 In 1997 Eckhart was approached by Neil LaBute to star in a film adaptation of LaBute 's stage play , In the Company of Men . He played a frustrated white @-@ collar worker who planned to woo a deaf office worker , gain her affections , then suddenly dump her . The film , his first feature to reach theaters , was critically well received , with Desson Howe of The Washington Post reporting that Eckhart is the " movie 's most malignant presence " and that he " is in chilling command as a sort of satanic prince in shirtsleeves " . In the Company of Men was a critical success , winning Best First Film at the 63rd annual New York Film Critics Circle Award . His performance won him the Independent Spirit Award in the category of Best Debut Performance . The film was ranked as one of " The 25 Most Dangerous Movies " by Premiere magazine . 
