Margin Call

Margin Call has an unusually complex story line, yet, it’s able to capture a Wall Street feel, while creating a thrilling and even comical film.

The film centers on a large company that deals with the selling and trading of assets. With the help of a former employee, one worker discovers that the company is falling deeply in debt due to a faulty formula. As the clock ticks, everyone in the company must figure out how to solve this dilemma.

Margin Call has a powerhouse cast. There isn’t a single scene without one of the big actors in it. Unfortunately, this also made me feel like there wasn’t a single strong lead. Either way, Jeremy Irons and Paul Bettany were my favorites, with each character acted well.

The problem with Margin Call is that you have to be in a very specific mood to see it. There’s a good amount of information to follow, so don’t expect to be able to tune out. I understand the intrigue with this kind of topic, but I can’t see why they’d choose to be so complex. In most cases, I believe this could alienate the audience.

Complex or not, there’s still enough going on in the film for it to be engaging. It’s not your typical thoughtless movie, for sure. If the material interests you, like it did me, the experience will be worth it.