Last edited Mon Dec 21, 2015, 10:39 PM - Edit history (1)
I have read the book more than once.
Steve Eisman, more or less the lead in the book, is a real character. He is unafraid to say anything to anybody. And he does. He tells a Japanese president of a real estate firm... Well, here it is from Lewis' book:
Eisman noted that the guy's financial statements didn't actually disclose any of the important details about the guy's company; but, rather than simply say that, he lifted the statement in the air, as if disposing of a turd. "This... this is toilet paper," he said. "Translate that."
"The Japanese guy takes off his glasses," recalled a witness to the strange encounter. "His lips were quavering. World War Three is about to break out. 'Toy-lay paper? Toy-lay paper?'"
I laughed my ass off the first time I read that.
To be more kind about Eisman, late in the book, it is he and two of his compatriots who, sitting on the steps of St. Patricks as the whole financial world is crumbling around them, and having bet against the banks were immensely more wealthy, it is Eisman who takes little joy in it.
He is obviously a compassionate person, albeit a flawed one. Those are the types of narratives that weave through Lewis' book. It is a wonderful read. The newer edition even has an index, which is helpful.
I recommend the book. I will be seeing the flick if it makes it to rural west Michigan theaters.
The cast looks great. Brad Pitt! Steve Carell plays the Eisman character, for some reason cast as Mark Baum. He even looks like Eisman. Christian Bale, Marisa Tomei, etc.
Here's the trailer:
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