The Big Short

Starring: Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Brad Pitt, Marisa Tomei, Rafe Spall, Melissa Leo, Karen Gillan, Selena Gomez (uncredited), Margot Robbie (uncredited)
Directed by: Adam McKay
Rating: R
Genre: Drama, Comedy
2015

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: A few people foresee the collapse of the housing bubble in the mid-2000s and take a risky investment strategy to capitalize on it.

Review:

Tim: The Big Short is an odd movie. That's not a bad thing, this is just so different than the typical films that roll out of Hollywood. For one, it takes a deep dive into an incredibly complicated, some would say boring topic- the economy. However, it does so in an entertaining and informative way. This film is really less about the story- yes, we do have interesting characters and events propel them forward. However, the movie is really about explaining to the audience what happened when the economy collapsed with the bursting of the housing bubble. This film manages to accomplish all its objectives, which is undeniably impressive considering its ambitious agenda. I'd certainly consider this a great movie.

The film gives us a number of different characters, many of whom don't interact with each other. While it's a little disappointing not to see Christian Bale play off Brad Pitt or Ryan Gosling, it works within the context of the film. We get all these little stories that add up to a better understanding for us of what happened in the latter stages of the first decade of the 21st century. Christian Bale gets top billing and reminds us once again that he's an incredibly gifted actor. I may not like him as a person, but the guy has amazing talent. He plays a role so unlike those we've been accustomed to see him play in recent years. As always, he disappears into the role. It's no surprise that he was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor- he makes the most of his limited screen time. I also loved the casting of Steve Carell in a more dramatic role than we're used to seeing from him. While he has some very funny moments, this is quite a departure from his more typical lighthearted, goofy fare. I thought he gave a very strong performance and surpassed any of my expectations. Ryan Gosling was fun in his smaller role. He brought good energy to the film. I liked seeing Brad Pitt, although he had one of the smallest roles in the film and didn't really do a whole lot that was interesting. The rest of the cast was made up on lesser known names and faces, but they work very well together. Director Adam McKay deserves great credit for juggling such a large, talented cast. He does a very, very good job with it.

The Big Short is different in that it's not a straightforward narrative. The film goes out of its way to educate the audience, often in zany and unexpected ways. So, you get a scene that says, "Here's Margot Robbie in a bubble bath to explain (that complicated economic term) in more detail." It's weird and unexpected, but it works. The movie jumps around from character to character, showing multiple perspectives on what happened with the housing market. The frenetic pace is perfect, as the movie never lags or feels boring for a second. There's so much here, it is the kind of movie you want to watch multiple times to truly appreciate it. If you want to understand what an accomplishment this is, consider that Adam McKay directed a funny, entertaining film about economic collapse that demands multiple viewings. It's no surprise what an achievement this film is.

Here's the other thing about this film- it should make you furious about what happened. Truly, I understood very little, even after living through that period, watching the news, etc. This film opens our eyes about the rampant corruption, greed, and immorality that nearly wrecked this country. What Wall Street did is unconscionable and should have been met with the severest punishment. As the film informs us, none of that happened. It's aggravating, demoralizing, and sad to see how the fallibility of financial "leaders" wrecked the lives of thousands upon thousands and pay no price for it. I love that this movie told the truth, because it's a wretched, awful truth that we need to know about. If you're paying attention, this movie should inform you and make you very angry.

The Big Short is a great movie. It's entertaining, memorable, and informative. It features great performances and makes a complicated, boring subject riveting. It won 1 Academy Award, for Best Adapted Screenplay. This is a film that every American needs to see.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 8



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Wall Street, 99 Homes