Arbitrage Preview

Director Nicholas Jarcki storms onto the scene with Arbitrage, his first major motion picture project.  Arbitrage is the story of Robert Miller (Richard Gere) who is a multi-billion dollar hedge fund manager, a husband to a devoted wife (Susan Sarandon) and father to his daughter and co-worker (Brit Marling).  Miller is about to close a deal for a handsome price, but has doctored the books to cover up a large financial loss, unbeknownst to his wife, his daughter and his employees.  Miller's problems at work are just the beginning.  He is also having an affair.  One night, while driving with his mistress (Laetitia Casta), Miller dozes off at the wheel, flips his car and ends up killing her in the process.  He flees the scene and makes his way home.  Investigating the accident, Detective Bryer (Tim Roth) soon finds the trail leads to Miller.  Meanwhile, his daughter is discovering the discrepancy in the financial records and fears she might be implicated in the cover up.

Arbitrage is billed as a thriller, though it wouldn't be your typical "who done it" movie as we know right from the beginning it was Miller.  The thriller part would be how his professional and personal lies begin spiraling out of control and affecting those he loves. This intense drama is where Richard Gere does some of his best work.  I thought he was great in Primal Fear, Unfaithful and Red Corner.  It's been a while since Susan Sarandon has tackled a project like this, but I have no doubt she will be right at home with such movies as Cradle Will Rock, Twilight, Dead Man Walking and The Client under her belt.  And Tim Roth, well, what can I say?  I love everything this man has been a part of.  From his earlier work in Reservoir Dogs and Four Rooms to his roles in Planet of the Apes and The Incredible Hulk, I love watching this British native perform.

Arbitrage was recommended to me by a friend a trust and with this cast, I have a good feeling that I'm about to enjoy a great film.