We all know Nick Leeson got caught
and went to jail, and Barings Bank bit the big one. So much for tension.
While a knowledge of the financial world probably would help, Dearden
wisely looks less at the mechanics (despite plenty of shots of numbers
scrolling on screens), more at the psychology. In particular, how Leeson
was able to last so long, thanks to a system where no-one dared say a word
because of the apparently huge profits he was making. As a result, it's
like watching a ship sail full-steam towards the rocks, and McGregor
makes Leeson a sympathetic character, although this is no surprise, since
it's based on his book, so take the "he was basically a good guy who got
out of his depth" aspect with a pinch of salt. This should appeal to anyone who
has ever done stuff at work they wouldn't want their bosses to see -- and
given where I'm writing this... ;-)
B