Showing @ Filmhouse, Edinburgh until Thu 26 Jan

J. C. Chandor / USA / 2011 / 106mins

As the Eurozone approaches the precipice of crisis, J. C. Chandor’s new film recreates the moments before the word recession was clichéd. Looking over the work of a recently fired colleague, Peter (Zachary Quinto) finds his investment bank is in the middle of a crisis. During the next 24 hours this information trickles up the chain of command, causing frantic meetings and discussions of emergency rectifications.

Chando’s portrayal of the expensively suited professionals clutching at straws, desperately struggling to rescue their sinking ship is reminiscent of the on-board rats scurrying to safety. Jeremy Irons is the stereotypical CEO, a self-confessed stranger to the complex financial jargon, nonchalantly taking the helm during the storm, because he knows his treasure’s safe whatever happens. What’s interesting is how the film becomes an ethical exploration of those who knowingly trade toxic information in an attempt to save themselves, with only Sam (Kevin Spacey) showing any remorse. Easily paralleled with the 2008 collapse of Lehman Brothers, Chando seems to meander from popular belief, showing that although bankers are greedy, there are some who feel guilty. The problem is, unless Western governments after watching this film feel compelled to bring those accountable to justice, it’s just another depiction of what films like Inside Job and Zeitgeist: Moving Forward describe in far more detail.