Overview

About the Movie: The Big Short
The Big Short" is a 2015 American biographical crime comedy-drama film directed
by Adam McKay and co-written by Charles Randolph, based on the 2010 book "The
Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine" by Michael Lewis. The film tells the true
story of the 2007-2008 financial crisis, focusing on the individuals who were able to
predict the collapse of the housing market and bet against the big banks
THE PLOT
"The Big Short" is not your typical Wall Street drama. Instead, it offers a refreshingly
unconventional take on the events leading up to the financial meltdown. The film
skillfully weaves together multiple storylines, blending elements of comedy, drama,
and documentary-style exposition to create a compelling narrative that keeps
viewers on the edge of their seats.The plot of "The Big Short" revolves around three
separate but concurrent stories leading up to the 2007 housing market crash.
At the center of the story is Michael Burry (Christian Bale), an eccentric hedge fund
manager who, in 2005, discovers that the housing market is built on a foundation of
risky subprime loans. Despite skepticism from his colleagues and investors, Burry
decides to bet against the market by purchasing credit default swaps, essentially
insurance policies against mortgage-backed securities failing.
Word of Burry's audacious move reaches Jared Vennett (Ryan Gosling), a brash and
opportunistic Wall Street banker who sees an opportunity to profit from the
impending collapse. Vennett, recognizing the potential windfall, decides to capitalize
on Burry's prediction by pitching the idea to various investors. One such investor is
Mark Baum (Steve Carell), a jaded hedge fund manager who is disillusioned with the
greed and corruption rampant in the financial industry. Baum is initially skeptical of
Vennett's pitch but becomes increasingly convinced of the validity of Burry's
prediction after conducting his own investigation. As Baum and his team delve
deeper into the inner workings of the housing market, they uncover widespread
fraud, deceit, and irresponsibility among banks and credit rating agencies.
Meanwhile, a pair of young investors, Charlie Geller (John Magaro) and Jamie
Shipley (Finn Wittrock), stumble upon Burry's prediction and
recognize the potential for massive profits. With the help of retired banker
Ben Rickert (Brad Pitt), they navigate the complexities of the financial world
and develop their own strategy to bet against the housing market.
In 2007, their predictions begin to materialize as mortgage
defaults skyrocket and the housing bubble bursts. The financial system teeters
on the brink of collapse, leading to widespread panic and chaos. While the rest
of the world reels from the devastating effects of the crisis, Burry, Vennett,
Baum, Geller, and Shipley emerge as unlikely heroes, having profited immensely
from their foresight and bravery.
WHY WATCH IT?

"The Big Short" is a film that excels on many levels. However, one aspect that
stands out is its ability to take a complex and daunting subject matter—the 2008
financial crisis—and present it in an engaging and accessible manner.
Director Adam McKay and the ensemble cast manage to dissect
intricate financial concepts and explain them in a way that is both informative
and entertaining. They employ creative techniques such as breaking the fourth
wall, using celebrity cameos for explanations, and incorporating humor to make
the subject matter more digestible for a wide audience.
The film features a star-studded cast, including Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan
Gosling, and Brad Pitt, as well as cameo appearances from Margot Robbie, Anthony
Bourdain, Selena Gomez, and Richard Thaler, who explain financial concepts to the
audience3. The film's unique approach to explaining complex financial instruments
has been praised by critics, with many noting that it is both entertaining and
informative. Each character brings a unique perspective to the story, adding depth
and dimension to the narrative.
Additionally, "The Big Short" offers a scathing critique of the financial industry and
exposes the greed, corruption, and systemic failures that led to the crisis. It serves
as a reminder of the human cost of Wall Street's excesses and the importance of
accountability and ethics in business.
CRITICISM
While "The Big Short" is lauded for its engaging storytelling and stellar
performances, it does have its shortcomings. One criticism lies in its portrayal of
complex financial concepts. While the film attempts to simplify these concepts for a
broader audience, it occasionally oversimplifies or glosses over crucial details,
leading to a somewhat superficial understanding of the events surrounding the
financial crisis of 2008.
Another critique is directed towards its tone. While the film
balances dark humor with serious subject matter, some may find the comedic
elements at odds with the gravity of the crisis and its devastating impact on
millions of people. This tonal inconsistency can detract from the film's
ability to evoke genuine empathy and emotional resonance with its audience.
Furthermore, "The Big Short" has been accused of
glorifying the protagonists' actions. While they may have profited from their
foresight, the film fails to adequately address the ethical implications of
betting against the housing market and profiting from the suffering of others.
This lack of moral ambiguity may leave some viewers feeling uneasy about
sympathizing with characters who ultimately capitalize on a crisis that wreaks
havoc on countless lives.
CONCLUSION
"The Big Short" delivers a captivating portrayal of the 2008 financial crisis, bolstered
by stellar performances and sharp writing. While occasionally oversimplified and
tonally inconsistent, it offers valuable insights into Wall Street's excesses and the
importance of ethical responsibility. A must-watch for those seeking to understand
financial complexities.
BY : KAVYA ARORA
48
BCOM HONS (A)

Overview

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Overview

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Overview

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

About the Movie: The Big Short

WHY WATCH IT?

BCOM HONS (A)

You might also like