Review of The Big Short (2015) by Joetaeb D — 14 Mar 2016

Smart, sharp and tremendously captivating, The Big Short is a dramedy that describes the 2008 economic meltdown in a way which will both amuse you and scare you. Brilliantly written and wonderfully played this is a simplified story which is meant to be understood not only by viewers with economic and financial background, but by the broader audience. Funny and, fascinating and quite educating, this movie is certainly one of 2015's best deliveries.

An adaptation of Michael Lewis' best-seller, The Big Short tells the story of how the hedge fund manager Michael Burry (Christian Bale) spots the upcoming bubble burst of the US house market and bets against the market and the mainstream expectations. His actions attract the attention of several other investors such as Mark Baum (Steve Carell), Jared Vennett (Ryan Gosling), Ben Rickert (Brad Pitt) and others who all make a fortune by predicting the housing market meltdown which affected the whole world. The essence of the story is quite technical and this potential issue is wonderfully tackled by director Andy McKay who has decided to simply it by bringing several "celebrities" to exemplify some of the terms used in the movie. What is shown as almost a comedy is actually a straight-forward depiction of an absurd reality in which several unscrupulous guys take advantage of the mass blindness and fraudulent behavior of banks, hedge fund manager, property magnates, etc.

The movie is an outstanding adaption of the book and the level of passion invested by director Andy McKay and the actors in this story is obvious. Directed with energy and wit, The Big Short not only tells a remarkable story, but also allows its actors to shine on the screen. Christian Bale and Steve Carell are shockingly convincing as Michael Burry and Mark Baum. Strange, eccentric, genius and definitely lacking the social skills to be the typical charismatic characters, both actors deliver Oscar-worthy performances. While Christian Bale gets his nomination for Best Supporting Act, it is a surprise that Steve Carell got snubbed. Speaking of of Oscars, with 5 nomination and all of them for prestigious categories (Best Movie, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor) , The Big Short has all reasons to get your attention, especially after winning the one for Best Adapted Screenplay.

In conclusion, The Big Short is a must see modern classic that would not only please you, but it will also make you feel uncomfortable when it comes to taking a side in this story. Don't miss this movie !