"The Big Short" (2015) is a rambunctious comedy-drama that follows a handful of disparate Wall Street insiders who either individually or collectively predicted the housing market crash of 2007-2008, and bet against the market for enormous financial gains.
Based on Michael Lewis’ best selling 2011 non-fiction book, it's a fascinating look into the inner workings and disrepair of the modern banking industry. A great cast of big names (Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Brad Pitt) carry the viewer through the intricate complexities of mortgage backed securities, collateralized debt obligations, etc., and manage to make the admittedly labyrinthine subject matter both enthralling and highly enjoyable.
Co-writer and director Adam McKay ("Anchorman", "Vice"), does an impressive job of making it all fit together seamlessly—balancing the humor, frustration and absurdity, punching it up with off-the-wall yet effective asides, and giving us a comprehensible education on the economic meltdown that affected so many people so dramatically. Steeped in historical accuracy, it’s a legitimately important film that everyone should see at least once.
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