Back in 2008, America’s financial industry collapsed, resulting in an economic crisis that still lingers with us today, and is only surpassed by the stock market crash back in 1929.  And that’s pretty much what the average Joe knows about that.  Well, almost. Margin Call covers a span of about 24 hours  at an investment firm in the opening stages of the 2008 financial crisis.  When an entry-level analyst Peter (Zachary Quinto) discovers that the firm’s bottom line is about to hit rock bottom, a entangling thriller of a roller coaster ride ensues as the firm’s head honchos make drastic financial and moral decisions that have ultimately shaped our future.
Margin Call offers its audience a unique perspective of the inner workings of the world of high finance where overpaid executives are incapable of watching out for others except themselves. When Peter sends word to the upper ranks about the firm’s trouble, CEO John Tuld, tells him break it down in laymen’s terms: “Speak to me as you would to a small child. Or, a golden retriever.” Kevin Spacey plays as Sam Rogers who is third from the top of the corporate food chain, and is the only executive left with a bit of soul in him that is worth saving. But true-to-life, Spacey sells that part of his soul as he tells his brokers to dump millions of dollars of worthless paper to save his boss, and himself.
Not a documentary, Margin Call is actually a thriller. It works well as a film because it takes the subject of financial derivatives and other esoteric terminology, and makes it accessible and compelling for the rest of us working our way up the ladder. In fact, as time winds down, the more esoteric words are used, the more seductive and scary the film gets as the firm’s executives try get themselves out clean and green. The truth is obvious though – in order for the firm to survive the looming meltdown, dirty decisions have to be made. And that’s what makes this film so good. It’s like watching that first domino in a very long string of dominos start to topple and bring the rest down. It’s revealingly good entertainment and I highly recommend Margin Call for all adults.
Poster from: Margin Call Web Site

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