How Watching The Big Short Will Make You a Savvier Investor

Financial matters can be intimidating and complex – especially regarding investing. Many of us feel overwhelmed just trying to understand the basics of investing. However, watching The Big Short, an acclaimed 2015 movie based on the real-life events of the 2007 housing market collapse, you can better understand the investment, the stock market, and how important it is to be an informed investor.

The Big Short” follows a group of individuals in the years leading up to the 2008 financial crisis who foresee the impending collapse of the housing market and financial system. As they investigate and analyze the market’s unsustainable bubble, they decide to bet against it by shorting subprime mortgage bonds, essentially betting on the failure of the market. Despite skepticism and opposition from the financial establishment, the characters’ persistence leads them to reap substantial profits when the crisis unfolds, shedding light on the systemic flaws, greed, and corruption that contributed to the global economic meltdown. The film navigates their personal and professional challenges, highlighting their moral dilemmas as they attempt to profit from the impending disaster while simultaneously hoping to raise awareness about the impending catastrophe.

The Big Short: Why You Should Watch

The Big Short is a captivating, intelligent, and frequently amusing film, delving into the mortgage-backed securities investment bubble of the mid-2000s that ultimately paved the way for the Great Recession. Drawing inspiration from occurrences of that era, the movie navigates the factors that culminated in the housing market’s downfall. With its clever discourse, incisive visual elements, and gripping tension, the film provides an absorbing and perceptive perspective on occurrences that maintain their pertinence in the present day.

The film follows four shrewd but fictional characters who had the insight to investigate the misconduct in the housing market and the courage to pursue their insights far beyond the margins of the financial system. It follows their pursuit of a hefty return, but the film does more than merely tell the story of their scheme. It is also a powerful primer on the complexities and risks of investing.

Impactful Characters

The Big Short’s four main characters — all well-respected Wall Street professionals — are Steve Carell’s Mark Baum, Ryan Gosling’s Jared Vennett, Brad Pitt’s Ben Rickert, and Christian Bale’s Michael Burry. The varied characters represent different archetypes from the world of finance, providing viewers with multiple perspectives on the financial crisis.

Mark Baum (Steve Carell) is a hedge fund manager who is a sharp critic of the banking industry. He specializes in shorting stocks and has profited from picks that have gone against the conventional wisdom.

Jared Vennett (Ryan Gosling) is a brokerage firm executive. He is aggressively self-promotional and more interested in making money than anything else.

Ben Rickert (Brad Pitt) is a retired Wall Street professional disillusioned with the industry. He is averse to risk and advises the other characters about where to put their money.

Michael Burry (Christian Bale) is an eccentric hedge fund manager who has made millions through aggressive risk-taking. He has an unerring ability to spot investment opportunities and a stubborn desire to pursue them regardless of the potential for personal or professional gain.

The Benefits of Watching The Big Short

As The Big Short’s storyline unfolds, it introduces financial and economic ideas to the audience. Despite the potential complexity of these notions, the film effectively simplifies and renders them easily understandable for the general public. Via the characters’ dialogues and actions, the audience gains insights into concepts like diversification’s significance, the perils of excessive dependency on debt, and the potency of leveraging. Moreover, the movie imparts valuable lessons regarding the significance of conducting personal research and staying aware of the inherent risks linked to any investment.

Furthermore, The Big Short provides an engaging and enlightening perspective on the stock market and financial domains. The interactions among the characters vividly illustrate the mechanics of markets and underscore the significance of comprehending the fundamental framework of the stock market. By gaining insight into this framework, audiences can better understand the factors propelling investments and how these dynamics impact valuation.

Trailer for The Big Short

How to watch The Big Short

You can watch “The Big Short” through various platforms and services. Here are five options to consider:

1. Streaming Services: Check if the movie is available on popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, or Disney+. Availability can vary depending on your region, so be sure to search for the movie on these platforms.
2. Rent or Buy: Platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies & TV, iTunes, Vudu, and YouTube Movies allow you to rent or purchase digital copies of movies, including “The Big Short.” This option gives you the flexibility to watch the movie on your preferred device.
3. Cable or Satellite TV: Some cable and satellite TV providers offer on-demand movie rental services. Check your provider’s on-demand menu to see if “The Big Short” is available.
4. DVD or Blu-ray: You can rent or purchase physical copies of the movie from local video rental stores, retail outlets, or online retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, or Best Buy. This option is suitable for those who prefer a tangible copy of the movie.
5. Streaming Subscriptions: Some online streaming platforms, like IMDb TV or Tubi, offer a selection of movies that you can watch for free with ads. While availability may change, it’s worth checking if “The Big Short” is available on these platforms.

Conclusion

The Big Short proves to be an immensely captivating and impactful movie, adeptly unveiling the intricacies of the financial markets and the inherent uncertainties tied to every investment venture. The film imparts valuable perspectives on the significance of conducting personal research and staying aware of the foundational framework of the stock market. By understanding investment and the stock market, viewers can become savvier investors, better prepared to make sound financial decisions.