At first look you may think that Margin Call is an extension of the film Wall Street, but as the film progresses I found a very good movie that really shows the effect of greed, contempt, lack of compassion and survival of the fittest, no matter who gets squashed in the process. It’s like our economical climate these days, you never know when or where the next shoe will drop.
Using the background of the stock market crash of 2008 writer director J.C. Chandor takes his film into the bowls of a stockbrokerage house that’s on the verge of folding due to the collapsing of the formula used to equate their business’s viability. It’s a taught drama that reveals the workings of the investment company in relationship to its clients, workforce and the people at the top. Chandor doesn’t pull any punches as he gets his characters involved in the plot to save the dissolution of the company no matter how many jobs, small businesses and lives are at stake.
From the onset of the first act there is this feeling of impending doom that slowly settles over the firm. Chandor uses the strength of his cast to take on the company, deal with the problem and accept the solution. Jeremy Irons brings his tough persona to John Tuld the owner of the investment house that’s about to change the economy of a good size portion of the world. Stubborn and passionate about keeping his company going in spite of what it will be doing, Tuld works himself into a one way no return decision.
However it’s Spacey’s strong sense of right that makes Sam Rogers the adversary to the no win decision that makes this film work. Chandor focuses on Rogers who goes head to head with the impossible in this clash between upper management and his devotion to the employees under him. It’s his drive in an attempt for a resolve, no matter if it means the demise his own job that controls all the drama.
The support cast helps the film along especially Paul Bettany as Will Emerson the upcoming analyst that brings the problem to his boss and Stanley Tucci as the scapegoat for the error, both delivering excellent characters that up the suspense level. Even though not in the film very much, Demi Moore makes an appearance as Sara Robertson a corporate damage control specialist. Her Robertson reminded me of the malicious personality as Merideth Wilson in Disclosure.
The film is rated R for language so keep this in mind if you have to bring an immature child along to avoid a babysitter.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A taught drama that delivers an eye-opening blow. (B)
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
