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Jan 19, 2018richmole rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
Interesting: Knew as much as most people in Canada about Bernie Madoff's enormous fraud, that is, that he was arrested and charged with it, and that he went to prison for 150 years or so. That he was most often positioned as "America's Scapegoat" while the "big boys" of Wall Street got off Scott-free after the "meltdown." This movie from veteran director Barry Levinson tells us much more, through the eyes and ears of a real-life reporter (who plays herself convincingly in this movie.) Fascinating: Madoff's character--or lack of it--and the reactions (and tragic fates) of his immediate family. Also fascinating to learn that scapegoat or not, Madoff really did deserve the punishment he received. $50 billion in vanished "Investments" is no small-time hustle! Interesting: the angst and anger of those who lost their life-savings and whose own lives were thus savaged--especially in an era of "you are what you earn/spend." What we DON'T see or hear from are the people--and there were thousands--who actually profited by the fraud...because through luck or fear--cashed in before the collapse. Lucky them! Good performance by Di Nero, but especially Michelle Pfeiffer as Mrs. Madoff.