American Casino

American Casino

Year: 2009

Runtime: 89 min

Language: English

Director: Leslie Cockburn

Documentary

This documentary examines the alarming collapse of the financial system and the disappearance of over $12 trillion. It reveals the devastating impact of the crisis, focusing on communities like Riverside, California, which faced economic ruin. Once a thriving city, it’s now struggling with the consequences, including abandoned properties and widespread hardship, highlighting the human cost of the financial meltdown.

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Timeline & Setting – American Casino (2009)

Explore the full timeline and setting of American Casino (2009). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

2008

The movie is set during the tumultuous financial crisis of 2008, a time marked by rampant speculation and the collapse of financial institutions. This period saw the dangerous proliferation of subprime loans and the devastating consequences for minority communities, which were disproportionately affected by predatory lending practices.

Location

Baltimore, Riverside, California

Baltimore serves as a backdrop for the personal stories of those caught in the financial turmoil, showcasing the human impact of economic decisions. Riverside, California, depicts the devastating aftermath of foreclosures, with abandoned homes becoming breeding grounds for diseases. Both locations highlight the harsh realities facing those seduced by the American Dream.

🏙️ City 🌵 Desert 🏚️ Abandonment

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:08

Main Characters – American Casino (2009)

Meet the key characters of American Casino (2009), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Mark Pittman

Mark Pittman, an award-winning financial reporter, serves as the voice of reason throughout the narrative. His analytical perspective unravels the complexities of the financial crisis, helping viewers understand the broader implications of the events surrounding the missing $8 trillion. Pittman's commitment to exposing the truths behind the financial system makes him an essential figure in the documentary.

📰 Reporter 📊 Analyst

Various Baltimore Residents

The documentary features real stories from residents of Baltimore, including a dedicated high school teacher, a compassionate therapist, and a committed church minister. Each character illuminates the impacts of the financial crisis on their lives and dreams, illustrating how the American Dream turned into a harsh reality for many. Their experiences reflect the human cost of systemic economic failures.

👨‍🏫 Teacher 💖 Therapist ⛪ Minister

Wall Street Banker

The Wall Street banker provides insights into the risky financial practices that contributed to the crisis. His confession about creating 'fourth dimensional' securities reveals the complexities and dangers of modern finance. This character exemplifies the disconnect between financial institutions and the individuals negatively affected by their actions.

🏦 Banker 📉 Risk-taker

Mortgage Loan Salesman

The mortgage loan salesman lays bare the uncomfortable reality of the housing market, admitting to inflating borrowers' incomes. His character represents the unethical behavior that thrived during the crisis, showcasing how profit motives led to the exploitation of vulnerable individuals seeking home loans.

🏠 Salesman 💼 Unethical

Billionaire Gambler

The billionaire recounts a chilling account of betting on the misfortune of others, ultimately profiting immensely from the financial chaos. His story exemplifies the moral ambiguity of the financial elite during the crisis, highlighting the stark divide between those who benefited from the system and those who suffered.

💸 Billionaire 🎲 Gambler

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:08

Major Themes – American Casino (2009)

Explore the central themes of American Casino (2009), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💰 Greed

The film explores the pervasive theme of greed, which is evident in the motivations of bankers and financial executives who profited from the misfortunes of others. This insatiable quest for wealth led to unethical practices, ultimately contributing to the financial crisis. The devastating effects of this greed are illustrated through the stories of individuals who faced financial ruin.

⚖️ Social Inequality

Social inequality is a central theme, as the film highlights how African Americans and other minorities were disproportionately targeted for subprime loans. It illustrates the systemic issues within the financial industry that allowed this exploitation to occur, raising questions about fairness and justice in economic practices.

🏦 Financial Betrayal

The film presents a theme of financial betrayal, showing how ordinary citizens entrusted their futures to a corrupt system. Various characters reveal the unsettling truths behind the financial products they were sold, ultimately unveiling the deep-seated deception that cheated so many.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:08

Unlock the Full Story of American Casino

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American Casino Summary

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American Casino Summary

American Casino Timeline

Track the full timeline of American Casino with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

American Casino Timeline

More About American Casino

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