J.C. Chandor’s Oscar-nominated debut film, Margin Call, was theatrically released this past October. Although it received critical acclaim and boasts an impressive ensemble cast, -Kevin Spacey, Stan Tucci and Jeremy Irons, to name but a few, this powerful and insightful dramatic thriller is no doubt unknown to most movie-goers.
Margin Call chronicles the individual decisions made by a Wall Street firm’s players, from young traders to seasoned executives, during a 24 hour period prior to an impending, widely-effecting financial crisis. The strategies and rationalizations they employ to negotiate their personal survival in the face of their company’s potential financial tsunami maintains the film’s gripping tension and suspense.
Two fresh-faced analysts and office mates, played by Zachary Quinto and Penn Badgley, deliver frank exchanges, such as when observing the unsuspecting public on the streets of New York. Seth (Badgley) justifies their looming economic ruin, “One guy wins, and one guy lose”. Peter (Quinto), chides back, “You know it’s a little more complicated than that?!”
Then, you have Kevin Spacey’s inspirational speech as their boss, Sam Rodgers, following the firms’ considerable downsizing event. Sam (Spacey) enters the trading floor clapping, “Let’s hear it!” The traders join him in applause, “You’re all here for a reason…80% of the floor was let go, but you were better. They’re gone, and not to be thought of again…the men that were standing between you and your boss’s job are gone…that’s your opportunity. Keep your head high, and let’s go back to work! Let’s hear it!”, Sam exits, once again, clapping.
Thus, Chandor’s smart, yet straightforward, dialogue from his sharp-minded characters avoids talking down to the audience about the complex business of investment trading.
The Film Summary of Margin Call
Set in the high-stakes world of the financial industry, Margin Call is an entangling thriller involving the key players at an investment firm during the first 24-hours of the 2008 financial crisis. When an entry-level analyst unlocks information that could prove to be the downfall of the firm, a roller-coaster ride ensues as decisions both financial and moral catapult the lives of all involved to the brink of disaster.
The Cast and Crew of Margin Call
- Starring Kevin Spacey, Paul Bettany, Jeremy Irons, Zachary Quinto, Penn Badgley, Simon Baker, Mary McDonnell, Demi Moore and Stanley Tucci.
- Written and directed by J.C. Chandor.
- Cinematography by Frank DeMarco. Editing by Pete Beaudreau.
- Produced by Michael Benaroya, Neal Dodson and Zachary Quinto.
Theatrical release by Roadside Attractions. Now available on Blu-Ray™, DVD and digital download from Lionsgate.
- Running Time: 107 mins
- Rated: R for language
[Source: Roadside Attractions]
