Margin Call (2011)

Follows the key people at an investment bank, over a 24-hour period, during the early stages of the 2008 financial crisis.

Director:

J.C. Chandor

Writer:

J.C. Chandor

Stars:

Zachary Quinto, Stanley Tucci, Kevin Spacey

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 8 wins & 23 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Kevin Spacey	...	Sam Rogers
Paul Bettany	...	Will Emerson
Jeremy Irons	...	John Tuld
Zachary Quinto	...	Peter Sullivan
Penn Badgley	...	Seth Bregman
Simon Baker	...	Jared Cohen
Mary McDonnell	...	Mary Rogers
Demi Moore	...	Sarah Robertson
Stanley Tucci	...	Eric Dale
Aasif Mandvi	...	Ramesh Shah
Ashley Williams	...	Heather Burke
Susan Blackwell	...	Lauren Bratberg
Maria Dizzia	...	Executive Assistant
Jimmy Palumbo	...	Security Guard
Al Sapienza	...	Louis Carmelo

Storyline

A respected financial company is downsizing and one of the victims is the risk management division head, who was working on a major analysis just when he was let go. His protégé completes the study late into the night and then frantically calls his colleagues in about the company's financial disaster he has discovered. What follows is a long night of panicked double checking and double dealing as the senior management prepare to do whatever it takes to mitigate the debacle to come even as the handful of conscientious comrades find themselves dragged along into the unethical abyss.

---

Plot Keywords:

financial crisis | financial disaster | capital management | investment fraud | 21st century | 

---

Taglines:

Be first. Be smarter. Or cheat.

---

Genres:

Drama | Thriller

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language

Did You Know?

Trivia

John Tuld (Jeremy Irons) was originally offered to Sir Ben Kingsley, but due to other projects, he couldn't play the role. Billy Crudup and Tim Robbins were also interested in taking parts, but had to refuse, due to other obligations.

---

Goofs

The building that the movie takes place in is 1 Penn Plaza. When Sam and Peter are outside talking while Sam smokes, they are on 33rd Street. They are then seen coming up the escalator to the building, but there isn't an escalator from the street. Even if they somehow went downstairs, the escalator they are on is from the LIRR Concourse on the 34th Street side of the building.

---

Quotes

[first lines]
Seth Bregman: Just like that? Jesus Christ! Are they going to do it right here?
Will Emerson: You guys ever been through this before?
Seth Bregman: No.
Will Emerson: It's best to keep your head down and ignore it. Keep your head down and go back to work.

---

Crazy Credits

Several names are listed as the "Jeremy Irons Visa Miracle Team" who were able to get Irons into the US to film his scenes in New York City.

---

Connections

Referenced in Estrenos Críticos: TOP 13 (2014)

---

Soundtracks

Booty Drop
Written & Performed by Philip Quinaz
Courtesy of Philip Quinaz Music/BMI

User Reviews

Fantastic film, but not for everyone.

It's difficult to review Margin Call. Those of us who were close to the events of 2008 will find something personal in the story-telling. Others may see it as more examples of greed and hubris. In any case, the following observations apply to both groups.

The performances are top notch. Everyone from Zachary Quinto to Demi Moore brings their A-game. Even supporting characters are oddly fleshed out for a film with such an ensemble cast. Kevin Spacey and Paul Bettany give the performances of their careers, I think. Only the Jeremy Irons character (John Tuld, aka Dick Fuld) feels a bit over the top, while the rest are truly believable well-rounded depictions.

Despite having good characters and amazing cinematography, the film lacks plot. The backdrop and setting are tense, but this doesn't feel like a "movie" in the traditional sense. There's no evolution of characters, no arcs, and the ending may leave some wanting. You can compare it to Michael Mann films where plot and pace are unconventional.

Not sure how the film will perform commercially, given the material is esoteric. If you're a film buff (and enjoy great performances) or you've been in finance, this is a must-see. Other may likely pass.

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site [Hungary]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

29 September 2011 (Germany)

Also Known As:

Margin Call

Filming Locations:

Vornado Realty Trust, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$3,500,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$561,906, 23 October 2011

Gross USA:

$5,354,039

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$19,504,039

Company Credits

Production Co:

Before The Door Pictures, Benaroya Pictures, Washington Square Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

107 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1