The big short
A group of outsiders, armed with unconventional methods, spot the flaws in the housing market and bet against the impending financial collapse.
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Unique Selling Point
What sets 'The Big Short' apart is its unique narrative structure that combines real-life events with a satirical tone, making complex financial concepts understandable to a general audience. The use of celebrity cameos to explain financial jargon adds a layer of entertainment while maintaining the film's educational value. This screenplay not only tells a story of financial collapse but also critiques the systemic failures that allowed it to happen, resonating with audiences concerned about economic justice.
AI Verdict & Suggestions
Ratings are subjective. So you get different engines' ratings to compare.
Hover over verdict cards for Executive Summaries
Highly Recommend
Recommend
Highly Recommend
Story Facts
Genres: Drama, Thriller, Finance, Comedy, Biography, Satire
Setting: 1979-2008, New York City and various locations across the United States
Themes: Moral Corruption and Systemic Failure in Finance, The Human Cost of Greed and Recklessness, The Power of Individual Insight and Conscience, The Failure of Regulation and Oversight
Conflict & Stakes: The main conflict revolves around the characters' struggle to navigate the corrupt financial system and profit from the impending housing market collapse, with significant financial and ethical stakes involved.
Mood: Tense and urgent, with moments of dark humor.
Standout Features:
- Unique Hook: The film's focus on the real-life events leading to the 2008 financial crisis, told through the eyes of unconventional characters.
- Plot Twist: The realization that the financial system is built on a house of cards, leading to the eventual collapse.
- Innovative Ideas: The use of humor and unconventional storytelling techniques to explain complex financial concepts.
- Distinctive Settings: The contrast between the high-stakes world of finance and the personal lives of the characters.
Comparable Scripts: The Big Short, Margin Call, Too Big to Fail, Inside Job, Wall Street, Billions, The Wolf of Wall Street, Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room, The Smartest Guys in the Room
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The Big Short Synopsis
Synopsis
In the years leading up to the 2008 financial crisis, a handful of outsiders and misfits in the finance world begin to notice the cracks in the housing market. The story unfolds through the eyes of several key players who, against the backdrop of a booming economy, see the impending doom that most of Wall Street ignores. The narrative is driven by the character of Michael Burry, a socially awkward hedge fund manager with a glass eye, who discovers that the mortgage-backed securities that are being sold as safe investments are actually filled with high-risk subprime loans. Burry decides to bet against the housing market by shorting these securities, a move that puts him at odds with his investors and the financial establishment.
As Burry's conviction grows, we meet Mark Baum, a cynical hedge fund manager who leads a team of analysts at FrontPoint Partners. Baum is driven by a personal tragedy that fuels his distrust of the financial system. He and his team, including Vinny and Danny, begin to investigate the mortgage market, uncovering the rampant fraud and corruption that has led to the creation of toxic financial products. They realize that the big banks are selling these risky securities while claiming they are safe, and they decide to take action by shorting the market as well.
Meanwhile, two young investors, Charlie Geller and Jamie Shipley, stumble upon the same information and seek out the help of Ben Rickert, a former trader who has become disillusioned with Wall Street. Together, they navigate the complexities of the financial system, trying to make sense of the convoluted mortgage-backed securities and collateralized debt obligations (CDOs) that are at the heart of the impending crisis.
As the story progresses, the characters face mounting pressure from their investors and the financial institutions that refuse to acknowledge the looming disaster. The film intersperses humor with the gravity of the situation, using clever visual metaphors and celebrity cameos to explain complex financial concepts to the audience. The tension builds as the characters realize that their bets against the housing market could lead to massive profits, but at the cost of millions of lives affected by the economic collapse.
The climax of the film occurs as the housing market begins to crumble, leading to widespread panic and chaos in the financial world. The characters must confront the moral implications of profiting from the suffering of others, and the film ends with a sobering reflection on the consequences of greed and the fragility of the economy. Ultimately, 'The Big Short' serves as both a cautionary tale and a darkly comedic exploration of the events that led to one of the greatest financial crises in history.
Script Level Analysis
This section delivers a top-level assessment of the screenplay’s strengths and weaknesses — covering overall quality (P/C/R/HR), character development, emotional impact, thematic depth, narrative inconsistencies, and the story’s core philosophical conflict. It helps identify what’s resonating, what needs refinement, and how the script aligns with professional standards.
Screenplay Insights
Breaks down your script along various categories.
Story Critique
Characters
Explores the depth, clarity, and arc of the main and supporting characters.
Emotional Analysis
Breaks down the emotional journey of the audience across the script.
Goals and Philosophical Conflict
Logic & Inconsistencies
Scene Analysis
All of your scenes analyzed individually and compared, so you can zero in on what to improve.
Analysis of the Scene Percentiles
- High concept rating (98.56) indicates a strong and engaging premise that is likely to capture audience interest.
- Excellent dialogue rating (94.83) suggests that the screenplay features compelling and authentic conversations, enhancing character development.
- Strong character changes (93.60) imply that characters undergo significant growth, which can resonate well with viewers.
- The originality score (57.79) is relatively low, suggesting the need for more unique elements or twists to differentiate the screenplay from others.
- Formatting score (49.68) indicates potential issues with adherence to industry standards, which could affect readability and professionalism.
- Emotional impact (63.51) could be enhanced to create a deeper connection with the audience, possibly through more poignant character arcs or situations.
The writer appears to be more intuitive, with strengths in dialogue and character development, while showing lower scores in concept and originality.
Balancing Elements- Focus on enhancing the originality and emotional impact to complement the strong dialogue and character development.
- Improve formatting to ensure the screenplay meets industry standards, which can help in gaining attention from producers and agents.
- Consider refining the plot structure to elevate the overall pacing and unpredictability, creating a more engaging narrative.
Intuitive
Overall AssessmentThe screenplay shows strong potential due to its engaging concept and well-crafted dialogue, but it would benefit from improvements in originality, formatting, and emotional depth to reach its full impact.
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Unique Voice
Writer's Craft
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Pass / Consider / Recommend Analysis
Gemini
Executive Summary
- The screenplay brilliantly employs non-traditional narrative devices like celebrity explanations to break down complex financial concepts and maintain audience engagement. These segments enhance the film's accessibility and unique voice. high ( Scene 7 (16) Scene 16 (40) Scene 19 (43) Scene 43 (109) )
- Character development is deeply considered, with each character's quirks and motivations driving the narrative forward. Their journeys are compelling, reflecting various responses to the crisis, and enhancing thematic resonance. high ( Scene 12 (12) Scene 11 (27) Scene 28 (28) Scene 13 (33) )
- The screenplay's use of voiceover narration is both effective and entertaining. It adds context, clarifies complex financial issues, and contributes to the film's wry humor and overall tone. medium ( Scene 1 (1) Scene 2 (3) Scene 57 (157) )
- The dialogue is sharp, witty, and often darkly humorous. It successfully conveys the characters' personalities and attitudes towards the crisis, further enriching the story. medium ( Scene 29 (70) Scene 35 (100) Scene 44 (110) )
- The screenplay effectively interweaves multiple storylines, providing a multifaceted perspective on the financial crisis and building suspense as the various characters' paths converge. high
- In a few instances, the screenplay could benefit from a slightly faster pace. Certain scenes with extended character introspection or repetitive dialogue could be shortened or restructured to maintain momentum. low ( Scene 13 (13) Scene 32 (84) )
- Some secondary characters could use more development. While their interactions contribute to the narrative, more background or personal details could add depth and further engage the audience. low
- While the screenplay effectively portrays the motivations of the key players in the financial crisis, a more detailed exploration of the regulatory failures and political factors that contributed to the crisis might enhance the film's scope and impact. medium
- The screenplay's use of irony and satire is particularly effective. It successfully highlights the absurdity of the situation and the moral failings of those involved, adding layers of complexity to the narrative. high
- The screenplay achieves a remarkable balance between educating the audience about complex financial concepts and engaging them emotionally through the characters' struggles and triumphs. It manages to be both intellectually stimulating and deeply human. high
- Oversimplification of complex financial mechanisms While the screenplay uses clever devices to explain complex financial instruments, some nuances and interconnectedness of the financial instruments might be lost to the casual viewer. For example, while CDOs and MBSs are explained, the intricacies of their creation and the role of various financial institutions are simplified for narrative flow. medium
GPT4
Executive Summary
- The screenplay opens with a strong hook that introduces the financial world in an engaging and humorous way, setting the tone for the rest of the film. high ( Scene 1 (1) Scene 1 (2) )
- The use of celebrity cameos to explain complex financial concepts makes the material more relatable and entertaining for the audience. high ( Scene 1 (16) )
- Character arcs are well-developed, particularly Mark Baum's journey, which reflects the moral complexities of profiting from a crisis. high ( Scene 1 (37) )
- The screenplay effectively balances humor with serious themes, allowing for moments of levity amidst the gravity of the subject matter. high ( Scene 1 (92) )
- The conclusion ties together the various character arcs and themes, providing a poignant commentary on the consequences of the financial crisis. high ( Scene 1 (160) )
- Some scenes could benefit from tighter editing to maintain pacing, particularly during exposition-heavy moments. medium ( Scene 1 (28) )
- While the character of Michael Burry is compelling, his backstory could be more fleshed out to enhance audience connection. medium ( Scene 1 (91) )
- The screenplay occasionally relies on financial jargon that may alienate viewers unfamiliar with the subject matter. medium ( Scene 1 (110) )
- Some character motivations could be clearer, particularly in the context of their moral dilemmas. medium ( Scene 1 (144) )
- The pacing in the final act could be improved to build more tension leading up to the climax. medium ( Scene 1 (157) )
- A deeper exploration of the personal lives of the characters could enhance emotional stakes. medium ( Scene 1 (12) )
- More context on the broader economic implications of the crisis could provide a stronger foundation for the narrative. medium ( Scene 1 (45) )
- The impact on everyday people affected by the crisis could be more prominently featured to ground the story. medium ( Scene 1 (118) )
- Additional scenes showing the aftermath of the crisis could provide a more comprehensive view of its consequences. medium ( Scene 1 (134) )
- A clearer resolution for some secondary characters would enhance the overall narrative closure. medium ( Scene 1 (160) )
- The innovative use of visual storytelling techniques, such as breaking the fourth wall, keeps the audience engaged. high ( Scene 1 (16) )
- The screenplay's ability to convey complex financial concepts in an accessible manner is a significant achievement. high ( Scene 1 (37) )
- The emotional weight of the characters' decisions is effectively portrayed, adding depth to the narrative. high ( Scene 1 (92) )
- The screenplay's commentary on systemic corruption and greed resonates strongly with contemporary audiences. high ( Scene 1 (110) )
- The final moments of the screenplay leave a lasting impact, prompting reflection on the consequences of the financial crisis. high ( Scene 1 (160) )
- Character Development While the main characters are well-developed, some secondary characters lack depth and motivation, making it difficult for the audience to connect with them. For example, the motivations of certain bankers and investors could be more clearly defined to enhance the narrative. medium
- Exposition Heavy Scenes Some scenes rely heavily on exposition to convey complex financial concepts, which can feel forced and disrupt the flow of the narrative. For instance, the scenes where characters explain mortgage-backed securities could be streamlined to maintain engagement. medium
Claude
Executive Summary
- The use of Anthony Bourdain and Selena Gomez to explain complex financial concepts, such as collateralized debt obligations (CDOs), is a highly effective and engaging way to make these topics accessible to a general audience. high ( Scene 16 )
- The screenplay effectively contrasts the perspectives of the various characters, with the bullish investor Bruce Miller serving as a foil to Mark Baum's skepticism. This creates a compelling debate that highlights the deeper issues at play. high ( Scene 43 (109) Scene 42 (108) )
- The emotional arc of Mark Baum's character, particularly his reflection on his brother's suicide and his struggle with the moral implications of profiting from the crisis, adds depth and nuance to the narrative. high ( Scene 45 )
- The opening sequence effectively establishes the historical context and introduces the core concept of mortgage-backed securities, setting the stage for the rest of the screenplay. medium ( Scene 1 (1) )
- The introduction of the Brownfield Fund team, particularly the dynamic between Charlie, Jamie, and Ben Rickert, provides an engaging secondary narrative that complements the main storylines. medium ( Scene 28 (79) )
- The transition between the storylines of Michael Burry and the other characters could be smoother, as the screenplay sometimes feels disjointed when shifting between these narratives. medium ( Scene 22 (63) )
- The subplot involving Michael Burry's son's diagnosis with Asperger's Syndrome, while an interesting character detail, could be further developed to have a stronger thematic connection to the overall narrative. medium ( Scene 46 (114) )
- The transition between the Selena Gomez/Richard Thaler explainer scene and the return to the main storyline could be smoother, as it sometimes feels like a disruptive interruption. low ( Scene 37 (97) )
- While the screenplay does explore the broader societal impact of the financial crisis, it could benefit from more explicit commentary or scenes that directly address the human cost and suffering experienced by everyday people. medium ( Scene 58 (149) )
- The screenplay could delve deeper into the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by the characters, particularly Mark Baum, as they grapple with the consequences of their actions and the role they played in the crisis. medium ( Scene 59 (157) )
- The ambiguous ending, where Mark Baum struggles with the decision to sell his positions and profit from the crisis, provides a thought-provoking and nuanced conclusion that leaves the audience to ponder the moral implications. high ( Scene 60 (160) )
- The scene where Mark Baum confronts the CDO manager, Mr. Chau, is a standout moment that effectively captures the underlying issues and tensions at the heart of the financial crisis. high ( Scene 43 (109) )
- The time-lapse sequence depicting the rapid growth of the banking industry leading up to the crisis is a visually striking and impactful way to convey the scale and pace of the events. medium ( Scene 2 (4) )
- Lack of diversity The screenplay's main characters are predominantly white men, with limited representation of other demographics. While the supporting cast includes some characters of color and women, the primary protagonists and decision-makers are mostly middle-aged, white males. This lack of diversity in the central characters may limit the screenplay's appeal to a broader, more diverse audience. medium
- Overuse of Voiceover The screenplay relies heavily on voiceover narration, particularly from the character of Jared Vennett, to provide exposition and context. While the voiceover is generally well-executed and serves an important purpose, an overreliance on this technique can come across as a crutch and may feel like an amateur writing choice. medium
Screenplay Insights:
Characters: 8.0, The screenplay effectively develops its characters, showcasing their complexities and transformations throughout the narrative. Key strengths include the depth of character arcs and the relatability of the protagonists. However, there are opportunities to enhance certain character developments to deepen audience engagement and emotional resonance. See More
Premise: 8.1, The screenplay effectively establishes a compelling premise centered around the financial crisis, showcasing unique characters and their moral dilemmas. However, enhancing clarity in certain areas and refining character arcs could significantly improve audience engagement. See More
Structure: 8.0, The screenplay effectively captures the complexities of the financial crisis through a well-structured narrative that intertwines character arcs with thematic depth. The use of humor and tension keeps the audience engaged, though some scenes could benefit from tighter pacing and clearer exposition to enhance overall clarity. See More
Theme: 8.4, The screenplay effectively conveys its themes of greed, corruption, and the consequences of financial irresponsibility, resonating deeply with audiences. Its exploration of the 2008 financial crisis through the lens of various characters provides a multifaceted perspective on the systemic failures of the banking industry. However, there are opportunities to refine the clarity and integration of these themes to enhance emotional engagement and thematic coherence. See More
Visual Impact: 7.5, The screenplay effectively utilizes visual imagery to convey the complexities of the financial world, blending humor and tension. Its innovative approach to character-driven visuals enhances the narrative, particularly through the use of contrasting settings and emotional depth. See More
Emotional Impact: 8.0, The screenplay effectively elicits emotional responses through its complex characters and their struggles against the backdrop of the financial crisis. However, there are opportunities to enhance emotional depth by further exploring character vulnerabilities and the consequences of their actions. See More
Conflict: 7.6, The screenplay effectively presents conflict and stakes through the lens of the financial crisis, showcasing the moral corruption and human cost of greed. However, there are opportunities to enhance narrative tension by deepening character arcs and integrating more personal stakes that resonate with the audience. See More
Originality: 8.0, The screenplay 'The Big Short' showcases a compelling blend of originality and creativity through its unique narrative structure, innovative character arcs, and insightful commentary on the financial crisis. The use of humor and unconventional storytelling techniques, such as breaking the fourth wall and employing real-life figures to explain complex financial concepts, enhances its originality and engages the audience effectively. See More
Screenplay Story Analysis
Note: This is the overall critique. For scene by scene critique click here
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Character Mark Baum
Description Mark's extreme cynicism and anger, while consistent, occasionally feels exaggerated and veers into caricature. His sudden bursts of righteous fury, while serving the plot, don't always feel organically motivated by his character's emotional arc. The sudden shift between his rage and his vulnerability feels jarring.
( Scene 28 Scene 30 Scene 36 ) -
Character Jared Vennett
Description Jared's slick and somewhat cynical persona is generally consistent, but his moments of almost comical callousness (especially in the scene where he rips off the other characters) feel slightly overplayed for comedic effect, disrupting the film's overall tone at times.
( Scene 37 Scene 94 Scene 156 ) -
Character Michael Burry
Description Burry's eccentricities are established early on, but the degree to which he’s depicted as socially awkward and detached sometimes feels excessive and used as a plot device to explain his actions rather than a consequence of his personality. His sudden shifts in behavior sometimes lack smooth transitions.
( Scene 12 Scene 13 Scene 14 )
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Description The montage of people rejecting Jared's trade feels somewhat abrupt and doesn't fully convey the difficulty of his initial sales pitch. A more detailed portrayal of his struggles would make his eventual success with Mark Baum more impactful.
( Scene 38 ) -
Description The explanation of how Jared manipulates the swaps market feels rushed. The audience needs a clearer understanding of his strategy and its ethical implications. This plot point would benefit from clearer explanation and perhaps visual aids.
( Scene 76 Scene 77 ) -
Description The Selena Gomez/Richard Thaler explanation of synthetic CDOs is effective as a comedic and simplifying device, but it undermines the complexities of the financial instruments they were meant to clarify. The method of explanation may seem incongruous to those familiar with the subject matter.
( Scene 109 )
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Description The mechanics of the credit default swaps and how they react to the changing market conditions aren't always clearly explained, leading to some narrative confusion. Specifically, the fact that the value of the swaps increases even as the underlying assets decline requires a clearer exposition of these financial instruments and their dynamics.
( Scene 76 Scene 83 Scene 94 )
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Description The bond trader's crude joke in scene 2 feels somewhat out of place and tonally inconsistent with the rest of the film's dialogue, which is generally more sophisticated and nuanced. The joke, though funny, seems out of character.
( Scene 2 (2) ) -
Description The mortgage brokers' dialogue, while entertaining, occasionally feels overly cartoonish and relies too heavily on slang and stereotypes. The level of openness and direct confession about their practices is questionable, especially the "NINJA loans" comment.
( Scene 70 (70) )
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Element Celebrity Explanations
( Scene 16 (16) Scene 40 (40) Scene 109 (109) )
Suggestion Streamline the celebrity explanations of complex financial concepts. While engaging, they could be condensed or integrated into the main narrative more organically. Consider using a single expert to explain multiple aspects, reducing the reliance on multiple celebrities. -
Element Repetitive scenes of panic/chaos
( Scene 83 Scene 120 Scene 125 Scene 143 )
Suggestion The scenes depicting the market's collapse could be streamlined to avoid repetitive portrayals of panic. Focus on showing the impact of the collapse on different characters and their reactions without excessive repetition of similar scenes.
Mark - Score: 82/100
Role
Protagonist
Character Analysis Overview
Michael - Score: 84/100
Role
Protagonist
Character Analysis Overview
Vinny - Score: 73/100
Role
Supporting Character</