Why was "The Big Short" shot in the comedy genre?

Why was "The Big Short" shot in the comedy genre? - Brown and Black Dog Lying on Floor

The Big Short movie is all about serious things:

  • The 2008 financial crisis (which banks blamed the bad things on immigrants, the poor, and even teachers)

  • mortgage-backed securities

  • ISDA agreement

  • AAA percentages on subprime loans, etc.

So wy did they choose to direct the movie in the comedy genre?



Best Answer

The film follows in the tradition of films such as Dr Strangelove By Stanley Kubrick.

In a similar way there was a realisation that the subject matter is so dark, so frightening that the only way to present it is with a vein of dark humour, especially given the complicated financial elements.

To quote the director Adam McKay

"I feel if you do this movie like, say, 'The Insider' — which I think is a great movie — you wouldn't be doing this story justice,"

additionally you can see more here:

But McKay acknowledges he didn't write the script intending to get laughs. It came from the material in Lewis' book that is so outlandish you can only help but laugh, which McKay did while reading it in one sitting in 2010.




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What are exposition shots?

What is exposition? Exposition is a comprehensive description or explanation to get across an idea. Exposition is a device used in television, films, poetry, literature, music, and plays. It is the writer's way to give background information to the audience about the characters and setting of the story.

What is visual exposition?

Visual exposition is the background information needed for the audience to understand the story portrayed visually.

How do you write expository scenes in a script?

Exposition: Five Rules
  • Eliminate exposition that isn't absolutely necessary or that will become clear as the story moves forward.
  • Deliver exposition in scenes that contain conflict. ...
  • Wait as long as possible before providing exposition, always looking for the moment of maximum dramatic impact to reveal it.
  • Use brevity.




  • The Big Short (2015) Behind the Scenes




    More answers regarding why was "The Big Short" shot in the comedy genre?

    Answer 2

    Check out this link to more about The Big Short (2015) Movie.

    “I feel if you do this movie like, say, ‘The Insider‘ — which I think is a great movie — you wouldn’t be doing this story justice,” McKay told Business Insider, referring to the more somber Russell Crowe film about a tobacco-industry whistleblower.

    Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

    Images: Karolina Grabowska, Mikhail Nilov, Olya Kobruseva, Argelis Rebolledo