Arbitrage [2012]
Directed by: Nicholas Jarecki
Written by: Nicholas Jarecki
Starring: Richard Gere, Nate Parker, Susan Sarandon, Brit Marling, Tim Roth, Laetitia Casta
One of the finest movies of a year that’s drawing to a close and also, perhaps unfairly, one of the less talked-about. Riveting thriller is so well written by Nicolas Jarecki (who also directs) and so well performed by Richard Gere that it’s close to impossible not to root for its sleazy protagonist, allegedly modeled after Bernie Madoff.
With stellar dialog, this is an incredible opportunity for some fine actors to show off. Not just the perfectly cast Gere, but also Nate Parker, Susan Sarandon and a superb Brit Marling (let’s forget about Laetitia Casta, shall we?)
I think it’s fantastic that when the film started signaling its imminent ending, I was whispering under my breath “don’t be over, don’t be over”. Arbitrage left me wanting more, and that’s a good thing.
I really enjoyed this film too. There was talk of an Oscar nomination for Gere as Best Actor when this came out. Probably not going to happen with the field being so crowded, but it still doesn’t take away from his achievement. One of his best performances in a really entertaining and well written film.
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Yes. I agree on everything.
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WOW, such a great review! I’ve been curious to check this out as it’s available on iTunes already. Glad to hear it’s very good. I’ll remember that next time I’m looking for something to watch.
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Thanks so much, Ruth! Hope you enjoy it when you get to see it. The acting and the writing is top-notch.
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Nice. I haven’t even heard of this – thanks for putting it on my radar!
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You’re welcome. It’s pretty good 🙂
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I heard about this a while ago but ignorantly dismissed it. Sounds like it’s well worth checking out after all!
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Yes, it is! Now go see it 😉 hahah
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Started watching this and up till now I really like it and can’t wait where this goes in the end.
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🙂 Cool. Glad you’re liking it.
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I really need to see it then! I read mixed reviews but I heard very good things about Gere’s performance here.
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Yes! He’s pretty good in it and so is Brit Marling.
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I was sorting through my list to see before the year ends, I’ll put this on; great review Fernando.
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Thanks, Alec 😀
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Hey, how are all you guys getting your blogs to snow?
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Just go to settings and there’s to option. You can check/uncheck the snow whenever you like.
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nice review Fernando. this is a great movie. i agree its riveting and has terrific performances. i cannot recall being disappointed by a Richard Gere film. If they’re not great, they are at least an entertaining watch. have you seen Internal Affairs? that might be one of his lesser known films from the 80’s. it was quite suspenseful. It had him and Andy Garcia.
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Thanks, Martin. And no, I haven’t seen Internal Affairs. Thanks for recommending it.
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Watched this yesterday and it was really good. I like Richard Gere, no matter what he always delivers whether or not the story does.
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Yeah, he’s pretty consistent. I also liked Brit Marling a lot.
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I really want to see this one – early on in the year I called that it would be a sleeper hit, one of the better movies of the year that no one would really see.
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Well, that became true. But even if not a lot of people did, I hope you do see it.
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