CinemaNerdz

Movie Review: Arbitrage

Betsy Cizek

Richard Gere in "Arbitrage." © 2011 - Green Room Films.

First we need to start with a definition: “arbitrage” refers to the simultaneous buying and selling of the same negotiable financial instruments or commodities in different markets in order to make an immediate profit without risk. In a nutshell, the film Arbitrage is like a much longer version of the television series, American Greed. How does it play out? Not great, the film is predictable, boring, and overall the acting is sub-par.

The film takes place in New York City. Robert Miller (Richard Gere) a frantic hedge fund tycoon is desperately trying to sell his empire that in has the outward appearance of being very lucrative but is, in reality, worth nothing. The film tells the story of the lengths a corrupt man will go through to hide the truth and avoid the embarrassment of bad choices. Robert Miller is the villain and Gere plays him as a powerful man. Robert has everything; a beautiful family and wife (Susan Sarandon), people waiting on him hand and foot and, of course, an exotic lady on the side. His empire is being sought after by James Mayfield (Graydon Carter) another big shot, mogul. Miller is on a severe time crunch to get a lucrative deal done and time and again the sale is delayed. Some may find the “art of the deal” interesting here, but all in all it is just plain unsurprising. The story then takes a twist involving Miller’s lover Julie (Laetitia Casta). An incredible catastrophe incurs, and you will witness Miller going to extraordinary lengths to save himself and his name. He involves a long-time employee’s son, Jimmy (Nate Parker) in his debauchery, thinking that Jimmy is expendable. Inevitably you keep hoping Miller will do the right thing by the young man. In the meantime, Miller’s daughter, Brook Miller (Brit Marling), is working for the family business and is slowly learning of the depth of the corruption within her father’s company.

Marling and Parker are the highlights of Arbitrage. Marling is gorgeous, and could not have played a better rich girl. Parker was perfect as Miller’s pawn. However the greatest disappointment is Susan Sarandon. Her sassy, clever witted personality we have grown to love her for was absolutely not visible in this film. The sad part is that it could have. There is a scene near the end where she could have knocked it out of the park, but decided to bunt instead. You kept waiting for her to bring it home, but it never happened and ultimately left you wondering why? For me, her poor performance was nearly equaled by the unsatisfactory portrayal of Detective Michael Bryer played by English actor Tim Roth, who is usually larger than life. Not the case in this film. Completely humdrum!

Arbitrage is longwinded, predictable, and boring. Thirty three year old writer/director Nicholas Jarecki may want to consider sticking with directing documentaries. Arbitrage is his first feature film, and for me it may be the last.

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Betsy Cizek

Betsy resides in Michigan. She is presently writing a novel and pursuing a Freelance writing career. It’s important to her that her writing combines sensitivity, honesty and a hint of sarcasm to create a relatable experience with the reader. Having a passion for film and an all around American pie opinion, she aspires to have the sensibility for what the average Joe might enjoy.
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