Remember the Recession?? The thing we used to make fun of and use as an excuse when we wanted to spend less money! Wonder what caused it or what caused a huge downward spiral for the World's Greatest Economy?? Based on True Events, The Big Short, adapted by the Book of the same name, has some answers.
The film follows 3 parallel stories of how these Genius Bankers had predicted the fall of the mortgage market in 2008, well before it actually happened, and wanted to cash in on it by shorting on the market. In other words, they were going to bet against the one thing that the US had never had a problem with in the past, and that was, the payment of Loans in the Housing Sector. People think they are stupid to do so but gladly accept their investment because it was like someone was giving them charity. But if what they had predicted would come true, then the returns were going to be astounding!!!
Now this is no The Wolf of Wall Street. It's not as racy or fun. But what they were dealing with here was much more serious. It was to be a pivotal point in American History. They were basically looking to cash in on America's downfall. If people were to lose their jobs and become homeless, they win!! In some weird way, this is a satire of sorts. One that does take itself too seriously at times.
There is a lot of Financial Technical Jargon in this Movie, but don't worry, the makers of the movie recognize the same and have some unique cameos by Celebrities explaining a few terms in the most 'easy to understand' manner. It definitely adds the dose of humour too. Towards the end though, you still might feel a bit lost if you were a Science student in college!!
Now coming to the Oscars. The Movie was nominated for 5 Oscars including Best Editing, Directing, Picture and Best Supporting Actor for Christian Bale, but the only one they won was for Best Adapted Screenplay, which to a certain extent, was fair enough. This movie's writing is what drives it through in spite of it being a rather serious and somewhat non-patriotic movie. It's not an easy subject to handle.
The cast is super-star-studded. But the 2 who really stood out for me were Christian Bale and Steve Carell. While Christian Bale is amazing as an awkward Metalhead Investment Banker it's Steve Carell who truly surprises you because he has always had this comic image, and he steers away from that so well an the cynical and angry Banker who doesn't trust anyone!!
Overall it is a Good Movie, but not a Great One. It tells a Great Story and one we must know for sure. But among the Best Films of the Oscars, this one was definitely a bit short.
I'm going with 3.5 out of 5.
Keep Reeling!!
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