The usually interview-shy Jodie Foster has recently been a fixture on the publicity circuit for her new film Money Monster. She is an articulate and interesting speaker but having seen the film in question, I have to take issue with some of her rhetoric. Money Monster is not really about the financial crisis, not really about masculinity in crisis and certainly isn’t a triumph for powerful female characters. These claims are a little over the top for a film that is nonetheless an effective, entertaining little thriller.
The film takes place in the studio of a cable TV show fronted by the flamboyant Lee Gates (George Clooney). His show doles out financial advice amid embarrassing hip-hop routines and noisy graphics. During a live recording, a young man named Kyle (Jack O’Connell) breaks into the studio armed with a gun and suicide vest. Having lost a small fortune on one of Gates’ tips, Kyle wants some answers. Show producer Patty (Julia Roberts) and financial insider Diane (Caitriona Balfe) work against the clock to diffuse the situation.
What follows is an investigation into how one company suspiciously lost billions overnight that involves African politics, Icelandic hackers and copious discussion of algorithms. All of this is one elaborate MacGuffin – in fact the film is a simple siege movie, revolving around the growing relationship between Clooney and O’Connell. Thankfully, this works quite well. O’Connell has an intensity that contrasts nicely with Clooney’s goofy charm. Roberts gives solid support and although her role is crucial, it is emotionally flat.
It’s good to see Foster back behind the camera; she is an economical filmmaker who knows how to craft an effective thriller. The comedy beats are well judged and overall, Money Monster is an entertaining, lightweight alternative to the likes of The Big Short.