There are times when movies are released (or you just happen to watch them) which have a lot of similarities when it comes to their subject matter. Sometimes that’s annoying because one of them is usually better, which can impact your appreciation of the other one. But there are also times when two films complement each other. Over here both The Big Short and 99 Homes are playing in cinemas, both having something to do with the financial crisis that emerged because of the housing crisis and “adjustable rate mortgages”. The Big Short shows how a group of businessmen saw the crisis coming, made some investments and eventually become rich of of it. 99 Homes shows the other side of the story, the implications for families who suddenly no longer are able to pay their mortgages and are suddenly homeless.
That’s exactly the thing Dennis Nash (Andrew Garfield) experiences when Rick Carver (Michael Shannon) unexpectedly shows up at his door. Dennis knew this was coming, but is still trying to challenge the decision in court, but Carver (and the accompanying police) are merciless and Dennis, together with his son and mother, are forced to leave the family home. Since he isn´t very educated and only has experience doing carpentering it is almost impossible to find work. When he notices that some of his belongings have seem to have disappeared during the eviction he decides to confront Carver, who actually offers him a job. Dennis is now doing the thing which was done to him and the question is if he is willing to do that in order to take care of himself and his family.
Carver’s world is one of excess and Michael Shannon portrays his character as the heartless businessman perfectly. He is willing to do anything and doesn’t have an issue with doing things outside of the law if it makes him money. Het kind of reminded me of Gordon Gekko in Wall Street, a man “you’ll love to hate”. Besides Shannon Garfield also plays a solid part and injects the story with a lot of emotion as you see him struggle with the situation he has found himself in. The end result is a film in which the drama is presented in the right tone and as a viewer you become part of the choices that have to be made and the political games which are being played. A solid film which shines a light on the side of the story The Big Short doesn’t tell.
I liked this film and am still bummed Michael Shannon missed out on an Oscar nom. It’s interesting to see this film and The Big Short in the same year, both telling the same story from a different perspective. Nice review!
Thanks Brittani. Yeah, I think he was excellent but the movie itself isn’t mentioned much…I guess it’s overlooked.