Margin Call MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +4 Content: -4

Kevin Spacey, Paul Bettany, Jeremy Irons, Simon Baker, Demi Moore. Drama/thriller. Written & directed by J. C. Chandor. Opened in limited release 10/21/11

FILM SYNOPSIS: In this fictional account of the perilous 2008 financial crisis, the key players at an investment firm discover their corporation’s sudden disastrous house-of-cards condition. Now, what to do? Cover it up, of course.

PREVIEW REVIEW: A morality play laced with enough obscene language to make David Mamet’s ears bleed, Margin Call is both enticing and horrifying. The suspense-driven story is a sort of exposé, one that frighteningly examines the speculative structure of Wall Street and those who man that sector. Though capitalism is the only sound financial system for America, the film does point out what happens when that system is corrupted by greed and manned by people with no moral scope.

Well acted, especially by vets Kevin Spacy, Jeremy Irons, and Stanley Tucci (in a humorous film-stealing scene where his risk analyst character rattles off a statistics-fueled monologue), this survival-of-the-snarkiest tale both fascinates and unnerves, considering the precarious financial stability of our nation.

“For the love of money is the root of all evil.” I Timothy 6:10

Preview Reviewer: Phil Boatwright
Distributor: Roadside Attractions