"Choose Your Spouse Wisely"
Master criminal Neil McCauley (Robert De Niro) is trying to control the rogue actions of one of his men, while also planning one last big heist before retiring. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Hanna (Al Pacino) attempts to track down McCauley as he deals with the chaos in his own life, including the infidelity of his wife (Diane Venora) and the mental health of his stepdaughter (Natalie Portman). McCauley and Hanna discover a mutual respect, even as they try to thwart each other's plans.
Scenario:
Neil has a tight group of partners that have been successful working together on big jobs, in fact, the group is family to him. After noticing marital issues between his key partner, Chris and his wife Charlene (Ashley Judd), Neil talks to him about making a decision to leave her. Chris is in love and has no intention on leaving Charlene, which later in the movie we see just how strong their bond really is.
Selected Scene:
Neil: What happened to you?
Chris: When you gonna get some furniture?
Neil: When I get around to it.
Chris: Charlene is going to leave me.
Neil: Why?
Chris: Not enough steaks in the freezer.
Neil: With everything we’ve been doing.
Chris: Vegas and the Superbowl cleaned me out, when are you going to get an ol’ lady?
Neil: When I get around to it, you got something else on the side?
Chris: Nothing regular.
Neil: She got something else on the side?
Chris: No
Neil: Sure?
Chris: Yeah, I’m sure
Neil: I don’t know what you’re doing, remember Jimmy Macklewayne on the yard use to say, you want to be making moves on the street, have no attachments, allow nothing to be in your life that you cannot walk out on in thirty seconds flat if you spot the Heat around the corner. Remember that?
Chris: For me the sun rises and sets on her.
Business Tip:
Have you heard the saying, choose your spouse wisely, because he/she will control 90% of your happiness? It’s no different in the workplace or your career. Yes, it’s true, the few hours you spend with your boyfriend, girlfriend, fiancé, husband or wife is dwarfed in comparison to the amount of hours you spend on the job. But don’t underestimate the value of having someone to share your deepest thoughts, goals, or career strategies, especially if that someone is the closest person to you. Even though Chris and Charlene didn’t work out, their relationship was solid enough to withstand an opportunity for Charlene to put Chris away for good. She chose not to, with the famous “no-go wave” on the balcony scene. We can all guest what she probably would have done if she wasn’t involved or unaware of Chris’ work and his colleagues. Again, when making a life decision to be with someone forever, choose someone you are comfortable opening up to, because the majority of our lives are spent in the workplace which means all the more reason to make your personal lives the best we can with someone who understands your drive and has your back when needed.
