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Reviews > Staff Review
Arbitrage Theatrical Review
John Delia9/13/2012 2:17 PM EDT
The story centers on Robert Miller (Richard Gere) a multi millionaire who has everything, a big business, nice home, wife (Susan Sarandon) and children, the American dream. As the story unspools, however we find that there's more than meets the eye. Tied into a trillion dollar copper mining deal in Russia where he has invested all his cash assets, Robert finds himself with his back to the wall when the Russian Government intercedes.
Forced to sell the thriving company he has to borrow money to show potential buyers his business is solvent. This is called hedging and an illegal practice that carries a prison term if caught. But, something's about to throw an even bigger monkey wrench into his scheme, an affair and a horrible accident that will turn his life upside down, put a friend in harm's way and cause himself and family a heartbreak that could never heal.
The performers in Arbitrage are expressive, creative and emotionally talented making the intriguing story a winner. Under the guidance of first time direction Nick Jarecki his players, Gere, Sarandon, Tim Roth, Brit Marling, Laetitia Casta, and Nate Parker develop realistic rolls that are interesting and appealing. Although I must say that having the consummate actor Gere as his star probably gave him more time to work with the lesser known actors.
As Brooke, Miller's daughter and VP of his company, Marling shows her character has strong business morals and when the company ledgers show discrepancies she has to choose between family and duplicity. Jarecki makes Brooke one of the pawns in this game of chess that have overwhelming complications making the film fascinating. Playing Jimmy the innocent fall guy who finds himself in trouble with the law at the hand of Miller, Nate Parker does an impressive job of adding the element of incomprehensibly. Taking on the role of Miller's wife Ellen, Susan Sarandon gives another level performance of the wronged wife who has to surrender to her husband's behavior in order to save her children's future.
Although this kind of story of deceit and infidelity has been played out in many films over the years including Intersection in which Gere played the lead, the fine cast and production company makes Arbitrage entertaining. That said I was not completely satisfied with the timing involving the criminal case that runs within the plot and an ending that left me cold.
Arbitrage has been rated R for language, brief violent images and drug use. The film will certainly play well to the ladies as Gere is not only on top of his acting game, but still got a great physique for a 63-year-old.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A well acted film, but the plot has worn thin. (C+)
-- John Delia
Purchase Arbitrage at Amazon.com
Cast: Richard Gere, Susan Sarandon, Brit Marling, Nate Parker, Laetitia Casta, Tim Roth
Directed by: Nicholas Jarecki
MPAA Rating: R
Genre: Drama/Suspense
Running Time: 100 minutes
Distributed by: Roadside Attractions
For more information about Arbitrage visit the FlickDirect Movie Database. Artwork and photos ©Roadside Attractions. All Rights Reserved.
What are your thoughts? Comment below, on facebook,
John Delia, Senior Critic
John Delia has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making, publicist to Assistant Director. He has been a film critic for 12 years and earned a Bachelors degree in communications from the University of Florida. He is listed in IMDb under his name JOHN DELIA. He free lances for a number of web magazines including FlickDirect. He is located in Florida in the Tampa Area. His interview with Benicio Del Toro received nearly 13,000 hits on youtube when Che opened and the interview with the unknown Bradley Cooper nearly 14,000 when The Hangover opened.He enjoys movie music, especially those from most Disney animated features.
John Delia has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making, publicist to Assistant Director. He has been a film critic for 12 years and earned a Bachelors degree in communications from the University of Florida. He is listed in IMDb under his name JOHN DELIA. He free lances for a number of web magazines including FlickDirect. He is located in Florida in the Tampa Area. His interview with Benicio Del Toro received nearly 13,000 hits on youtube when Che opened and the interview with the unknown Bradley Cooper nearly 14,000 when The Hangover opened.He enjoys movie music, especially those from most Disney animated features.
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