The Importance of The Big Short: Gaining Knowledge Through Cinema

The Big Short is hands down one of the most important films of the decade. An intensive look into the economic collapse of 2008 brought to you by director Adam McKay. First off, the book and adapted screenplay are the foundation on which this mansion of a movie was built on. There is no doubt in my mind that it deserved the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. The casting director did an exceptional job at making sure the characters were represented well; Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, and Brad Pitt all put on stellar performances. From the cobblestone streets of Wall Street to the palm trees of California, the storyline goes the distance in making sure the common man is truly able to understand the events that lead up to the infamous crisis. By giving viewers an inside look of the characters, the film was able to establish an emotional connection to an otherwise dry subject. This proved to be of major importance.

The subject of the 2008 economic collapse isn't necessarily the most entertaining plot, but it's definitely one of the most necessary topics. Americans need to educate themselves on what actually happened eight years ago. We must realize the evident flaws in a system that many believed to be unbreakable. In order to do this, the masses must have a comprehensive understanding of the technical language that financial powerhouses hide behind. And have hid behind for years. Using pop culture icons in familiar settings, The Big Short was able to break down the technicalities of the collapse. Adam McKay did a phenomenal job at breaking the fourth wall without forcing scenes into feeling unnatural. It was impressive how well they pulled it off. My attention only grew as the film went on, never once did I find myself losing focus. The intertwining story lines were captivating and realistic. I felt the stress and growing hopelessness of Steve Carell's character. I developed a deep disgust toward the audacity of Ryan Gosling's character. Most of all, I found myself respecting the characters played by Christian Bale and Brad Pitt, while also sympathizing with them. All signs of truthful film-making on an extremely fragile topic.

There are multiple reasons why The Big Short is so important, and a must-see for all Americans. The fact of the matter is that most everyone was affected or knew someone affected by the economic collapse. Before this film, many people didn't have the slightest idea of the actual causes. Unfortunately, in 2016, a lot of people don't take the time to read books.. especially when it's not page-turning fiction written by a bestselling author. But most everyone in America enjoys going to the movies, or watching a movie at home with family and friends. A screenplay on this topic was definitely not an easy sell to a Hollywood production company, especially in an industry that's too busy making low grade remakes and outdated sequels. Brad Pitt's production company, Plan B Entertainment stepped up to the plate and knocked it out of the park. In fact, Pitt was so impressed with the script that he immediately wanted a role in it. Together Adam McKay and Plan B got the ball rolling and never once shied away from disturbing facts of this story. For that, the entire team deserves the utmost respect. Adam McKay was able to break down the events in chronological order with seamless portrayals of every party involved, on both sides of the street. From Wall Street CEO's to middle-class home owners, renters to brokers, and everyone in between.

Director Adam McKay made sure that viewers were able to truly comprehend the recklessness of the individuals in charge, as well as the fact that nobody was held responsible after the fact. The bankers crushed the middle-class and while doing so they ran over some of their own, yet they still made out like the bandits that they are. The government didn't act promptly and issue restrictions to ensure that this would never happen again, of course not. They increased taxes and took advantage of the middle-class, forcing them to bail out the greed junkies of Wall Street. An enormous slap to Americans across the country, some protested but it didn't do any good. How could it?

The Big Short showed Americans how corrupt the financial system in this country is when it's not kept in check. This is the world we live in, this is the country we live in. Our officials don't have our best interests in mind, they sat back and watched corporate leaders line their pockets, time and time again. Research it, read a book about it, or just watch The Big Short. The proof is in the pudding. Adam McKay and his team delivered a cinematic masterpiece of lost morals and false promise to the people of the United States of America. I applaud him and his tremendous passion for his craft and his country. I urge filmmakers to follow in his footsteps; to use their platforms to shine a truthful light on controversial topics that hide in the shadows of political falsehoods and fabricated lies. If you haven't seen The Big Short yet, I highly advise you to do so. Bravo Adam McKay, bravo!