The Big Short
Starring: Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, and Brad Pitt
Directed by: Adam McKay
Rated: R
Whether you're a baby boomer or a millennial: chances are the 2008 financial crisis is still pretty fresh in your memory. The names Fanny Mae, Freddie Mac, and Lehman Brothers became buzzwords constantly used on the radio, TV, Internet, and even newspapers. What did it all mean though? Sure, we knew that the economy was wrecked, but how could that have happened? How did the market crash so quickly?
The Big Short shows there's much more to the 2008 financial crisis than just the vague snippets of information you heard on the news. It tells the true story of Michael Burry (Christian Bale), a hedge fund manager, who predicted in 2005 that US housing market would collapse in a short time. Completely convinced that it was a matter of time before the housing market went under, Burry decided to bet against the housing market in a big way. While almost everyone thought he was crazy, a handful of finance workers got word and decided to take advantage of the information.
This is a film that succeeds in being hilarious, dramatic, and frustrating. My frustrations are in no way connected to the film making quality itself, but the actual events portrayed. The subject matter will leave you angry at the system, the banks, and the housing market. The sheer stupidity of what went on leading up to the economic crisis is infuriating. The film echoes that sentiment brilliant, leaving the audience feeling genuine anger towards the system.
Speaking of film making quality, Adam McKay's directing really stands out inThe Big Short. I cannot believe the last thing he directed was Anchorman 2, a film that I hated.
Here, McKay has made a hilarious, intellectual film that challenges the viewer. When the terms get too difficult for the audience to understand: he uses brilliant techniques to break the fourth wall and help the audience understand what the characters are discussing. McKay also relies on cuts to YouTube clips, celebrity interviews, ads, and music videos while massive information about the future of America's economy was being uncovered by the film's main characters. It's a risky move, as it may not translate to all audience members, but I thought it was pretty genius. Through eccentric editing in the film, McKay is essentially critiquing the way Americans and mainstream media were focusing on trivial things while our economy was about to tank.
The Big Short has a standout cast that succeeds on all levels. Christian Bale, Ryan Gosling, Steve Carell, and Brad Pitt are all major players here.
Christian Bale is again, almost unrecognizable as Michael Burry, the man who predicted the financial crisis. Burry understands numbers better than people and struggles with an extreme difficulty to connect socially. Bale captures the loneliness and genius of Michael Burry excellently.
Jared Vennett, played by Ryan Gosling, decides to get in on the scheme as well. Jared is an energetic, over-the-top investment banker. While most of the actors have a chance to shine comedically in the film, Ryan Gosling is the most hilarious throughout.
Steve Carell shows up as Mark Baum, a neurotic trader who is fed up with the banking industry. When he hears about the shorts, he wants to get involved. Carell is great in the film showing a wide-range of emotions and again proves that he is not just a comedic actor.
Brad Pitt plays Ben Rickert, an eccentric ex-banker who hears about the short through some young friends. Brad Pitt has a very subdued performance here, but it's very effective for the time he's on screen.
Dealing with issues including a housing crisis, mortgage bubble, bank fraud, and an economic meltdown is no easy task. However, The Big Short tackles these complex issues in a brilliant way that is intelligent, funny, and audience accessible. This is a film that deservedly looks bound for award season success. But beyond any award success, it's the shocking true story, fantastic performances, and first-rate direction that prove The Big Short is a major feat.
My Rating: 10/10