Movie Review- Jackie K Cooper
"Equity" (Sony Pictures Classics)
In the past few years we have seen many movies about the Wall Street and the financial world. "Equity" is the only one of these movies I feel I completely understood. Anna Gunn and her supporting cast bring to life the world of traders, IPO's, financial backbiting, and federal investigations in such a way that allows the "everyman" to understand it all.
Naomi (Gunn) is an investment banker for a highly successful firm. She is a rainmaker who has had one deal go sour and she is determined that will not happen again. Her boss Randall (Lee Tergesen) has not forgotten this slip up and holds it over her head. Still he seems to have maintained confidence in her abilities, especially when she might land a social media operation which guarantees privacy. This is Naomi's big chance and she is dotting all the "i's" and crossing all the "t's".
There is plenty of drama in this story and the actors as a group are perfect to draw you into the adventure. The story is directed by a woman, Meera Menon; written by women, Amy Fox, Sarah Megan Thomas and Alysia Reiner; and primarily stars women, Gunn, Sarah Megan Thomas, and Alysia Reiner. Thomas plays Gunn's assistant and Reiner is a federal investigator. Both are outstanding in their roles.
Gunn came to my attention with her role in "Breaking Bad". She has been seen in other TV roles and it is unexpected to see her carrying a movie such as this. Burt she has the acting chops and the charisma to do it. She might even be recognized when Awards season rolls around.
James Purefoy plays Michael, Naomi's lover. He is also a member of the financial world and in a sense is competing with Naomi. Samuel Roukin plays Eddie, the head of the social media operation Naomi is pitching. Both men are interesting only as far as the roles they play in the world of the women.
What is fascinating about this movie is the interplay between all these characters. Each one is out for a better life or maybe it is just for more money. That point is stressed over and over in the film.
The movie is rated R for profanity and sexual situations.
"Equity" is a movie that will hold your attention with the polished performances of the actors and by the strategically inventive plot. Most of the actors are not people you see in a lot of movies but after this film they should be more recognizable. As a company of actors they elevate the skills of each individual.
I scored "Equity" a buy out 7 out of 10.
Jackie K Cooper
www.jackiekcooper.com