The Big Short-2015

Director-Adam McKay

Starring-Christian Bale, Steve Carell

Scott’s Review #369

Reviewed January 10, 2016

Grade: A-

The Big Short is a confusing film- and that is its intention and also it’s genius.

Throughout some of the film, I was uncertain how much I liked it (or got it), and found many of the characters unlikeable, but at its conclusion, I realized that is exactly what the filmmakers intended-this is a clever tactic and makes The Big Short a success.

On the surface, the film has some humor, but is a very dark story at its core, and left me a bit depressed and terrified at the conclusion.

I am very happy that the film is receiving accolades and is the “thinking man’s” hit movie of the season.

To attempt to summarize the film, the film begins in 2005, approximately two years before the financial crisis of 2007-2008.

Eccentric hedge fund manager Michael Burry (Christian Bale), realizes the U.S. housing market is very unstable and predicts a crash.

He attempts to profit by betting against the market, a move that is laughable to all around him- especially the banks who anticipate a windfall at Michael’s expense. Trader and fellow market managers, Jared Vennett and Mark Baum (played by Ryan Gosling and Steve Carrell) catch wind of Michael’s theory and try to get in on the action.

There is a sub-plot involving two younger investors also attempting to profit through the guidance of a retired banker (played by Brad Pitt).

The financial collapse is a tender subject and certainly no laughing matter, especially since it is so recent and affected so many people.

The Big Short is touted as a comedy, which in a way is strange to me. I found the audience didn’t know exactly what to laugh at or when. The film’s “laughs” were cynical, witty, and sometimes wicked. Many people do not get this type of humor.

In real life, people were kicked out of homes, lost their jobs, pensions, etc. and it was all the result of greed, which The Big Short hammers home.

Several scenes include frat-boy investor/trader types getting rich by enabling almost anyone to be able to afford a new house. Little did these people realize that there was a catch. The film paints a jaded picture of Wall Street. The rich get richer at the expense of the middle-class and poor. It is an age-old sad tale.

Performance-wise, Carrell and Bale are the standouts. They both play characters who are damaged. Bale’s Michael is socially awkward, has a false eye, but is also a genius. Carrell’s Mark is angry, grizzled, and is in therapy as a result of his brother’s suicide. Both actors give great performances and have developed into worthy, credible acting talents. Worth mentioning are small, but meaningful roles by Melissa Leo and Marisa Tomei.

The Big Short is shot in an interesting way- highly unusual. From time to time, the action will stop and a famed celebrity (Selena Gomez, a world-renowned chef, or a model in a bubble bath) will explain the events of the film, thus far, or give some sort of review. Also, more than once the actors will turn to the camera and speak directly to the audience. A nice, personal touch that I found effective.

In the end, not much in life has changed, which is the real message of the film, and a frightening one. As one character brilliantly puts it “people will go back to blaming the poor and the immigrants”, which is a sad message.

After millions lost everything, not much has changed in the world and The Big Short makes that very clear. The people responsible have gotten away with crime, the banks bailed out, and a new scheme is undoubtedly in place. It’s a sad world.

The Big Short is a gritty, harsh look at reality and a terrific film.

Oscar Nominations: Best Picture, Best Director-Adam McKay, Best Supporting Actor-Christian Bale, Best Adapted Screenplay (won), Best Film Editing