I’ve never really understood what exactly happened in the 2007 Wall Street crash. Something about banks lying about mortgages… I’ve since found a video that explains it really well. Anyway, after seeing the trailer for The Big Short several times, I though, you know what? Why the hell not, let’s go watch something intelligent.

In early 2000, we follow three parallel stories in Wall Street. Michael Burry (Christian Bale), a slightly odd hedge fund manager, believes that he’s found a flaw in the housing market, and that it will eventually crash. He tries telling a few people, but no one thinks it’s even a remote possibility. In the end, he decides to use his knowledge to bet against the banks who have been foolish enough to play the game.

Jared Vennett (Ryan Gosling) at Deutsche Bank gets wind of Burry’s plans and decides to do the same, smelling a big payout. An accidental phone call sees him join forces with Mark Baum (Steve Carell) and his associates, working from inside Morgan Stanley, yet not quite part of them.

The movie is as expected a story that you do not quite understand. Half documentary (Vennett tells it) and half blockbuster, the stellar cast serves to hit home every point, while occasional asides explain important facts using guest stars like Mrgot Robbie and Selena Gomez.

I still don’t understand everything, but I feel I’ve gained a little more insight. It’s especially scary to see how the financial system works, and one cannot help but notice how it seems that everythign is coming round again. And we’re still not ready.

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Pictures from: comingsoon.net, squarespace.com, fandango.com, geeksgamers.com