Arbitrage, a term borrowed from the financial world, means the simultaneous purchase and sale of an asset in order to profit from a difference in price. It’s also the title of a tense thriller movie directed by Nicholas Jarecki and stars Richard Gere as a troubled hedge fund magnate. However, in context of the movie’s ending, the ‘arbitrage’ becomes a clever play of multi-dimensional deceit and evasion of consequence—a suspenseful intrigue that leaves its audience in ecstasy of puzzlement.
“Arbitrage” is well noted for its unexpected and ambiguous ending. The term is a metaphor for the character development and narrative twists seen throughout the film. The ending can be interpreted in various ways, and it provokes diverse perspectives from its viewers, depending on their personal views on justice, accountability, and morality in financial trading. The story’s climax paints a striking picture of the double standards in high society and financial markets, leaving an aftertaste of cynicism seasoned with the subtle flavours of irony.
Specifically, the ending of “Arbitrage” disconcerts its audience with a scene where Robert Miller, portrayed by Richard Gere, manages to avoid all semblance of penalties for his monetary malpractices, moral ambiguities, manipulations and a hit-and-run accident. This controversial conclusion portrays the stark reality of power dynamics and the influence of wealth and status on law enforcement. It further exemplifies the movie’s underlying themes of corruption, morality, and accountability within the world of high finance.
In the upcoming part of this discussion, imagine we are peeling the layers of a complex economic onion, while wearing a pair of snazzy spectacles which transform financial jargon and convoluted hedge fund tactics into an enthralling chain of events. We will delve into an analytical discourse on the “Arbitrage” movie’s unconventional outcome, along with its implications on the perception of virtual invincibility of white-collar criminals in our society. We will dissect and interpret the layers of complexity in the final scene, its relevance to real-life situations, and overall societal impact.
While chatting about “Arbitrage”, we’ll sporadically sprinkle in some humorous analogies—like comparing the protagonist’s unscrupulous escape to a slick eel’s evasive maneuvers. After all, a spoonful of comedy certainly helps the gravity of financial deception go down. We are committed to maintaining a harmonious blend of formal analysis and creative presentation throughout our dialogue. Essentially, we’ll be exploring the intrigue of “Arbitrage’s” finale step by step, appropriately flavoured with an entertaining twist.
Continuing forward, our discourse aims to critically analyze the craftiness of the ending’s script and direction. We will examine the financial and legal maneuvers employed by the protagonist to evade both moral and legal judgment. This intricate piece of cinematic precision opens opportunities for reflections on financial ethics and societal values. Despite the missing hook of a Hollywood happy ending, “Arbitrage” leaves its audience with a moral maze to navigate, making it an unforgettable cinematic experience.
key Takeaways
- The film “Arbitrage” ends with the main character Robert Miller, a wealthy hedge fund magnate, successfully evading moral and legal consequences for his corrupt dealings and personal failings due to a combination of luck and cunning.
- Throughout the film, Miller faces the potential fallout from fraudulent accounting, relationship betrayals, and causing a fatal car crash. However, the movie’s conclusion sees him escape these dire situations by manipulating the people and circumstances around him.
- Despite his morally reprehensible actions, Miller is shown to be an expert in maneuvering through crises. The ending shows that he remains untouched by the legal and economic justice system, encapsulating the film’s critique of elite impunity.
- Key in the ending is the relationship between Miller and his daughter Brooke. Once she learns of his fraudulent activities, Brooke decides to distance herself from him, leaving their relationship in disrepair. This personal consequence represents the only form of punishment Miller receives for his actions.
- The final scene of the movie, where Miller sits alone after a speech, implies he has lost his family and personal relationships as a result of his deceit and manipulation. Despite surviving his financial and legal troubles, his personal life is left in ruins.
- “Arbitrage” offers a critique of a system where wealth and power can shield individuals from taking responsibility for their actions, a theme that’s encapsulated in the movie’s unconventional ending. But it also makes clear that there are non-legalistic forms of punishment, such as familial and personal ruin, that corrupt elites could suffer.
Deciphering the Finale: What Does the Ending of Arbitrage Movie Mean?
The plot of the 2012 movie ‘Arbitrage’ interweaves themes of corporate finance and personal tribulations, but it is the ambiguous ending that has left viewers contemplating the most. The term ‘arbitrage’, in the financial world, typically refers to the practice of taking advantage of a price difference between two or more markets, striking a combination of deals that capitalize upon imbalance, with the profit being the difference between the market price. In this movie, it seems that Richard Gere’s character practices a form of ‘life arbitrage’—manipulating those around him for personal gain. But what does the ending imply? Let’s dive into the arbitrage movie ending explained.
Evaluating the Twist and Turns: Plot Summary and Complexity
To really dig deep into the arbitrage movie ending explained, it’s essential you have a firm grasp on the intricacies of the plot. At the center of the movie, we have hedge-fund magnate Robert Miller—portrayed by Richard Gere—who appears to have it all. However, underneath this facade, his professional life is edging towards turmoil. Simultaneously, his personal life unravels as his mistress dies in an accident, turning this financial drama into a web of deceit and desperate actions. The movie ends on an ambiguous note, leaving viewers baffled over Miller’s fate and questioning the moral principles that underpin the world of big business.
The Deceits and Dealing: Robert Miller’s Deceptive Maneuvers
To truly understand the arbitrage movie ending, one must also understand Miller’s dubious methods and deceitful dealings throughout the movie. On the business front, Miller tries to sell his trading empire to a major bank before his fraudulent activities are uncovered. On the personal front, after his mistress dies in a car accident, Miller leaves the scene to protect his public image and family name, placing Jimmy, the son of his former chauffeur, in the incriminating situation. His maneuverings paint a picture of a man who lives by his own corrupted moral code.
Final Scenes Unpacked: What’s the Implication of Arbitrage’s Film Conclusion
It’s the final scenes that leave the viewers puzzled in need of the arbitrage movie ending explained. In the dramatic climax, Miller’s ally, Jimmy Grant, is cleared of any wrongdoings related to the car accident, while Miller seems to have escaped any severe penalties. He attends a fundraising event and takes a moment to contemplate alone, then the film ends abruptly. Does this suggest that, in the end, the wealthy and influential always escape unscathed? Or is it a bleak commentary on the unending cycle of deceit in high finance? The ending may be intended to leave pondering, reflecting the ambiguity of ethics and the reality of social disparities in the world of finance.
The Ambiguity of Morality: Does Miller Receive His Due Punishment?
Throughout the twist and turns of the plot, one of the central questions becomes the ethical and moral cost of Miller’s actions. Oftentimes, the movie presents stark moral dilemmas, questioning whether the ends justify the means. But does Miller pay the price for his unethical decisions? It appears not. In the world displayed in ‘Arbitrage’, it seems that those with wealth and power can bend the rule of law and morality to their favor. This aspect is integral to understanding the arbitrage movie ending, where the justice system appears unable to hold Miller accountable, leaving a bitter taste of reality.
Unveiling The Director’s Perspective: Interpretations from Nicholas Jarecki
Understanding the film’s director, Nicholas Jarecki’s views, can also shed light on the arbitrage movie ending explained. Jarecki has been quoted saying that the film reflects the unpredictability of life and that the lack of strict poetic justice for Miller was intentional. This goes to reinforce the idea that the movie isn’t necessarily endorsing the misdeed of its protagonist, rather revealing the complexity in society’s rules and the manipulation of the financial system by affluent individuals.
Remember, Jarecki’s ultimate goal might not have been to punish Miller but to expose the harsh realities of a system that sometimes fails to hold powerful men accountable. While this might leave some audiences unsatisfied desire for retributive justice, it certainly provokes thought and fosters discussion about the ethical costs of financial success and power.
The Art of Filmmaking
In the realm of visual storytelling, the process of filmmaking is an intricate endeavor that unfolds over multiple phases. It begins with the conceptualization of the idea, brought to life on paper through the screenwriting process. This is where the plot of the story is constructed, the characters are developed, and the central theme is established.
This transformative endeavor encompasses myriad technical aspects such as scripting, casting, shooting, editing, and music composition, each integrated seamlessly to result in a compelling narrative. Details such as lighting, camera angles, and mise en scene play crucial roles in communicating non-verbal elements and enhancing the narrative’s overall impact.
The Evolution of Movie Genres
The cinematic universe is a vibrant tapestry of different genres, each with their unique storytelling approach. From the thrilling twists of mystery and action films to the heartwrenching drama of romances and tragedies, each genre offers an expanse of narrative possibilities. Over the years, the boundaries between these genres have been challenged, leading to the emergence of hybrid genres that weave together elements from diverse categories, providing the audience with a distinct viewing experience.
This evolution in genres is not just a testament to the creative progression in cinema but also a reflection of the changing social and cultural landscapes. As such, movie genres have proven to be invaluable tools for interpreting social realities and exploring human experiences.
The Nature of Character Development in Cinema
Characters serve as the beating heart of any cinematic narrative, driving the plot forward and engaging audiences at a visceral level. The journey of a character, marked by their trials, tribulations, growth, and transformations, lies at the core of compelling storytelling.
From the outset, filmmakers ensure that characters are multi-dimensional, complex, and nuanced. They are vested with distinctive traits, beliefs, motivations, and vulnerabilities that make them relatable and human. Over the course of the film, these characters undergo changes as they encounter challenges, learning and evolving to cope with them. This character development is instrumental in enhancing the narrative depth and emotional resonance of the film.
The Impact of Sound and Music in Film
Sound and music are integral to the cinematic experience, resonating on a level that visuals alone cannot reach. They set the tone, underscore the mood, and play a crucial role in shaping the emotional landscape of the film.
From heart-thumping action sequences to suspense-laden horror scenes, sound effects and music scores can heighten the sense of drama and tension. In contrast, in the quiet moments of introspection or melancholy, the right sound or piece of music can amplify the emotional gravity of the scene. Thus, the judicious use of sound and music can bolster the narrative efficacy and impact of a film.
The Nuances of Film Analysis
Film analysis involves an in-depth examination of various aspects of a film, such as theme, plot, character development, cinematography, sound design, and genre. It is about unraveling the layers of meaning that lie beneath the surface of the film’s narrative.
Analysts employ a range of approaches and methodologies to dissect and interpret films, often drawing on theories from disciplines such as psychology, sociology, philosophy, and cultural studies. Whether it’s deconstructing the director’s techniques, scrutinizing the performances, or critiquing the social and cultural implications, film analysis offers a rich and rewarding avenue for delving deep into the world of cinema.
1. What is the conclusion of the movie Arbitrage?
The movie Arbitrage ends in a rather ambiguous and tense note. Richard Gere’s character Robert Miller manages to avoid a financial scandal and even a murder allegation, paying Detective Bryer to forget the case about his mistress’s accidental death. However, even though he escapes legal consequences, he is left in an emotional shackles and guilt.
Although for the outer world, he seems to have emerged victorious managing to sell of his fraudulent company and escaping the murder case, inside he is a broken man. His family relationship is strained and there’s an evident emotional toll he suffers for his manipulative actions.
2. Did Robert Miller get away with his actions in Arbitrage?
From a legal perspective, Robert Miller seems to get away. He skillfully navigates through the tricky terrain of business, financial fraud, and a murder allegation. However, despite the seeming victory, his clandestine activities lead to strained family relationships and personal guilt, which one could argue is a form of punishment.
The ending tries to encapsulate the broader theme that even if one escapes legal ramifications due to influence and power, there always are emotional and personal consequences, thus Miller certainly doesn’t get away scot-free.
3. What happens to Robert Miller’s relationship with his family at the end of Arbitrage?
Miller’s relationship with his family, especially his daughter Brooke, takes a hit. Brooke, who was one of her father’s active aides, learns about his fraudulent activities and confronts him. Though he attempts to justify his actions, their relationship appears to be irreversibly damaged.
The finale scene shows Miller’s wife standing by his side during their anniversary speech but her facial expressions convey a different story. His wife knows about his infedility, thus her support is more of an act for society than true affection.
4. Does Detective Bryer succeed in holding Robert Miller accountable for his misdeeds?
No, Detective Bryer does not succeed in holding Robert Miller legally accountable. In fact, Miller manages to bribe him into silencing the case about his mistress’s accidental death. Bryer, even though aware of Miller’s wrongdoings, doesn’t manage to convict him.
However, Bryer’s investigations and constant pressure do cause Miller psychological distress, and indirectly expose his fraudulent activities to his daughter, leading to strained family relationships.
5. Why does Robert Miller pay off Detective Bryer in Arbitrage?
Robert Miller pays off Detective Bryer to avoid legal repercussions for his mistress’s death. Despite it being an accident, Miller was driving under influence and flees the scene, which in itself is a punishable offence. There was also a risk of his financial misdoings coming to light during the investigations.
Thus, to avoid legal troubles and further investigations, Miller resorts to bribing Detective Bryer to keep silent about the death and related events.
6. Could Arbitrage be considered a moral story?
Arbitrage can be viewed as a moral story providing a critique of unethical actions often taken in the world of business and personal life. Robert Miller, despite his charisma and success, resorts to fraudulent activities and manipulations, and even bribes a cop to escape legal troubles.
However, his decisions lead to emotional distress and damaged personal relations. This can be viewed as a message about the long-term repercussions of such unethical behaviour, which cannot be escaped just through wealth and power.
7. What is the significance of the ending scene in Arbitrage?
The final scene of Arbitrage is a poignant representation of Miller’s life. While on the surface he is celebrating a victory — selling his company and escaping legal action, he is internally broken. His personal relations are strained due to his deceit and fraudulent activities.
Though it doesn’t provide a clear resolution, the scene leaves the audience contemplating the emotional consequences of manipulation and deceit, beyond just the legal implications. It serves as a powerful commentary on the moral and emotional degradation caused by unethical actions.
8. Does Brooke forgive her father by the end of Arbitrage?
The movie doesn’t explicitly show whether Brooke forgives her father. However, after discovering his fraudulent activities, she confronts him with a sense of betrayal and disappointment. Given the complex nature of the situation, it seems that reconciliation will be a difficult road ahead.
Her father’s act of selling the company could be seen as an attempt to mend his mistakes, but its tangible effect on their relationship is left rather ambiguous, creating a thought-provoking end.
9. Is there a sense of justice in the ending of Arbitrage?
The sense of justice in the ending of Arbitrage is subjective and varies from viewer to viewer. Some might feel that Miller escaping legal consequences was unjust, while others might argue that his internal turmoil, guilt, and damaged familial relationships are a form of poetic justice for his unethical actions.
While the law couldn’t hold him accountable, the strain in his personal life hints at the notion that no misdeeds truly go unpunished in one way or another.
10. Does Robert Miller change for the better by the end of Arbitrage?
The movie doesn’t depict a pronounced positive transformation in Miller’s character by the end. While he does appear to show signs of regret and guilt for his actions, it is unclear whether these emotions would lead to a moral awakening or change in his behaviour in the future.
The end leaves the audience in a suspenseful thought, contemplating whether Miller would learn from his mistakes or continue on a path of unethical behaviour. His decision to sell the company could hint towards a desire to rectify his errors, but it could also simply be a tactic to evade his current predicaments.
Final Thoughts
The conclusion of Arbitrage provides a stark commentary on wealth and power in society, embodied in the lead character Robert. In the arbitrage movie ending explained, Robert’s cunning enables him to escape financial ruin and legal punishment for his actions. His wealth and status shield him from the consequences, painting a disturbing portrait of privilege.
The arbitrage movie ending explained shows Robert broker a deal to sell his fraud-infested company, deceiving everyone around him – even his own daughter. However, the irony lies in the fact that Robert’s actions lead to the death of his mistress Julie and the innocent Jimmy. Essentially, Robert sacrifices them to protect himself, serving a reminder of the extreme lengths some will go to maintain their privilege.
The film concludes without delivering justice. Despite all the pain and trauma he’s caused, Robert isn’t held accountable, largely representative of the flaws and inequalities in our society. Ultimately, the ‘Arbitrage’ movie ending presents a cynical reflection of the world, through a gripping narrative filled with moral paradoxes and commentary on societal disparities, that leaves the audience pondering long after the film has ended.