When The Big Short was released in 2015, it quickly became one of the most talked-about films of the year. Directed by Adam McKay and based on Michael Lewis’s non-fiction book The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine, the film explores the financial crisis of 2007-2008. It highlights the people who saw the collapse of the housing market coming and bet against the banks and the system. The film is a mix of drama, satire, and documentary-style narrative, with a stellar cast that includes Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Brad Pitt, and Ryan Gosling. Among the ensemble, Ryan Gosling plays an important role, bringing his trademark style and charisma to a complex character.
In this article, we’ll explore Ryan Gosling’s character in The Big Short, his role in the story, and how he contributes to the film’s success. We’ll also analyze how Gosling’s performance fits into the broader narrative and why his role is vital in both the plot and the thematic development of the film.
The Setting of The Big Short
Before delving into Gosling’s role, it’s essential to understand the setting and context of The Big Short. The film centers on the collapse of the housing market in the mid-2000s, which led to the global financial crisis. The movie follows several key figures who, for different reasons, recognized the impending crash. These individuals were able to profit from the situation by betting against the housing market. The film uses a non-linear storytelling approach and frequently breaks the fourth wall to explain complicated financial concepts to the audience.
At the heart of The Big Short are characters who take a financial gamble in the face of a corrupt and flawed banking system. The film highlights their courage, ignorance, and, at times, the absurdity of a system that allowed the financial collapse to happen.
Ryan Gosling’s Role: Jared Vennett
Ryan Gosling plays Jared Vennett, a slick and ambitious Wall Street trader who works for Deutsche Bank. Vennett is one of the key characters in the movie who plays a pivotal role in the financial crisis, but he does so in a way that is both humorous and revealing. The character of Jared Vennett is not based on a single real person but is a composite of several individuals who played roles in the financial crisis.
Vennett is introduced early in the film as a fast-talking, sharp-suited trader with a penchant for exaggeration and bravado. He has a strong sense of self-confidence, and Gosling’s performance brings this trait to life. As the film progresses, we learn that Vennett is one of the few who recognizes the impending disaster and decides to take advantage of it. His character embodies the greed, arrogance, and opportunism that characterize many individuals on Wall Street during the years leading up to the 2008 crash.
In the context of the plot, Jared Vennett is one of the first people to realize that the housing market is built on shaky ground. He finds out that the housing bonds—mortgages bundled together into financial products—are far riskier than anyone had anticipated. He decides to short these bonds, betting that they will fail. Vennett’s insight into the financial markets and his willingness to bet against the system puts him at the center of the action. His character acts as a bridge between the viewers and the complex financial jargon used throughout the movie.
Breaking Down Vennett’s Role in the Film
Vennett as a Narrator
One of the standout features of The Big Short is the film’s use of direct address to the audience. Jared Vennett is one of the primary characters who breaks the fourth wall, speaking directly to the camera and explaining key financial concepts in a way that is easy to understand. For example, in one memorable scene, he explains the concept of mortgage-backed securities and collateralized debt obligations (CDOs) using simple metaphors and analogies. This unique narrative choice allows the audience to grasp the complex financial details that drive the story, making the film both informative and engaging.
Gosling’s performance as Vennett is essential to this aspect of the film. His character’s ability to communicate difficult concepts with ease and charm is what helps the movie strike a balance between humor and drama. The casual, often sarcastic tone that Gosling adopts in these scenes adds a layer of comedy to what is ultimately a very serious subject. His character is self-aware, often acknowledging the absurdity of the financial world while still participating in it.
The “Snake Oil Salesman” Persona
Vennett’s character is often described as a “snake oil salesman”—a term that describes someone who sells fraudulent or dubious products. This is a perfect fit for Gosling’s portrayal of the character. Vennett is shown as someone who is fully aware of the risks and potential consequences of his actions but chooses to capitalize on the situation for personal gain. He is not entirely sympathetic, and at times, his character comes off as smug, manipulative, and opportunistic. Gosling injects a certain level of charm into this role, making Vennett both an irritating and entertaining character.
Vennett’s salesmanship is on full display when he pitches the idea of shorting the housing market to Mark Baum (played by Steve Carell). The film uses Vennett’s character to represent the ruthlessness of the financial industry. He doesn’t hide his motivations—he wants to make money and is willing to exploit the system to do so. This sense of opportunism highlights the broader themes of greed and corruption within the financial world, themes that are explored in depth throughout the film.
Vennett’s Role in Bringing Together the Main Characters
While Vennett is not the central character of the story, he plays a critical role in bringing together several of the other protagonists. He introduces Michael Burry (Christian Bale) to the idea of shorting the mortgage bonds, which ultimately leads to the realization that the entire financial system is about to collapse. He also connects with Mark Baum’s team, convincing them to bet against the market as well. Vennett’s character acts as a kind of catalyst in the film, initiating the chain of events that leads to the eventual unraveling of the financial system.
Through Vennett, the audience gains insight into the flawed system that allowed the housing bubble to grow unchecked. While the other characters are more focused on understanding the intricacies of the crisis, Vennett serves as the middleman who explains and facilitates the process of taking advantage of the situation.
Ryan Gosling’s Performance: Humor and Charm Amidst the Chaos
Ryan Gosling’s portrayal of Jared Vennett is a perfect blend of humor, charm, and cynicism. His performance is a departure from some of his more serious roles, such as in La La Land or Drive. In The Big Short, Gosling showcases his comedic timing and ability to play a character who is both likable and morally ambiguous. He brings a lightness to the film that helps counterbalance the otherwise heavy subject matter.
While Gosling’s character may be seen as a morally questionable figure, his performance adds complexity to the role. Vennett is not portrayed as a villain, but rather as a product of a broken financial system. Gosling’s ability to capture this duality is what makes his portrayal so compelling. His character is simultaneously a force of nature—determined, charismatic, and opportunistic—and a reflection of the systemic flaws that led to the financial collapse.
Gosling’s wit and humor help elevate the movie’s tone, turning what could have been a dry financial drama into a more dynamic and entertaining experience. His fast-talking, confident character serves as a necessary contrast to the more serious and intense performances of actors like Christian Bale and Steve Carell, making the ensemble cast feel well-balanced and engaging.
Conclusion
In The Big Short, Ryan Gosling plays a pivotal role as Jared Vennett, a Wall Street trader who bets against the housing market and profits from the impending financial collapse. Gosling’s performance is a key element in bringing humor, charm, and clarity to the complex narrative. As a narrator, Vennett helps explain financial concepts to the audience, making the film accessible while still maintaining its satirical tone. Through his character, the film explores themes of greed, opportunism, and the moral ambiguity of those who profited from the 2008 financial crisis.
Vennett’s role is not just one of explanation, but also of action. He is the character who connects the various groups of protagonists, pushing the story forward and helping the audience understand the broader implications of the financial system’s collapse. Gosling’s witty and fast-paced performance elevates the film, making his character both entertaining and insightful.
Overall, Gosling’s portrayal of Jared Vennett is an essential part of what makes The Big Short a standout film. His role brings a much-needed sense of humor to an otherwise heavy and complex subject, and his character’s journey provides a unique perspective on one of the most significant financial crises in history.
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