Overall Rating: 78.8
In "Arbitrage", director Nicholas Jarecki takes you through the world of a "top of the food chain" hedge fund capitalist, Robert Miller (Gere). After a string of bad luck, Miller is rushing to sell off his company when an unfortunate accident causes him to push even harder for the sale after the notion of jail time looms overhead.
As Miller, Gere plays the role he plays best: a confident millionaire whose own personal demons are his biggest enemy. His supporting cast helps take the audience into the world of high-finance, with Susan Sarandon playing his loyal wife, milking up the indulgent lifestyle and Brit Marling excellently cast as the do-good, ready to take the reigns daughter.
Wanting to keep his troubles a secret from his family, Miller is surrounded by a cast of million dollar advisers and lawyers, but when he turns to an old friend outside of the circle, the issue soon becomes a moral dilemma. Miller is constantly faced with a notion of falling on his own sword, or protecting an acquaintance he swore to protect.
It's this drama that is at the heart of "Arbitrage". You keep expecting Miller to betray anyone and everyone in order to save his fortunes, but he masterfully tip-toes the line between shady and well-meaning. Anytime the pace seems to slow, the inclusion of Tim Roth as the detective with tunnel vision for taking down the white collar criminals of wall street helps to ramp up the suspense and action.
In the end, Arbitrage is a solid financial thriller. But don't get lost in the high-finance world, as it's the decisions the characters make that help unfold the drama set forth. Gere is the star of the show in the tuxedo filled world, but Jarecki's supporting cast do enough to make it an overall successful film.
Individual Ratings
Enjoyment Factor: 7
Dialogue: 8
Acting: 8
Direction: 8
Audio/Visual: 7
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