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I've worked in banking and been in tense meetings similar to this. It's very accurate. What most people miss is that John knows exactly what is going on and what he wants to do before entering the room. The meeting is really for him to sell the plan to everyone and make sure everyone is on the same page. The other major thing most people miss is that Demi Moore's character was the head of risk and she was hiding or downplaying how bad things were getting from upper management. Peter Dale was fired for figuring it out and she tried to bury it.

I was a trader for 7 years and I am amazed how Margin Call portrays the different personas at every rank so incredibly precisely. The junior technical analyst, the trader hype boy, the manager, the managing director, etc, etc. It is an absolute masterpiece bar absolutely none in that respect.

I like to think the genius of Tuld/Irons is when he "plays dumb" and says "explain it to me like a golden retriever or a small child" he's actually saying "explain to these six-figure idiots seated at the table here"

I love how Tuld spots that Sullivan is looking awkwardly at Jared and Sarah and says 'You're speaking with me Mr Sullivan'. A brilliant way of stating his control and superiority over the group and giving Peter permission to speak his mind without any potential future retaliation.

"Spilt milk, under the bridge" was such a clever line.

Great analysis. I am, too, fascinated by this scene and have watched it many times. 1. Tuld's downplaying his intelligence is downright scary. When he says "It was not brains that got me here" it sounds like self deprecation but it also has a threatening undertone (like in "it was not my smarts but my ruthlessness that got me here"). 2. When Tuld asks Sullivan to "explain the nature of the problem", his body language is very telling. His expression tells that he knows already. 3. When Tuld says "The figures don't make sense anymore" it is a thowback to a previous scene when Jared says "1+1 no longer makes 2" 4. One of the best moments of the scene is when Tuld, recognizing the hesitation, says "You're speaking with me, Mr. Sullivan". 5. Sullivan says that if the assets drop by just 25% then the loss would be greater than the value of the company. But they also tell that at the end of the day they'll trade at .65 at a dollar or less. This is why Rogers says "Really?" when Tuld says "I'll have to pay." 6. When Tuld acknowleges Sullivan's contribution, it is foreshadowing that he's not going to be fired, he's going to be promoted. 7. Throughout the scene, Paul Bettany's expressions are also worth noting. He's terrified as he's going to have to execute all this as head of trading. Actually, all of the face expressions are very well played, from the secretary's painful sleep-deprived look, to Seth's clueless and uncomfortable expressions, to Will's terrified expression, all are great. 8. Sarah's body language is also interesting. She shows fear and keeps quiet to try to avoid blame (which will get her fired in the end). The only time she speaks is about Eric Dale, who she fired. 9. At the end of the meeting, Tuld asks Carmello to get Eric Dale. This is a throwback to the previous scene when Jared asks "is it really possible that we don't know where Eric Dale is?". They're both thinking about loose ends. Also the camera never focuses on Carmello, which gives him a threatening presence.

It is rare to see a dozen A-List actors in one movie. They all do a fantastic job in their roles, each with their own persona. No fighting matches or overt good -v- bad guys. The story line is beautifully written. One of my favorite movies.

Jeremy Irons has way less screen time in the movie than other characters, yet he steals the movie. The moment he enters the room charged with confidence and energy and everybody seems to be kind of afraid of him you can tell he (his character) is the boss. What a magnificient actor. Everytime I watch this scene, I discover more details behind it and you covered many of them and explained them very well. Great analysis!

Sam could be unafraid to say “Do you?” to Tuld because it is implied that they have a long relationship due to the fact that Sam is the only one to call Tuld by his first name.

John was cool as a cucumber in this scene. His empire is on the verge of crumbling and he is outwardly calm and decisive. I really need to watch this.

Nice work. Even my golden retriever understood it. 😊

Tuld is a brilliant character and this is some of the best ten minutes you'll see in cinema. The reason this scene is so effective is because Tuld's character is so nuanced. IMO, Irons deserved an Oscar for this and so did the writing. Some observations: 1. This is a company funeral. The first woman (probably Tuld's assistant) wears a solemn face, head bowed, all black, and her blouse is almost crafted like a lace funeral veil. She looks down as though the company is already underground, foreshadowing the demise of something, someone, or both. Then, in comes death himself, Tuld. 2. The director's view of Tuld is that he is on his own, the sole leader, and king of his space. He is always in a single shot by himself. He stops for no one except the other man in the red tie (a peer). The only time he is seen with others is when he says "I have" in response to Peter's assumption that Tuld has seen that the business is profitable. While it is an admission, it is almost as though Tuld is saying "I did see that but so did everyone else, so I'm not as culpable as you think." 3. Tuld's in-charge attitude. Tuld strides in confidently and immediately puts everyone else on the back foot by pairing an apology about the early start with a scolding about the 'lack of action' from his subordinates. He also re-directs Peter and says "You're speaking with me, Mr. Sullivan". He is the judge, jury, and executioner. 4. Tuld distances himself from the situation by asking "why doesn't somebody tell me what's going on here" as though he is completely oblivious to the nature of the problem. He's seeking protection from liability or hiding his intentions. 5. Tuld is never fully self-deprecating and threatens at the same time. While he says "it's not brains that got me here..." (which is meant to be disarming) he then flashes a broad grin and flicks the booklet as though he has started a countdown clock. 6. Tuld uses movement to maintain power. He adjusts his body position to give full attention to the person he is speaking to, almost how a King would address a subject. He also stands, perhaps when pushed into a corner or out of suppressed nervousness, and towers over everyone to regain control. When he asks Peter why he's so highly paid, he arches his fingers like a piano player (a power gesture). 7. When he lies, he can't maintain eye contact. After he says "I don't cheat" his eyes turn downward. Cheating is somewhat the plan of action that he ends up advocating for. 8. Tuld is not as emotionally secure as we think and Sam (blue tie) is his biggest adversary in this scene. When Tuld is challenged he immediately becomes aggressive, moves forward and snarls. Tuld accuses Sam of "not understanding", which is an instinctual emotional defense mechanism; Tuld has been drawn into an emotional misstep but recovers from it quickly. He covers his mouth after telling Sam to justify his devious plan with tactics, indicating that he is nervous about what Sam may say next. When Sam stands up to explain and challenge, Tuld's eye line looks up, an indication that he is losing power. He also now has only one hand on the table and even wags his finger at him. He is losing grip of the situation. Sam might win. 9. Tuld is paternalistic and condescending when he needs to be. "So that we may survive!". He's done with the soft sell and now he's bringing a very aggressive tone to the table. He won't negotiate anymore. He closes his body and squeezes two fingers tightly, as though he were angrily squishing Sam's protests (or maybe even Sam),. While Tuld is looking at Sam, he moves his body's attention towards his trusted lieutenant, Jared. This is almost to say "if you don't do it, we'll get it done anyway". 10. "This is it!" He bangs his finger on the table as though he held a judge's gavel in his hand. In a final, almost feigned plea, Tuld opens his arms and body to say, "If we don't do this, you can kill me now, for I will be dead anyway." 11. Tuld is a manipulative chameleon and gives Sam a gentle pat on the shoulder to smooth things over after their confrontation. He is the consummate professional and diplomat.

I'm a stock trader, and I've seen this movie at least a dozen times. I've often wondered why I'm so compelled to watch it again and again. Your break down explains it. Now I know how they got such an incredible cast for a fairly mundane subject. Thank you.

When Tuld says "The music is about to stop", it is not about the music of the movie, he is referencing a famous quote by the CITI CEO at that time: “As long as the music is playing, you’ve got to get up and dance”. This means that even if you know that the market is in a bubble and with ultimately pop, you cannot exit too early. Exiting way early is much worse than exiting a little late because you are missing on the best part of the party and you look foolish for a long time. But here Tuld realizes that he might be not just a little late (take some losses) but way too late (firm gets wiped out and he becomes a disgraced former CEO).

Tuld gave Cohen and Robertson a stern look after he told Sullivan that he's talking to Tuld (directly). That is a subtle way of telling the first two that each one should have figured this out and told Tuld about the impending disaster before the kid got it all together.

John obviously understood the malaphor he intelligently applied

I can't help but watch this scene whenever it comes across my feed. I have participation in meetings where there might be around a million dollars of a project that's in discussion, but the stakes here in this scene are almost impossible to comprehend. There's no extravagant set pieces, no ostentatious camera effects, just fluorescent office lighting and a round table. But you can sense the immense amount of tension and suspense in the air...thank you for the excellent breakdown bezel media. 👍

Back in 2003 I worked in a ship project in Italy, in Ancona, and there was technical difficulties, a relativly heated meeting in the shipyard was held, lasting for hours, during my work on the yard I had noticed two elderly men on the yard and was puzzled they where in the meeting, saying nothing, after the meeting I asked an Italian colleague who those strange guys was, where he replied, oh, they are the owners of the yard

To anyone who hasn't saw this film in full, please do so. I watched it 10 years ago for reasons I don't remember and it was a blast

Sam has seniority and expertise. He is a subject matter expert who knows his value to the company and has the confidence to be firm when he believes it is required. By the same token, he knows his rank / position in the Hierarchy and knows also when to stop arguing and carry out the orders he's been given. He is the sort of subordinate that any good leader respects and cherishes and does what is required to hold onto.

I have watched this scene many times - somehow it is fascinating: strong actors and a good script, nothing more is needed.

John not only makes his own rules, with the malaphor, but he redefines the notion of synthesys itself by joining two methaphors, that have a consequential relationship between them, into one new image and metaphor. He is the metaphor of the metaphors. (In the story, I think) That is also why he talks so plainly as well, because the synthesis are the key to him, not their representations, he sees the world through synthesis as well, in every engagement he has. There is also aways a sense of conclusion with him. (Such a masterful performance too! True piece of art)

Really good analysis! I agree with you and most of the commenters here: this really is a masterclass in acting that feels like it could have been performed on a theatre stage. Here are some other things I noticed about this scene: 1. Did you notice that Seth is the only one without a tie? Not only did he look disengaged in his mannerisms, he looked professionally out of his league. 2. I liked the segue into the scene where Sam and Tuld's assistant usher in Jared, Will, Sarah, Peter and Seth stating that Tuld is already waiting for them. The first person who enters the meeting isn't actually Tuld, but is his assistant which felt like they were priming the scene to the gravitas of Tuld entering next. 3. Tuld obviously trusted Sam to the core. Sam proved this with where he thought the day would go -- he was so experienced that his instinct of the price being at 65 cents at 2pm was nearly dead on right. 4. Jeremy Irons is just so good in this role. I loved how he was attempting to be disarming with his "it wasn't brains that got me here, I can assure you of that", but simultaneously pacing his fingers on the corner of report he'll never read with his smile every so slightly dropping as he waits for Peter to start talking.

I found it interesting how Peter subtly corrected John about his analogy regarding the bag of excrement, and the music slowing. John responds to this by just as subtly putting Peter in his place by saying, "let me tell you something", and then citing his own opinion based on experience. I've seen this in the workplace, though typically not as subtle. Peter was slightly embarrassed by his attempt to correct the boss. However, John appeared grateful after a moment by crediting the meeting's reliance on Peter's information. I thought the scene was done quite well.

it seems Tuld and Sam have known each other for a long time, likely that they joined the firm at similar times and/or similar positions. Sam seems like the only person Tuld really respects and fond of and let him get away with a lot of sassy tones throughout the movie.

Just a couple notes: 1. The copy guy is in on this meeting. An indication of how tightly they're guarding the information as well as an indication of how the fire sale will affect the firm and the world in general top to bottom. 2. Carmello apirates into the chair at the foot of the table. Several angles show either no chair or an empty seat until Tuld summons him.

I don't know if I've ever seen an actor impact a film so much in so little time. He plays the role perfectly, exactly as a powerful CEO would be. In, out, short and to the point. He can get more results in fewer words than everyone in the room combined. The writing and directing are also perfect.

@Bezel Media, I'm happy that I'm not the only one thinking that this scene is a masterclass in acting and filming... I lost the count of how many time I watched it...

I love when Peter hesitates and John replies "You are talking to ME", tearing down the heirarchy.

I, too, have watched this scene over and over again during the past couple of years. Only on my third viewing did it finally 'dawn on me' that Tuld had decided before the meeting his chosen outcome. He wanted the room to understand the need. His choice of who to allow to speak, was key. I still enjoy watching the body language of those present, reflecting their thoughts, as the meeting progressed.

This is a near perfect scene. Every detail feels so authentic. And I thought I was the only one who watched it over and over again!

Tuld and Jared knew this was coming. The giveaway was in a previous meeting scene, when Jared, Sarah, and Ramesh are brought up to speed. Jared steps out for just a moment, and when he comes back in, he's already contacted Tuld, and the wheels are in motion. They must've had a codephrase, there was not nearly enough time to explain the problem. Sam might've known too, given what he says then, though he never thought the nuclear option would be used. The tipping point for all of them is that one of their lowest-rung employees figured out the sudden fragility of their leverage, and if he could figure it out, other non-clued-in quants on the Street could, and then it would be a Street-wide race to unload, with too many sellers and almost no buyers.

Great breakdown. Something else that I always noticed in this scene is how Jared starts to explain it and John says "you know what I want to speak to the guy who wrote this, is he here?" and Jared just "tosses the mic" to Peter. I mean he just puts Peter right on the spot, no hesitation. Can you imagine how stressful it must be to just get called upon just like that to explain something to the board?

For me as someone who works as a administrator the best kind of funny scene is just before the meeting when Sam and Jared want to wait for Tuld in front and the secretary says he is waiting for you inside, and they enter and Tuld comes after them inside. What a nice trick by the secretary.

i find the eye contact of Tuld a nice detail after he explained "you talk to me".. .then he looks, after he ensured he is in focus again, again to the 2 on his right, without a smile, to ensure they do not interact. Fine detail

Sullivan looking at Cohen and Robertson before continuing the explanation is because he’s reluctant to step outside of the chain of command. He knows that what he says could be taken as implied criticism of how they both have been running the show. He is worried about the consequences once the meeting is over, regarding retaliation from them. Tuld recognises this, which is why he says “You’re speaking with me, Mr. Sullivan”, as a reminder that he outranks both Cohen and Robertson, and is the one Sullivan is ultimately responsible to.

Jared waited to respond to the question 'what do you have for us?' because he didn't want to recommend doing something without knowing first that Tuld wanted to do it. He didn't get that job by taking shots in the dark. He knew Tuld was more than just aware of the problem, but had probably already discussed it with the board and how to deal with it. When Tuld says 'it's a hell of a lot easier to be first' that was Jared's cue to recommend 'sell it all, today.'

Like you, I had never heard of margin call until KZfaq dropped it in my lap. Since then I have watched clips many times over and I've seen the whole movie I believe on Netflix every time I watch a scene or have seen this movie I am completely impressed. It is done so incredibly well. I haven't taken the time to put my finger on exactly why but the acting , the photography, the story, the speeches, the writing is just great. I'm glad to know that other people feel the same way and that I'm not alone in thinking this. Thank you

At work we have the same kind of discussions scheduled at around 2AM when the bleach for the public toilets is about to run dry.

The Big Short. Margin Call. Inside Job. In that order unmissable watching. This particular scene gave me a Matrix vibe, the color tones make you feel that it's a different world, and Wall Street is a different world for sure.

It's true this scene is rewatchable limitlessly, one does not know why. Very good analysis. Bravo.

Great detail, thank you, I'm another devotee of this scene. True story: 1998 I was working in automotive and had to make a financial presentation to a new high-level french guy who came with a vicious reputation. Before the meeting started he had a row with our regional director in front of us all and threatened to take him out of the room and deal with him privately (our guy backed down, never seen that before). Then I stood up to present the slides, he made me sit down again because he wanted to study some details in his paper copy first, so we all sat in terrified silence for at least five minutes, it felt longer. Eventually he looked up and said "Now you can start the presentation", so up went slide number 1 on the overhead projector. "No no no," he yelled, "I don't want to see that, I want to start at page 36". ("Bastard" I thought). So I reached for my transparent slides and went through them, but page 36 wasn't there. I had prepared it, it was in all the paper copies distributed around the room, but it was not in the transparencies for my presentation. As I felt my life ebbing away I looked at him (in front of my colleagues, my boss, and his boss) and said "I'm sorry Mr B___ but I don't have page 36", he growled at me and said "So, I am unlucky, yes?" and the only thing I could think of to say was "Er, no Mr B___, I am unlucky", and amazingly he laughed! "So, we will use what we have in front of us instead" he yelled and off we went and I got away with it. Others were not so lucky, at least I knew my numbers well enough if not my filing. The reason it was missed was that we were juggling the numbers until late the night before, and every change required a reprint of the papers and slides, so something got missed. He was a tough boss, sharp as a razor and just as dangerous if not handled professionally, but he really really knew his stuff.

This movie was great. It was the Casablanca of finance movies. I worked at Lehman brothers back in the late 80's and the depiction was pitch perfect..

This was one of the smartest movies (written, acted) of our time. And certainly a fair depiction of the subprime mortgage crisis of 2007 and the resulting economic turmoil.

This scene alone, made me buy the movie to watch the entire thing. I wasn't disappointed.

This is a great movie. It's definitely worth multiple viewings. Your analysis is superb. This particular scene is densely filled with nuances. One of my favorites is when Peter is explaining things to John Tuld and briefly glances to Cohen. Tuld notices this and reminds Peter that he is speaking to him, not Cohen. Then glances back to Cohen with such steely coldness. Whew! That is powerful.

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When Peter cautiously looks over to Jared and Sarah before explaining the situation further, Told says, “You’re speaking to me now…” Told then immediately shoots daggers at Jared and Sarah. That split-second mannerism always stood out to me, I wondered about the meaning behind that particular glance.

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I like it when Tuld says "Now that WE know the music is stopped" when only seconds ago it was just his opinion but as CEO he sets the course.

I've watched this scene dozens of time and thought I had all it's details figured out. Your intelligent breakdown proved me wrong. Good job!

i have gotten into intense meethings in the same industry a couple of times. What suprised me watching this scence was how all those details actually happened in mine as well -- including a senior director/md preping/warning how to talk to the CEO, everyone devicing their strategies, company's popular kid (golden boy) in spot light, the handshake or one line greeting to a somehow important person and all that.

My thoughts regarding Peter are that he has a romantic and also cynical perspective at the same time. He seems flattered that he is part of this meeting and he has to explain things to the big boss, this is something new and exciting to him. His tone changes when he says that he likes working in the industry due to the money he makes, it seems to me that he doesn’t want to give the impression he is naive. So I think the actor is doing an excellent job at portraying someone at a junior level, who comes out of university and tries to fit in the competitive environment of an investment bank.

The walk of the secretary entering the room is a masterpiece by itself. So much going onin just two seconds. Deserved to be in the video.

Very thoughtful and articulated analysis… I wondered why I enjoyed watching this scene so much!

The red tie detail is SO important. As you said, there is only one person Tuld shakes hands with -- even acknowledges -- as he comes into the room. And Other Red Tie Guy is very important to this scene. At one point when Peter starts his explanation, right as he is getting to the heart of the issue (literally the line "from a risk management standpoint") the camera cuts to Other Red Tie Guy, who is listening intently and holding his glasses. I think he's someone who even Tuld needs to keep happy. Maybe a Chairman Emeritus or someone on the Board with a key role, or the General Counsel. In fact, since it's clear once you have seen the movie and this scene many times that Tuld knew everything that was going on before he walked into that room, and the whole point of the scene is to make it seem evitable that they would need to "sell it all", I think the reason for the meeting, and Tuld and Jared's little back and forth, may have been to put on a show for Other Red Tie Guy. Another piece of evidence: When Tuld says "you are speaking with me, Mr. Sullivan" Tuld then glances to his right. The first time I saw that I assumed it was glance to Jared and Sarah, but if look closely Tuld is glancing to more than a couple people on that side of the table. I think he is stealing a glance to Other Red Tie Guy to make sure he is appreciating the situation properly. By the way, one other red tie detail. There is some sort of intern or other young person behind Tuld. He has a blue shirt but no jacket and he is also wearing a kind of red tie. Not the exact same; it looks cheaper and a darker red. But he's clearly trying to imitate the behavior and dress of the grown-ups in the room.

I love this movie and I've lost count of now many times I've seen it. And yes to more of you're insights and observations.

I've worked for a consulting company who's a subcontractor of Fannie Mae, I was working with the folks in what they call the ' middle-office' and every hour of everyday I was there was so intense, I've never been into a meeting where I wish Scotty could beam me up just to disappear. I only lasted 1.6 years and that's where I've realized I wasn't made to work in an industry related to any financial or trading.

Thank you. Your analysis plus the comments allowed me to see so much more than I had at first. I instinctively understood some but now it's amazing. Keep posting!

My favorite tactic that Tuld uses is reframing the problem out of the realm of "what should we do" and instead into a purely theoretical/analytical space. "How would you do it if I made you?" Sam is a smart and agreeable problem-solver type and can't resist the temptation to offer a solution even if he doesn't agree with the very plan he's offering.

John also had knowledge about the greater political-economic situation that he wasn't letting on. It was implied he was talking with Spacey's character privately and Spacey realized he was operating with a greater level of knowledge. This would allude to the fact that a lot of the people in these upper tiers of big investment firms are well connected and informed politically, they keep the same circles of associates and get inside information about geopolitical events.

i've watched this film so many times. It's amazing that more people do not know about it.

This whole scene is just insanely great - the writing, the casting and the brilliant performances

In every scene where the camera pans past Sarah Robertson, her body language betrays that she is absolutely terrified but trying very hard to hide it. Really exceptional acting by Demi Moore.

There is one part also where John gives Sarah a death stare after he find out she sacked Eric dale cause he discovered this and I knew then she was getting fired, it was like he looked and without saying anything implied she got rid of one of the most important figures in all this and that it was her head next, something I picked up on amyways

Bruh. This breakdown is mind-blowing to me. The film making is wildly detailed!

Never thought I’d see the day where I get a video about Margin Call, let alone an analysis video, in my recommendations. Loved seeing this movie as a teenager, this scene always stood out in my mind alongside some select others. Would highly recommend seeing this one regardless of what you’re into, but especially if you like dramatic pieces.

You missed the most important things. Spacey says what he says because he has tenure in the company and was planning an exist one way or another. He knew how to do what they intended to do and that it would destroy his relationships with his peers in the industry. They had just culled much of their workforce the previous day. Give him is package and end the agony. He knew the wiz kid was the future of the firm, but he had a relationship with the big boss already. The people above him including Moore's character knew about the problem long ago and didn't act. One of them was going to have to fall on their sword for the good of the company. They were waiting for a moment to offer up each other to save themselves. Our red tie boss needed a summary. He didn't need the specific details. His subordinates were going to handle the precise methods of carrying out the plan. It was an incredibly complicated situation involving complex financial products. Exposition. They were explaining it in the simplest terms possible for the sake of the audience. And audience that didn't understand ratings agencies, sub prime mortgages, leverage, liquidity etc.

Back in 2008 I worked in banking. On a conference call it was announced that our bank held approximately 250 million in mortgage back securities and we may need to write down some of those securities to the tune of 25 million. After that call I mentioned to the team that it was likely going to be a 100% write down in the next month. My manager told me to go "F**k" myself. A week later we wrote down 80 million and a week after that 150 million and on the third week the entire 250 million was written off as a total loss. I was wrong. It took 3 weeks not a month. I left banking in 2009 and I have never looked back.

You missed the most important character. The secretary comes in from the back office first. She has a face like thunder. Called back to the office at 4.am to take minutes at a meeting where all those present haven't a clue what they are doing. She has seen secret files and typed up minutes for the last number of years and knew this was going to happen. Her facial expression is Oscar worthy.

I watch this movie so many times I can't count, but yet you made me see this scene in a different way. Good job great analysis.

It gives me great joy seeing more and more videos for this iconic movie. Saw it back in 2013 before it became so popular, and was shocked how little attention it received. Its a master piece for a fin movie, and rivals Oliver Stone's Wall Streetand Gorden Gigko.

A few other minor details: Seth is the only one at both meetings who isn't wearing a tie. This suggests that he doesn't really belong at the company, or even in the corporate world. Its a foreshadow of the discussion he will later have with Will, asking if he is going to be fired. The tension between Sam and Jared exists because Sam was passed over for the promotion that Jared received. This is why Sam and Jared are at proverbial loggerheads in their first meeting, and why Sam feels somewhat smug during that meeting. The implication is that the company wouldn't have been in that situation had he received the promotion he felt he deserved. This is also emphasized by the fact that Sam and Jared sit across from each other at this meeting, with each one having their own camp.

Now I have to rewatch this scene for the two hundred and fifty seventh time

When I first watched this movie 10+ years ago, I was awestruck at the prestige of the different altitudes slowly being revealed as the movie progressed. Once Jeremy Irons walked into the scene, I, the viewer, was on the edge of my seat. This isa rewatchable movie for me

You glazed over it but I think you would have focused on the discussion (hinted at earlier) that the top brass and John ALL knew about this. This was a key detail.

good break down & yes i'm also guilty even though i own the dvd i still watch it & the big short over & over again here on youtube. i can't get enough.

The side eye The boss shows after he says “You are speaking with me…” it gets him to stop being intimidated by his supervisors

john holds the most humble suite and approach because of his beginning and background.

I think “spilt milk under the bridge” meant that he was doubling the mixed idioms to emphasize how much they are looking forward now and aren’t going to dwell on how they got there.

Great work, thank you!

one of the interesting aspects of the group dynamic i noticed is that sam is really the only one that has the power to say no. in fact he's the only one that anyone really negotiates with at all. even john's interactions with him are less demands and more asks. it's a good nod to how real organizations are. there is always one or two people in the structure that are more or less untouchable and even with lower titles tend to get a much higher level of deference than anyone else.

Scar also shoots GI Jane and The Mentalists a stern look while Spock is talking. It's like he silently communicated, "Shut the hell up and listen. This is a shitty situation we're all in."

I watch this movie at least once a year and follow it up with The Big Short. Shows us just how small most people in this world actually are...

Jared is a bit of a “weasel” the way he points out Peter. Its almost as if he’s trying to absolve himself of any responsibility.

Bravo, Bravo, Bravo. That was the best breakdown sequence I ever seen of one of my most favorite parts of this movie. Thank you.

I want to go back again and again to this sudden masterpiece, and the more I think about stuff the more I realize that it's really one of the most interesting and genius films of two decades

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I think you missed the subtle scapegoating game that is being played by Jared, Sarah and Tuld. Jared doesn't come up with the plan to flush the entire position, it has already been decided by Tuld. Tuld says "There are 3 ways to make a living in this business, cheat, be smarter or be first. Well I don't cheat, and although I like to think we have pretty smart people here it is a lot easier just to be first.", 'be first' means selling everything. The decision is already made, what is left to decide is who will be the scapegoat if this fire sale results in the firm being blamed for causing the collapse of the market, Jared or Sarah. Tuld needs to be able to blame someone and that person needs to own the fire sale and still be with the firm. This is why Tuld then turns to Jared and looks at him waiting. The focus goes from Jared who says nothing, to Sarah who says nothing and back to Jared who accepts to own the fire sale and its consequences ("Sell it all today"). Jared is the first to understand that between him and Sarah, whoever owns the fire sale gets to keep it's job now (but might later be made the public scapegoat for the consequences of the fire sale) while the other will be the scapegoat at the next board meeting for not seeing the collapse coming and will get fired today. Sarah had 2 seconds to save here job by owning the fire sale, she missed her opportunity and is let go later that day.

I love the way at one point Tuld places his outstretched fingers of both hands on the board table, like he is playing a piano. And that sort of chimes with his own music metaphor; but clearly he thinks he is the one conducting the music and he'll decide when it starts and stops.

For me, the best moment is when Tuld talks about "the should be say... bumpy road" and he shows some form of pain while crossing his legs. While his behavior seems rather relaxed with the proverbs and the way he talkes in very simple word, smiles quite often and comforts Sullivan, it shows that he is indeed very uncomfortable and (to me as a non-manager) is an alarm signal to be very careful and not mistake his openess and kindness as reason to be relaxed in this meeting

OK, at least now I know why I repeatedly watched this scene over and over. Can you now break down firing of Eric Dale? ;)

This was a great breakdown - looking forward to the next one!

THE SEQUEL: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/rLqHeqiVya2bgok.html First Meeting Scene BREAKDOWN

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I literally just watched this probably for the 10th time it’s just so brilliant. I always wondered about John’s hand shake to the other guy wearing a red tie but never noticed the tie… this makes it so much more unbelievable, nice catch!

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Perfect analysis of the intense scene in one of my favorite movies. Working in corporate finance for 40 years - most creditable exchange of what happens in board rooms in the early morning hours.......great movie!!! Great review!!

I liked how Jon’s demeanour complete changes only after he notices a concerned look from Jon, the other red tie, who was intently listening to Peter explain the problem.