Adam McKay’s The Big Short offers a satirical at the US economic crisis of 2007-2008, just before and when President Barrack Obama took office.
Oscar Nominations: 5
Best Picture
Best Director
Adapted Screenplay
Supporting Actor: Christian Bale
Film Editing
Oscar Awards: 1
Adapted Screenplay
Literary Source:
The script was co-written by Adam McKay and Charles Randolph, based on Michael Lewis’ 2010 book, The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine, about the 2008 financial crisis, triggered by the housing bubble.
Cast: Ensemble
The film’s large ensemble includes major stars in small toles, played by Christian Bale (Supporting Actor Oscar nominee), Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Brad Pitt, Melissa Leo, Hamish Linklater, John Magaro, Rafe Spall, Jeremy Strong, Finn Wittock, Marisa Tomei, Margot Robbie.
Cameos:
Chef Anthony Bourdain (who since committed suicide), singer-songwriter Selena Gomez, economist Richard Thaler, who explain in a broad way such complex concepts as subprime mortgages, collateralized debts as meta-references.
Narrative Structure:
Actors directly address the audience, especially Ryan Gosling who serves as the narrator.
Nonlinear, unconventional
Visual Style:
Distributor:
Paramount
Released Date:
December 11, 2015 (limited), followed by wide release, December 23.
Commercial Appeal:
The Big Short grossed $133 million and was profitable, considering its budget of $50 million.