Film review: Inside Job (2010)

Inside Job is a well received and Oscar-winning documentary on the financial crisis. The film argues that the crisis was predicted and could have been prevented.

It generally focuses on the US but is relatable to Europeans and clearly demonstrates how ripples expand in a global market. It looks at investment banks, government and academia and highlights conflicts of interest.

It also exposes the warnings professionals made about risks prior to the crisis. The fact that the crisis was predicted yet ignored raises some serious questions and is certainty thought provoking.

Inside Job uses both footage of hearings and interviews to give viewers an insight. Interviewees include supporters of the banks. These individuals are asked probing questions about the situation and effectiveness of the financial sector.

The film uses five parts to explore how changes in the policy environment and banking practices helped create the financial crisis. The sections are: how we got here; the bubble (2001-2007); the crisis; accountability; and where we are now.

Each part focuses on a different aspect of the financial crises and allows viewers to easily piece together what happened and why. Graphics are also used to help viewers understand the cause of the crisis.

Overall, Inside Job is easy to follow, even for those with little financial knowledge, whilst still being informative and perceptive. This documentary is highly recommended.