Mid-way through last year I watch Russell Brand’s THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES, a study of the inequality of wealth in the UK and the despicable greed of ‘The Big Banks’. I always love a good British to Yankee comparison, so THE BIG SHORT was top of my list to see.
THE BIG SHORT is a true story following four outsiders in the world of high finance who not only predicted the credit and housing bubble collapse of 2008, but decided to take on the big banks for their lack of foresight, and greed, and make oodles of money from it.
Let’s be honest, money is not entertaining – unless you’re making lots of it or spending lots of it. Talking about it can be downright boring….and confusing.
As a gal whose most exciting investment to date is a measly term deposit, I was at serious risk of being bamboozled and bored by the complicated concepts being tossed around in this flick. Yet sensational filmmaking ensured I was incredibly informed and entertained – without being pandered to.
THE BIG SHORT is loaded with financial jargon / lingo and moves fast, but this film is way too clever to leave people behind: Comical celebrity cameos, sexy bubble baths and Ryan Gosling’s smug but suave narration goes to great lengths to keep us in the loop and ensure we’re thoroughly entertained as well as informed.
A stellar cast keep us utterly enthralled from start to finish: Steve Carell, Christian Bale, Rafe Spall, Brad Pitt, Ryan Gosling are so on form it’s not funny. Well it IS funny…you know what I mean.
Cinematography and editing savvy, aswell as a great (and often ironic) soundtrack, further add to THE BIG SHORT’S impressive quality.
Despite the complicated (and ultimately depressing) concepts explored in this flick, THE BIG SHORT is a brash and very funny insight into a terrifying reality. Even with the dry subject of high finance at its centre, director Adam McKay and his top notch cast deliver a highly compelling story.
No wonder it’s nominated for five Oscars.
I rate it 8 stars.
