Absorbing take on Wall Street take down

‘Money Monster’ is an absorbing drama of what goes on in the game of shares. Who wins? Who loses? And the many cameos who make the whole game the sum of its parts.

First, we have TV personality Lee Gates (George Clooney) who runs the popular ‘Money Monster’ show about investments. Then we have viewer Kyle Budwell (Jack O’Connell) who takes Gates hostage after losing his family’s money due to a bad tip. Their ordeal lasts through the film.

Then we have Patty Fenn (Julia Roberts), a TV reporter who handles the coverage and has links with Gates. Walt Canby (Dominic West) is the CEO of the defaulting company, ever elusive and having his PA Diane Lester (Cartriona Balfe) trying to cover up for his absence. And last but not the least Kyle’s girl-friend Molly (Emily Meade) whose revelations provide the film with its lighter moments.

It is indeed a vast canvas and director Jodie Foster weaves an excruciating tapestry and a tempo that never lets up. Cartriona Balfe is more or less academic while Dominic West has his moments. The New York ambience is graphically captured, despite the indoor scenes, and for once the NYPD isn’t its usual competent self.

All credit to Jodie Foster who returns to the director’s saddle after a long gap. She takes the action full circle before the viewers realise it. That she has the support of a talented team surely helps with George Clooney living up to his usual high standards and though Julia Roberts (‘Pretty Woman’ was over two decades ago) is showing signs of wear and tear her talent is intact.

Jack O’Connell is the surprise package with Emily Meade providing the relief from the heavy but compelling script by Alan Di Fiore and Jim Kouf. To round up a perfect effort is Matthew Libatique’s caressing camerawork. So don’t miss ‘Money Monster’, quite welcome in these days of Hollywood blues.

Film Name : Money Monster
Cast : George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Jack O’Connell, Dominic West & Cartriona Balfe
Direction : Jodie Foster
Genre : Thriller
Likes : Script, Jack O’Connell and camerawork
Dislikes : Hardly any

By Ervell E Menezes