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.Written by
Kenneth Chisholm (kchishol@rogers.com)
Grace Gummer, Meryl Streep's third child, was set to appear in a scene in which she played Zachary Quinto's ex-girlfriend. Due to what the director and producer called "poor directorial work" during the shoot, the scene was cut out of the film. It can be seen, however, in the "Deleted Scenes" section of the DVD. See more »
Goofs
When Will, Peter and Seth are eating breakfast an edition of 'The Economist' can be seen on Will's desk from the week of September 20th 2008 entitled 'What's next?' referring to the financial crisis. However Peter is then seen reading an edition of 'The Economist' from the week April 26th 2008 entitled 'The rise of the Gulf'. See more »
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.
See more »
Crazy Credits
Steven Spielberg appears in the "Special Thanks" in the end credits but misspelled as "Steven Speilberg" on theatrical prints. See more »
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.
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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.