Arbitrage 2012
Directed by
Nicholas Jarecki
Made by
Lionsgate
Plot Summary
Sixty-year-old multi-billionaire Robert Miller (Richard Gere) is at the helm of a hedge fund managed alongside his daughter Brooke (Brit Marling). As Miller prepares to sell the company for a significant profit, he is secretly juggling a web of deceit. Unbeknownst to Brooke and his employees, Miller has manipulated the company’s financial records to obscure a major investment loss, all to sidestep potential fraud charges. A hefty loan of $412 million from a shrewd investment banker looms over him, with the risk of losing the money threatening the impending sale.
On a fateful evening, while driving with his mistress Julie Cote (Laetitia Casta), Miller’s exhaustion leads to a tragic accident that results in Julie’s death. Rather than face the music, he flees the scene, desperate to shield his wife Ellen (Susan Sarandon) and maintain the facade of his life. The following day, he finds himself ensnared in a police investigation led by detective Bryer (Tim Roth), who is eager to unravel the truth behind the accident.
Miller concocts a story about his whereabouts, claiming he was home with Ellen as Bryer digs deeper. In an intriguing turn of events, police discover that Miller had a concealed lease on an apartment used by Julie, raising even more suspicion about his involvement. Meanwhile, Brooke uncovers the dark financial irregularities, leading to a confrontational dialogue with her father. Miller attempts to justify his risk-laden copper mine investment in Russia and the subsequent financial turmoil that ensued, convincing Brooke of the dire need for the firm to sell.
As Bryer follows the breadcrumbs and links Jimmy Grant (Nate Parker), a young man Miller helped in the past, to the night of the accident, the noose begins to tighten. Though Jimmy recognizes the implications of his silence, he remains loyal and refuses to divulge Miller’s secrets. Conflict ensues as Miller mentors Jimmy, reinforcing that the sale closure is paramount, even as it leads to Jimmy’s own arrest.
Tensions mount when Miller confronts Mayfield, the buyer, learning that delays have jeopardized the transaction. With a keen sense of negotiation, Miller asserts the value of his operation, successfully clinching a deal worth $525 million. Eventually, he navigates the legal maze, proving that Bryer fabricated critical evidence against Jimmy, thereby dismissing all charges.
However, as Miller’s life seems to stabilize, Ellen devises a plan to leverage the ongoing police investigation against him, seeking a separation agreement that would allow her to claim his wealth. Like a true businessman, Miller stands firm against her threats, revealing the complexities of their strained relationship.
In a dramatic conclusion, Miller finds himself at a banquet celebrating his business success, pondering whether his accomplishments are truly his own triumph or overshadowed by the strains of his personal life as he navigates the aftermath of his choices.
Timeline
Introduction to Robert Miller
Robert Miller, a 60-year-old multi-billionaire, is introduced as the head of a profitable hedge fund. Alongside his daughter Brooke, he appears to be on the cusp of selling the company for a significant profit, masking deeper troubles beneath his smooth exterior.
Financial Deceit
Miller is revealed to be manipulating the company’s financial records to hide a major investment loss. This manipulation is crucial for maintaining the impending sale and avoiding potential fraud charges, showcasing the lengths he will go to protect his empire.
Driving with Julie Cote
On a fateful evening, Miller drives with his mistress, Julie Cote. His exhaustion leads to a tragic accident, resulting in Julie’s death, a pivotal moment that propels him into a spiral of deceit and desperation.
Fleeing the Scene
In the wake of Julie's death, Miller chooses to flee the scene of the accident. This decision not only reflects his desperation but also sets off a series of events that complicate his life and threaten his secrets.
Police Investigation Begins
The following day, Miller finds himself the subject of a police investigation led by detective Bryer. The scrutiny intensifies as Bryer seeks to uncover the truth behind the fatal accident involving Julie.
Fabricating an Alibi
As the investigation heats up, Miller concocts a false story, asserting that he was at home with his wife Ellen during the time of the accident. This lie complicates the investigation as Bryer digs deeper into Miller’s activities.
Discovery of the Apartment Lease
Police uncover a concealed lease for an apartment linked to Julie, raising further suspicion about Miller's involvement. This discovery adds pressure to Miller as Bryer begins to connect the dots.
Brooke's Discovery
Brooke uncovers troubling financial irregularities within the hedge fund. This revelation leads to a tense confrontation with her father, where Miller attempts to justify his risky investment decisions and the firm's need to proceed with the sale.
Jimmy Grant's Loyalty
As Bryer’s investigation tightens, he links Jimmy Grant, a young man Miller previously assisted, to the accident. Despite the mounting pressure, Jimmy chooses loyalty over truth, choosing not to reveal Miller's secrets.
Negotiating the Sale
Miller confronts Mayfield, the potential buyer, who reveals that delays threaten their transaction. Using his negotiation skills, Miller secures a deal worth $525 million, but the pressure of his circumstances continues to grow.
Legal Maneuvering
Miller navigates the legal challenges posed by Bryer’s investigation. He manages to prove that Bryer fabricated evidence against Jimmy, leading to the dismissal of all charges, momentarily alleviating his immediate legal woes.
Ellen's Scheme
As Miller's life seems to stabilize, Ellen devises a plan to leverage the ongoing investigation against him. She seeks a separation agreement that would allow her to gain a portion of his wealth, revealing underlying tensions in their marriage.
Confronting Personal Strain
Miller faces the complexities of his strained relationship with Ellen while also reflecting on his professional accomplishments. This introspection raises questions about the true cost of his success and the moral compromises he has made.
Banquet Celebration
In a dramatic finish, Miller attends a banquet celebrating his business triumphs. Amid the accolades, he contemplates whether his successes are genuine achievements or overshadowed by the consequences of his actions and choices.
Characters
Robert Miller
Robert Miller, portrayed by Richard Gere, is a complex character whose duality drives the narrative. On the surface, he presents himself as a successful businessman and loving father, yet beneath lies a man entangled in deceit and moral corruption. His desperate attempts to maintain his empire reveal both his cunning and vulnerability, making him a fascinating anti-hero in the story.
Brooke Miller
Brooke Miller, played by Brit Marling, is a determined and intelligent character who symbolizes the moral compass within the narrative. As Robert's daughter, she grapples with the reality of her father's deceit while trying to salvage the family's legacy. Her confrontations with Robert showcase her strength and resilience, making her an integral part of the unfolding drama.
Ellen Miller
Ellen Miller, portrayed by Susan Sarandon, embodies the complexities of loyalty and betrayal in her marriage. As Robert's wife, she initially appears to be in the dark about her husband's actions, but as the investigation deepens, her character reveals strength and cunning. Ellen's struggle to maintain her status while facing marital turmoil adds depth to her role in the story.
Detective Bryer
Detective Bryer, played by Tim Roth, is relentless in his pursuit of the truth behind Julie's death. His character serves as a foil to Robert Miller, representing the law and moral integrity. As he uncovers the layers of deceit, Bryer's determination highlights the ethical complexities of the situation, making him a crucial figure in the film's tension.
Setting
Time period
The events of the movie unfold in contemporary times, reflecting modern-day financial struggles and ethical dilemmas. The narrative captures the high-pressure world of hedge funds and the personal consequences of greed and deception that pervade today's corporate landscape.
Location
New York City
New York City, known as the financial capital of the world, serves as the backdrop for Robert Miller's high-stakes financial dealings. The city is famous for its towering skyscrapers and bustling markets, drawing in investors and entrepreneurs from around the globe. Miller's hedge fund operates in this vibrant yet ruthless urban environment, highlighting the fierce competition in the finance sector.
Themes
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Deception
Deception is a central theme in 'Arbitrage,' as Robert Miller engages in a web of lies to maintain his wealth and status. His manipulative actions not only affect his professional life but also deeply impact his relationships with his family and loved ones. The film portrays the lengths to which individuals will go to protect their interests, often blurring the lines between right and wrong.
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Consequences
The consequences of Miller's choices are profound and multifaceted. His decision to flee the scene of an accident leads to a domino effect of personal and professional repercussions, raising questions about accountability. The theme illustrates how decisions made in the pursuit of success can unravel one’s life, bringing a heightened sense of tension and urgency throughout the film.
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Family Conflict
Family conflict also plays a significant role, particularly between Robert and his daughter, Brooke. As Brooke uncovers her father's deceitful financial practices, their relationship becomes strained, embodying the struggle between familial loyalty and moral integrity. This theme emphasizes the challenges of balancing personal ambition with familial bonds in the face of troubling revelations.
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