In the Party Scene: What is the point of the scene where Mr. McGuire wants to pull Benjamin aside to discuss “plastics?

The beginning portion of the film establishes Benjamin as a comic character, an almost clown-like protagonist to whom events happen, rather than a protagonist with a strongly-defined agency. The pitch and patter of the guests at the party is manic and energetic, while Ben’s energy remains placid and inexpressive. The contrast between Ben’s straight-faced discomfort and someone like McGuire, who has so much blustery confidence as to imagine that invoking the plastics industry will elicit awe, creates a very comic dynamic. Ben is a stony “straight man” to the absurd enthusiasm of the corporate squares surrounding him. While Benjamin is not particularly countercultural or rebellious, his youthful existentialism starkly contrasts with the more established and self-satisfied world of the adults in his life.