It just occurred to me as I was watching the trailer for The Big Short that Christian Bale is the only one in the cast who didn’t have to radically change his look. Brad Pitt has a bad shag haircut and a beard, Steve Carell is weirdly blonde and Ryan Gosling is weirdly brunette. Still, Wiglet Drama aside, this looks like an interesting movie. I kind of think this film could only be made now, not a few years ago. At this point, we’re far enough removed (sort of) from the 2008 financial crisis, to the point where we can see some aspects of the crisis being dramatized on film. It helps that the film is based on some very true stories. I read the Vanity Fair excerpt of The Big Short when it was published in 2010 – go here to read – and it seems that Bale is the one playing Michael Burry. Anyway, here’s the trailer:
Does this feel awards-baity to you? It does not to me. It seems very much like a Plan B project – somewhat offbeat, informative, starring an impressive cast, but not something with a huge built-in audience. I think it will be an interesting movie and I hope a lot of people see it, if only because I really believe that most people still don’t understand what happened in 2008.
As for any possible awards-season buzz, the film will be closing the AFI Fest on November 12, meaning… Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Ryan Gosling and Christian Bale all on the same red carpet? Interesting. Paramount just set the limited-release date for December 11, prime awards-bait release schedule. Variety says that the film might spend some money on possible campaigns for Carell and Bale, maybe even for adapted screenplay too.
Photos courtesy of Fame/Flynet.
The book was really good, would be surprised if the movie isn’t cool too 🙂
I think the movie will be good because of the fact that Plan B produced it.
Brad has this amazing talent to pick movies to act and produce in.
But he does tend toward goody-twoshoesism. Like, even in his zombie pic, somebody gets adopted. My guess is that it’s good but somehow softer and less powerful than the book.
The hairstyles are in line with the characters they are playing. I have not seen any pictures of the guy Brad is playing in the films. He seems rather Camera Shy.
and since By the Sea is opening the AFI and The Big Short is closing the day before BTS opens.. I love that and hope I get to see some great RC pics.. All good as far as I’m concerned.
Yep Angelina being the first female in decades to open the prestigious AFI deserves to be mentioned.
I think this is the first time in Hollywood history that the same actor (Brad) is opening and closing the festival.
PS: I would love to see two gorgeous women like Angelina and Eva Mendes standing side by side.
That would be really cool to see Eva and Angie standing together. Unfortunately, it’ll never happen, not for this event, anyway. Eva and Ryan are so weird about their relationship, they are never seen together, or, rarely seen together, and would never appear on the red carpet together.
Still, it would be odd to see how short Eva is, compared to Angie. I didn’t realize Eva was such a short, little thing.
I’m looking forward to some good red carpet moments from Mr. and Mrs. Bradley Pitt, they never disappoint.
How many times are they going to say that in one trailer yikes
Ooo im excited! If you need to understand this crisis better i reccomend Frontline on PBS. They have great programs and theyre all available online at their site and sometimes on Amazon prime etc.
Margin Call is also a really good movie. I won’t say it explains everything that happened but it dramatizes a lot of it very well.
Inside Job is a great documentary that explains everything clearly. I think it’s on Netflix? But be prepared: you might get very angry watching it! (I know I did.)
I hope that Matt Taibbi gets at least a cameo or a mention in this.
Yes, yes, yes to Michael Lewis and Matt Taibbi’s writing and all the films that have come out about this.
TBH, though, after I got laid-off in 2009 when it all went down, I was really struggling personally and couldn’t even bring myself to read or watch anything about the crisis – that is, until the last year or so…
And now, I don’t care if it’s Oscar-worthy or not, I can’t wait to see this movie.
Michael Lewis is a genius, pure and simple.
Pitt and Gosling? That trailer is all about Carell and Bale! As a long time fan of Steve Carell, it’s awesome to see him getting roles like this.
Gosling looks very weird with dark hair.
I love Carell! I almost cried when he didn’t win an Emmy for his last season on the Office. Still adjusting to seeing him in more dramatic roles but I’m super excited he’s getting those roles at all.
Me too! I always really loved the moments on the Office where he got to be more serious and emotional, I always thought he was underrated in that regard because he’s usually so funny. It’s great to see him getting to try different things.
And I will watch anything Bale is in.
huh…I was thinking that Gosling looked YUMMY with the dark hair…!
This is the first time I didn’t get him confused with Blake lively’s husband (both have close set eyes maybe?).
Edit: and the same first name, of course. I’m feeling old…
Exactly!! Uuuugh I’m soooooooooo over Pitt/Jolie hype. I’m sorry everyone!
…and Carrell looks strange as a blonde. But the casting is excellent. He proved in “Foxcatcher” that he could nail any part.
Lol, my thoughts exactly. Brad was barely in the trailer. I’ve heard his part is small. Ryan looks funny with that dark hair and tan. Kinda creepy–looks as Leo did in Wolf.
I think Brad likes that, to take very small roles that interest him, in the films Plan B produces.
Also shows Brad’s not a camera hog, doesn’t always need the spotlight on himself, is more than happy to let it shine on others.
Ever since Little miss sunshine you knew steve carrell could act.
The feel good movie of the holiday season! /s
Brad looks like he’s ready to play the lead in a Ken Burns biography.
Lol. Ken Burns, that is his look to a tee! Nice.
I don’t know about awards-baity, but the film looks great, I’m excited about it. And as Lucy2 said, it’s really nice to see Steve Carrell get roles like this.
Who cares about Pitt or Gosling when Bale is on screen? Talent and looks!
A lot of people care and will see the film for them.
Bale’s role is very very small. Carell and Gosling have the larger roles in the film.
Besides none of these men they are portraying are heart throbs.. just average looking guys
Lisa2′ , yeah , I realize that you are right, rationally, but, in case it didn’t come thru I am a Balehead! Bale would be the motivating factor getting me to the theater for this. With a cast like this, perhaps, there will be something for everyone😁
Tulip.. I know.. and I think you should shout it.. I’m a Brad fan and will see it for him. I wouldn’t otherwise to be honest. But it does look interesting and I like that it is an adult thinking movie.
Agreed! Bale wins hands down for hot in this group.
Not me! I’ll see it for Bale 🙂
If it’s good, let’s hope it doesn’t trigger a yuppie all excess banking culture like WALL STREET did. Michael Lewis keeps lamenting the fact that the adaptation of that book, that was supposed to be a warning instead inspired people to excess.
Yes. Although from the looks of things this seems like much more of an overt cautionary tale than Wall Street, from what I can recall of that. The excess is portrayed here but hopefully that’s not what viewers will latch onto. You never know, though.
I think Wolf of Wall Street did a good job as a more recent cautionary tale. The excess in that film was so extreme it became revolting!
Brad Pitt, Christian Bale & Ryan Gosling in one movie? Oh the hotness and talent..,,
If rumours are true then these 3 men and wives are good friends as well – the red carpet should be fun.
PS: Brad & Angelina sure are busy, aren’t they? By the sea and the Big Short release next month, followed by Netflix two movies shooting, Marion Cotillard movie & WWZ 2 & possible Africa next year…
He is busy. Good for him, but Brad please never say again that you want to work less in the future because your kids are growing.
Brad has not have a staring role in a movie for ages. He’s in for just a few weeks or months. Also, he has his family with him on every shoot. Some actors leave their wife and children for months when they are doing a movie. I see not problem with him saying he’s working less to be with his children. Fact is he has not been starring in any movie except for Fury and BTS recently.
In the future means in the future and not straight away.
I remember the Oscars when TYAS won, there was that video of Brad and Angie greeting Bale and his wife, with hugs and hearty handshakes. I know Ryan has had nothing but good things to say about Angie.
Oh sorry, I forgot, no one in Hollywood likes Brad and Angie. (I kid, I kid)
I recommended that article and talked about the story to anyone who’d listen and I could never get any traction. I hope I’m wrong but I think unfortunetly people have limited ram for financial fall out stories possibly movies
Good points. I think a message like this has a better chance of getting out to a larger audience via a movie than a book or article.
Looks interesting.
Off Topic: I’m ready for By The sea!!!😀😃
Me too – November 5th cannot come fast enough😄
Veiny Skeletal and Bloated Duh in BTS would be stand up comedians wet dream. I’m laughing already
Step away from the mirror…
It’s not healthy to talk about your two personalities like that.
Your 3 personality might get jealous and start its own insults..
Not to fear.. their detractors are always the first in line to see their films. Why do they care so much..
The same could be said about you Maya. Pot meets kettle. Get over yourself.
Sometimes I wonder how the moderators let some comment pass…. sighs
So what’s the news from Costa Rica?
They are both horrible actors. Jolie cannot direct worth garbage. Why is she still being given opportunities? This is why actual talented directors such as Effy are not getting their dues.
Impressive cast….. brad still looks super hot in a wig….
mmm hmmm, couldn’t agree with you more. He’s a hot male librarian 😉
Why must all potentially good movies be called Oscar bait? As an actor I’d assume they would all want to be in a good movie.
So true. I guess if they aren’t comedies, rom-coms, or action thrillers or comic hero movies they are now considered Oscar baity? LOL
I find this Oscar baity nonsense annoying.
This looked blah to me.
Looks good. God I would love Carrel to win an Oscar! Gosling to but Steve is my favorite.
@K-I’m sooooooooooo stoked to see Steve in these types of roles, and if he doesn’t win an Oscar for this, he WILL win one eventually. He’s been my #1 since “40 Year Old Virgin”.
EMMYS SHMEMMYS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love Steve , the man can play any part. Drama, comedy, he does it all.
Congratulations, Hollywood! You managed to make yet another giant sausage fest… The book actually features a female financial analyst as well… Meredith Whitney…where’s she? Not in the trailer, that’s for sure…
However, I did spot female strippers…so, yay!
There are females in the film and some surprise cameos. Why complain before you actually see the entire film; not just a 2 minute or so trailer.
This is not Oscar worthy. Looks fun. But it is not. The make-up is also terrible!
Brad Pitt isn’t much of an actor and tends to be hammy when he tries to convey intensity. I cringe at the thought of how much he’ll suffer by proximity to Bale, who is insufferable but talented.
I agree – I thought Pitt seemed pretty cliched acting-wise in the trailer (what little there was of him) and Bale seemed great (who I have no real knowledge of his acting) and most of the others. People like suspense and action and even tho they may ignore the specifics of the true story (sadly, while it would be helpful for people to really understand and pay attention), when it is done like this, I think people will go out to see it. Sort of like Oceans 11 and such.
I find Pitt to be hit or miss with his roles. in some I’ve found him to be amazing and others it’s just blah.
I think he’s been good in a few roles over the years, but overall I’m not that interested in him as an actor. And I think it’s hard for anyone to hold their own against Bale, he’s just amazing. And he probably isn’t the most easy going guy on set, but many of his coworkers have been very positive about working with him.
I think Pitt is a very strong actor, but not one of the best. The thing for me is Pitt is much better off playing more “real” and ordinary characters, which worked against him years ago because he was so ridiculously good looking. He was playing ordinary men but ordinary men didn’t look like that. He’s still incredibly good looking, but in a “neighbor’s hot dad” way, so his roles are more believable. Bale is well known for playing whackos and lunatics, and he does it very well. I think comparing the two is like comparing Pharrell Williams to Robert Plant. They are both very good at what they do, but they do very different things.
I love both Pitt and Bale and I do think they are both good actors.
Every time I watch Pitt I am surprised (again) that he is as good as he is. For some reason due to his very public persona I tend to forget how good he is, and underestimate him.
Bale is on of my favorite actors. He is just so intense, it is thrilling to watch him.
I thought he could do no wrong, but even Bale couldn’t save Exodus disaster for me.
I think they are both really good actors, and it’s true about Bale being better i offbeat types of roles. As an ordinary guy, he suffers, but give him a good wacko part and it’s off to the races.
Brad’s very good, too, anyone who saw Fury knows that.
I wanted to like this, but based on the trailer a “No” vote from me.
Finance is something that I know a thing or two about and the subject of the movie is really as good as it gets in finance. I was looking for a dark intense thriller with a lot of suspense because this is how it felt when we were going through the crisis, like we were all falling into the abyss.
There was no hope, and a feeling of complete and utter chaos.
The movie instead has a feel of a trip to Las Vegas – yet another Ocean movie. Disappointed.
Lies! Brad actually looks good in the trailier and he’s a good actor. For someone with unbelievable fame in his own and married to equal which no one has in Hollywood, these things seems to take from his work. It is a almost as if it just won’t be fair to be in all things for him and they are like he shouldn’t be that .lol no need to compare bale to start competion. If u like bale just say that as they are in for the same movie here.As for us Brad is solid in all like almost no match .
I agree, Brad is a solid actor, critics agree, too. Bale is, as is Ryan, and Steve. This film has a great cast, not a loser in the bunch. The premiere alone should be something. Lots of A-Listers on the red carpet. Add in mega A-Lister Angelina Jolie Pitt as Brad’s plus one, and the hotness is off the charts. Would be something if the beautiful Eva would be Ryan’s plus one. I don’t know Bale’s wife’s name, but I know she’s friendly with the Pitts.
Brad and Angie, on the red carpet for the opening and closing of the AFI Film Festival, that’s a coup for the Festival. They’ll bring plenty of publicity, that’s for sure. One of the world’s most sought after, and talked about couples.
Ryan Gosling strangely does not look good in stills but in motion on screen he is a good actor
I will watch anything he is in
The Notebook, he and Rachel. Sigh……
It’s infuriating to me that we can’t prosecute every single bank in the country that played a part in this but that’s what you get with the Federal Reserve. Grrr…
People need to see a movie to find out what happened in 2008? Google it.
you know people what is the problem?the problem is the fangirls.every fangirls is here not to tell the truth but they are here for defending their favorite actors and when they watch trailer of movie that their favorite actors are in they say wow/oh my god/what a great movie?oh this actor looks hot and this looks blah blah blah but they never tell the truth.then they are shocked when the movie is failed.so i’m really got sick of these fans.it’s better to tell the truth instead of publish lies and trying so hard to persuade people here about sh.t
you know people what is the problem?the problem is the fangirls.every fangirls is here not to tell the truth but they are here for defending their favorite actors and when they watch trailer of movie that their favorite actors are in they say wow/oh my god/what a great movie?oh this actor looks hot and this looks blah blah blah but they never tell the truth.then they are shocked when the movie is failed.so i’m really got sick of these fans.it’s better to tell the truth instead of publish lies and trying so hard to persuade people here about sh.t
Lol, got a bit too much of Hiddleston lately?
I just stay away for the sake of my own sanity.
i agree with you.that what happened exactly in exodus movie. everybody know it’s a bad movie and it will failed and that’s what happened but his fan girl still seeing it as a great movie and never failed.great job ladies……
Gosling looks like TED BUNDY with this hair. I’ve been thinking for a while now, how perfect of a role that would be for him. Not only does he pass for Bundy, but he can play a good psycho!
Pitt is looking very midlife Robert Redford here.
I’m a huge Michael Lewis fan and will probably review this for my site when it comes out. Which reminds me to dig out my copy of the book and write a review too.
Brad Pitt is most definitely the hottest, and the most talented.