The Big Short (2015)

Mark Baum: I don't get it. Why are they confessing?
Danny Moses: They aren't confessing.
Porter Collins: They're bragging.

It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble. It's what you know for sure that just ain't so. -Mark Twain

In a very strange equal parted mix of self (loathing, pity, and assuredness) a brash movie was made with no discernible plot, catharsis, or entertainment value; ostensibly released in the name of education. I give you The Big Short.

I have a background in education. I consider myself well versed in the power and limits of edutainment. Convince people they are not learning, and magically they do. So, I am baffled by The Big Short. The goal of edutainment is the same as a great con. The student is the mark. The mark has to think the idea is theirs. If the mark senses that an outside force manipulated and originated the idea, they resist. They learn nothing (mostly on purpose) and feel great about putting one over on The Man.

The Big Short takes the opposite approach. It brazenly attempts to forcefully educate its marks with glitzy stars and bubble covered women that speak at them. There is no discovery. New thoughts all originate from the source material. Thus, in a reactionary stupor, I defiantly learned very little and felt great about it.

But, I don't think that was the point. I think I was supposed to go home having taken in new information and critically look at the systems in place around us.  If that was the goal, EPIC FAIL. If it wasn't the goal, why make The Big Short?

In conclusion, should you wish to wallow in post-modern self-glorifying decay, The Big Short is for you.

I await the 3 part Ken Burns special on the 2007-8 financial crisis that will come out in 2040.

On a scale of introductory rate to balloon payment, I give The Big Short 2.43 out of 5 stars.

*The acting across the board in the film is first rate.