ScreenCrave - First time feature length director, J.C. Chandor’s Margin Call has all the trappings of a big hit: it’s star-studded and ominous; its topic is potent and relevant, especially in the “Occupy Wall Street” days. But Margin Call is lacking one critical factor: consequence. No one truly fails in this film. Sure, executives lose their jobs but with their severances the tragedy of termination is more like winning the lottery. We never see the outcome of the bloodbath. What Margin Call does well, however, is intimately portray some very wealthy people sweat, chew steak, and justify their position with cleverly worded speeches.
Margin Call is a brilliantly written and acted ensemble drama that takes a sharp look at fiscal irresponsibility a day before the world was plunged into the black.
Steering clear of overt condemnation or adulation of morally dubious characters, this is sophisticated cinema that respects the audience’s ability to follow complex subject matter.
Jeremy of We Got This Covered wrote, "Director J.C. Chandor debuts in the film world with Margin Call; a realistic approach at the financial crisis. Margin Call is shockingly interesting given the subject matter due to the team of fine actors Chandor has assembled. Kevin Space, Paul Bettany, Simon Baker, Stanley Tucci, Zachary Quinto and a few other familiar faces populate the film, giving you more than one perspective on how it all went down. The 24 hour time frame helps convey the downright depressing last hours before it all went to shit."
I've heard this was good but it's not at the top of my list to see so I can wait a while to see this.
