Review of Margin Call (2011) by Jess K — 10 Feb 2012

Upon leaving the crowd is silent until one man, with a head of thin white hair, says to his wife, "I want to join those Occupy protests." Margin Call is stacked with veterans, with almost every pay grade using a more venerated performer.

Spacey, Tucci, Bettany and Irons each turn in strong performances, including wonderfully written monologues which work to further the plot and as real world statements. For a story which takes place over a single day, between eight characters and almost entirely in one building, it's clear the world changes.

One trading session makes for a highlight of storytelling through nothing but dialogue and time markers. While the symbolism is thick the film doesn't insult its audience by pointing it out. Margin Call is an examination and commentary on the danger of intelligent people devoting themselves to creating nothing but wealth.

A film "real people" should see. Let the stunned silence begin.