Money Monster

Money Monster

Year: 2016

Runtime: 98 min

Language: English

Budget: $27M

DramaMysteryThrillerCrime

During a live television broadcast, financial guru Lee Gates finds himself and his producer Patty Fenn taken hostage by an angry investor whose life savings have been lost due to Gates’ advice. As the situation escalates, the pair must confront the consequences of their actions and uncover a complex scheme involving powerful figures and deceptive financial practices, all while trying to survive a rapidly deteriorating crisis on live television.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Money Monster (2016)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Money Monster (2016). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The events of the film unfold in contemporary times, reflecting modern-day financial crises and the impact of technology on trading. The storyline resonates with recent real-world occurrences of stock market volatility and the scrutiny of high-frequency trading.

Location

New York City, Johannesburg, Seoul

The movie primarily takes place in New York City, where the financial expert Lee Gates hosts his show. It also includes key locations like Johannesburg, where the CEO of IBIS Clear Capital is located, and Seoul, where a programmer helps unravel the crisis. These places are known for their bustling financial activities and international business interactions.

🗽 City 🌍 International 🏢 Corporate

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:29

Main Characters – Money Monster (2016)

Meet the key characters of Money Monster (2016), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Lee Gates

Lee Gates is a flamboyant financial expert, deeply invested in the stock market and the host of 'Money Monster.' As the hostage situation escalates, he grapples with the consequences of his influence and the ethical implications of his endorsements. Lee exhibits a blend of charisma and vulnerability as he confronts his accountability during the crisis.

🧑‍💼 Finance 🎤 Media 🚨 Hostage

Kyle Budwell

Kyle Budwell is a desperate deliveryman who represents the average investor caught in the turmoil of a stock market crash. His rage and loss fuel the tension of the hostage situation, revealing his deep emotional wounds and the human aspect of financial devastation. Kyle's transformation from a victim to a demanding presence highlights the consequences of misplaced trust.

😢 Victim 💢 Anger 📉 Investor

Patty Fenn

Patty Fenn is the quick-thinking director of 'Money Monster,' who plays a crucial role in managing the hostage crisis behind the scenes. Her resourcefulness and determination to protect her team while facilitating communication with Lee exemplifies her strength and commitment. Patty’s character adds a layer of complexity to the narrative as she navigates the chaos.

🎬 Director 👩‍💼 Leader 🚀 Strategist

Walt Camby

Walt Camby is the CEO of IBIS Clear Capital, whose absence sets the tension in motion. His character embodies corporate malfeasance, as revelations of his unethical practices ultimately lead to a confrontation that exposes systemic issues in the financial world. Camby’s arrogance and subsequent vulnerability reflect the precarious nature of power and accountability.

🏢 CEO 🔍 Manipulator ⚖️ Corporate

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:29

Major Themes – Money Monster (2016)

Explore the central themes of Money Monster (2016), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💰 Corporate Greed

The film explores the theme of corporate greed, highlighting how the manipulative actions of executives can lead to devastating effects on ordinary investors. With the meltdown of IBIS Clear Capital, it showcases the dangers of prioritizing profit over ethics in the financial world.

🎥 Media Influence

Media has a powerful influence in shaping public perception, which is a recurring theme in the movie. Lee's show acts as a double-edged sword, revealing how public figures can sway investor confidence while also being held accountable for the fallout of their endorsements.

🤝 Accountability

Accountability is a central theme as Kyle seeks answers and justice for his financial ruin. The climax underscores the necessity for leaders to be responsible for their actions, as well as the importance of transparency in the corporate sector.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:29

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Explore Movie Threads

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Movies with a Live Broadcast Crisis like Money Monster

Stories where media events spiral into real-time, high-stakes disasters.For viewers who enjoyed the real-time panic of 'Money Monster,' this section features movies where live television or radio broadcasts descend into chaos. Discover similar thrillers and dramas about hostage situations, shocking revelations, and public spectacles that turn deadly.

tenseurgentclaustrophobicanxiouspublic spectaclehigh-pressuregripping

Narrative Summary

Narratives in this thread often unfold in real-time or near-real-time, trapping characters within the confines of a studio or broadcast booth. The central conflict typically involves a disruption of the planned spectacle, forcing a confrontation with a hidden truth or a desperate individual, all while millions watch.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared setting and central mechanic: the live broadcast as a pressure cooker. They deliver a specific kind of claustrophobic, urgent tension where public perception and private crisis collide, creating a uniquely gripping and anxious viewing experience.

Corporate Conspiracy Thrillers Similar to Money Monster

Gritty stories of ordinary people uncovering systemic greed and deception.If you liked how 'Money Monster' exposed a hidden financial scheme, explore these movies about uncovering corporate crime. Find similar tense dramas and thrillers where characters risk everything to reveal the truth about powerful, corrupt organizations.

cynicalgrippingdesperateinvestigativecorruptionaccountabilityclass struggle

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a catalyst event—often a personal tragedy or a discovered anomaly—that prompts an investigation. The protagonists peel back layers of lies, facing danger and manipulation from a faceless, powerful entity, leading to a climax that exposes the truth but often at a great personal cost.

Why These Movies?

These movies are united by their central theme of battling systemic corruption. They share a cynical view of power, a heavy emotional weight stemming from injustice, and a tense, investigative pace that keeps viewers engaged in the hunt for the truth.

Unlock the Full Story of Money Monster

Don't stop at just watching — explore Money Monster in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Money Monster is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Money Monster Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Money Monster, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Money Monster Summary

Money Monster Timeline

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

Money Monster Timeline

Money Monster Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Money Monster that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Money Monster Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Money Monster

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Money Monster: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Money Monster

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