks directly to the audience, offering lighthearted commentary and self-deprecating humor about his misadventures. This break in the traditional narrative structure adds another layer to the film, successfully drawing in audiences and making Josh's relatable struggles even more engrossing.

In addition, the movie showcases a fantastic roster of characters who are as unusual as they are entertaining. Besides the protagonist Josh, other cast members like Marlina D’Amore (Helen Shumaker), Clarizzel (Amy Resnick), DaVonne (June Lomena), and the super-quirky Mindy (Sarah Overman) form a strong supporting cast that adds depth and flavor to the movie. These colorful coworkers provide additional layers to Josh's world, and they complement the story's central theme of navigating confusing office dynamics.

Further adding value to the movie is its delightful dialogue and fantastic one-liners, which are credited to writers Jacob Kornbluth and Josh Kornbluth. These create much of the comedy in the movie and are integral to the film's overall appeal and the charm of its unconventional protagonist.

By putting an eccentric temp worker at the center of the narrative, Haiku Tunnel pokes fun at the corporate world, making light of its rigid power structures and absurd office protocols. It cleverly satirizes corporate America while delivering a deeper underlying message about work culture, commitment issues, and the mundanity of office life.

Complete with solid performances, a hilarious script, and a fascinating main character, the movie is an enjoyable journey into the complexities of the corporate world. It's a gem of a film that invites the audience to get lost in the chaotic and comical world of Josh Kornbluth, garnering laughs along the way even as it drops some profound truths. The film delivers a mix of workplace comedy and human drama with its unique narrative structure and endearing characters, offering a satisfying watch for those looking for a break from conventional comedies.

With its combination of humor, commentary on office life, and an engaging protagonist, Haiku Tunnel brings an adventurous and humorous story to life, where the mundane becomes intriguing, reflecting the everyday absurdity of modern job culture. It stands as a hilarious yet thoughtful exploration of the human condition within the corporate domain. The movie possesses an endearing charm that stems from its intelligent script and eccentric characters, securing its place as an offbeat yet insightful cinematic treat.