Charles Ferguson’s documentary, “Inside Job” has several distinctions from the other documentaries we have seen in class. There was a Hollywood feel to the film, especially when the credits rolled by with popular music playing and moving clips of the New York City skyline fade in and out. Ferguson also had Matt Damon, a wildly famous actor, to narrate this film. For the first half of the film whenever Matt Damon would talk I was racking my brain trying to figure out why his voice sounded so familiar.
I also found it very interesting how strongly the class responded to this film. The discussion got very heated and a number of people I have never heard speak before were raising their hands multiple times. There was a wide range of opinions on the film and people took some aspects very personally.
It was important for people to keep in mind that this film was not about Wall Street it was about the financial crisis of 2008 that occurred on Wall Street. Why would Ferguson interview businesses and CEOs that do not have any part in the corruption that led to the crisis. People got very heated on the point that they felt the film was criticizing all of Wall Street when in fact it was not. It was bringing to light the reality of the corruption that lead to the 2008 financial crisis.
I was also surprised by many of the people who had very strong opinions in class about this film. It was such an integral part of everyone’s lives and for the most part it probably effected everyone viewing the movie. I do think it was a very critical revealing film, but there are a lot of people out there who really have no idea why or how the financial crisis even happened and how long it had been in the works.
I thought this film was extremely eye opening. I knew a lot about the 2008 financial crisis however the ‘side of the story’ I got was by speaking with business men and individuals who work in the industry. By seeing a more humanized view I had an extrememly intense reaction to this film. I think it is a crucial film to view for any young adult and adult. I think we place so much trust in hands that are not always looking out for our best intent and this film shows just that. Though i understand it was very bias, it was very well done and properly presented facts when necessary.