Margin Call is about how capitalism leads to greed and fraud.
Stanley Tucci is one of the employees who get fired from an investment bank, because times are tough. Upon his departure he hands over some research results he has been working on to one of the younger co-workers, who alarms his boss, Paul Bettany. The numbers indicate that the bank is on the verge of collapsing. Kevin Spacey, who is the boss of Paul Bettany, is informed and he arranges a meeting with his boss, Simon Baker, who in turn informs the owner of the bank, Jeremy Irons, flown in by helicopter. Irons asks his financial advisers (one of whom is Demi Moore), who made the desicions leading to these disasterous results, what they think about it. They have to admit that the figures are correct. Demi Moore has to take the fall and step down. Kevin Spacey tries to resign, but Jeremy Irons needs him to stay on and prevents him from leaving, by pointing out his financial responsibilities to his family.
Best part of story, including ending:
It gives a terrifying and disheartening look into the world of big finance.
Best scene in story:
The scene where Kevin Spacey tries to resign and how Jeremy Irons prevents that. You see on his face that he doesn't believe in the whole sharade anymore, yet he can't leave.
Opinion about the main character:
The pragmatism of a good guy is understandable, although you want him to resign anyway.
