Inside Lehman Brothers is a documentary film that explores the events leading up to the infamous collapse of Lehman Brothers in 2008, which triggered a massive financial crisis that would affect the global economy for years to come. The film draws on interviews with key players in the firm, as well as experts and analysts who examined its operations and decisions.
The film begins by tracing the history of Lehman Brothers from its founding in the mid-19th century to its ascent as one of the most powerful investment banks in the world. It highlights the culture of risk-taking and profit-driven ambition that characterized the firm, as well as the CEOs who steered it through various boom-and-bust cycles. However, it also underscores the warning signs that were apparent in the years leading up to the crisis, such as the inflated housing market and the proliferation of risky investments.
One of the key figures in the film is Matthew Lee, a former Lehman Brothers senior vice president who left the company in 2005 due to concerns about its practices. Lee provides a firsthand account of the toxic atmosphere within Lehman Brothers, where deal-making and bonuses took precedence over prudence and ethics. He also discusses his attempts to raise alarm bells about the firm's exposure to subprime mortgages and other risky assets, which were ignored by his superiors.
Another important voice in the film is Anton Valukas, a former federal prosecutor who was appointed by the U.S. government to investigate the Lehman Brothers collapse. Valukas offers insights into the complex financial instruments that were at the heart of the company's downfall, such as collateralized debt obligations (CDOs) and credit default swaps (CDSs). He also describes the internal workings of Lehman Brothers, including the labyrinthine accounting practices that masked the true value of its assets.
A third key interviewee is Oliver Budde, a financial journalist who covered the Lehman Brothers crisis for German newspapers. Budde provides a broader perspective on the global implications of the collapse, including the ripple effects on other financial institutions and the public backlash against Wall Street. He also critiques the regulatory failures that allowed Lehman Brothers and other banks to engage in such risky behavior without proper oversight.
Throughout the film, director Jennifer Deschamps weaves together these and other threads to create a powerful narrative of corporate greed, hubris, and recklessness. She uses archival footage, interviews, and animations to illustrate the complexities of the financial world, as well as the human toll of the crisis. The film is both informative and insightful, offering a nuanced perspective on an event that continues to reverberate in our contemporary economic landscape.
Overall, Inside Lehman Brothers is a must-see documentary for anyone interested in understanding the causes and consequences of the financial crisis of 2008. It is a sobering reminder of the dangers of unchecked capitalism, as well as the need for transparency, accountability, and regulation in the banking industry. Whether you are a student, a policymaker, or simply a concerned citizen, this film is sure to leave you with a deeper appreciation of the challenges and complexities of our global financial system.
Inside Lehman Brothers is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes.
It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.
