Look. If you’re going to watch a movie, you want to enjoy it, right? I mean, maybe you’re one of those guys (my favorite gender neutral pronoun) who loves to watch films solely for the purpose of critiquing them, i.e. “why did they use a dutch angle for this scene?” “was that person’s voice just a little bit quieter than everyone else’s?” “that dialogue felt too realistic” or whatever. If, however, you’re like most people, then you walk into a movie, hoping that you enjoy it.
With this in mind, I’ve created a syllabus of sorts for Adam McKay’s 2015 film about the 2007-8 financial crisis, The Big Short. I know what you’re thinking: syllabus equals school equals hell. However, this is a fun syllabus, a collection of various forms of media intended to prepare you to watch The Big Short, and enjoy it as much as possible.
Do you have to go through this entire syllabus before you watch the movie? No, but you also don’t have to follow the syllabus to World Lit II. But, things may not be nearly as fun for you. So, I have crafted this handy dandy guide for you.
The Big Short (Book)
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First, this incredible movie is based off of Michael Lewis’ 2010 book of the same name. Have I read it? Nope, but one of my friends did, and highly recommends it. I always think you should read the book before watching the movie, but I didn’t know there was a book, so you really can’t fault me. If you want to have the best possible experience then, check out this book.
Take an Econ class
Ok, maybe you don’t have to take an econ class, but you do need a basic understanding of how economics works. Read some Wikipedia articles, listen to some podcasts, or talk to that kid who only drinks black coffee and invests in cryptocurrency. Just don’t walk into this movie blind.
AFV (TV Show)
If you don’t remember the early 2000’s, then the best portal to that time is this show, primarily composed of nut-shots, sledding accidents, and birthday parties gone wrong. Apparently, there’s a new host for this show, but you need the legitimate experience with Tom Bergeron. I don’t know why, but this man is the epitome of the early 2000’s. Look at him. Look at his face. Over the fourteen years he hosted the show, this man looks like he went through fourteen separate mid-life crises. Anyways, watch this, and bathe in those sweet, sweet 2000’s vibes.
The Great Depression
Alright, no, you don’t have to experience the Great Depression to really get into The Big Short, but it would be good for you to understand exactly what happened way back in the 1930’s. I found this documentary on YouTube, and while the host is a bit over-the-top, it explains what happened to cause the Great Depression (hint, part of the problem rhymes with Shmerbert Shmoover). Here’s the link.
Mastodon
Michael Burry, one of the main characters of The Big Short, listened to a lot of metal in real life. This is shown in the film, as Christian Bale listens to different Mastodon tracks throughout the film. At one point, he plays an incredible drum solo to relieve stress. Honestly, I should learn how to drum. Here’s one of Mastodon’s albums. I have no idea if it’s a good one, as I really couldn’t care less about metal.
Michael Burry Himself
Michael Burry was a real guy, and it’s interesting to actually see him in action, and realize what a great job Christian Bale does in portraying this incredibly unique individual. Bale nails Burry’s voice and physical movements, so watching this interview should just give you more respect for the film. Here’s the Interview.
JNCO Jeans
Still don’t know what the early 2000’s look like?
Yeah, that’s the early 2000’s. I’m so sorry you had to witness that.
Earplugs
Full disclosure, there are some potty words in this movie. Since this piece is being published at a Christian college, I’m actually legally required to tell you to wear earplugs. You follow your heart though.
Someone to watch with you
I’m not sure what it is about this movie, but it’s really not the same if you watch it by yourself. I’ve watched The Big Short about ten or twelve times, and the better experiences have been with other people: my roommates, my girlfriend, or other friends. It just works better that way, both in its comedic aspects and in its economic bits. Grab a friend before you watch this for sure.
Now go out and watch The Big Short.
