Texas Tidbit: Office Space

A cult classic for the ages.

Many a fan this film has garnered over its tenure, enduring folk to its relatable tale through humor, creative writing, and great music. It’s the kind of flick that only gets better with time. And it’s one of my all time favorites as well.

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Now, it’s about this time you must be wondering, did I stumble onto the wrong page? Has the author mistakenly posted a film review where there ought to be something else?

Nay, my friends. For “Office Space” holds a very special place here in Texas. Literally. As in, the majority of the shots for the project were filmed right here, mostly throughout our capital city of Austin.

The opening wide angle view of the freeway?

That would be the Dallas North Tollway and LBJ Freeway. I’ve driven that stretch of road many times, and yes, it is that congested. In fact, only more so considering the age of this film.

How about the exterior scenes of Initech?

A printing shop (among other businesses) in Austin.

Peter’s apartment?

Also Austin.

Now, why Texas, you might ask? As it turns out, Texas has played a big part in creator Mike Judge’s personal life as well, himself a resident for many years. Some might say his move to the north Texas area in the late 1980’s is what jumpstarted his career and birthed this beautiful film.

And while it was initially a disappointment at the box office, its legacy has endeared itself to my heart and so many others in more ways than one. So it’s nice to think this great state of mine contributed to its making in such a big way.

A fun little side story:

One of my husband’s coworkers is a big car enthusiast and actually owned the film’s blue Porsche for several years.

A few months ago, the original owner contacted him and said he’d been looking to get it back ever since he sold it after filming. Happy to say, he was more than willing to sell it back and car and owner have been reunited once more.

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