Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room (2005) Review in 2025
Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room is a documentary film that tells the story of the Enron scandal, one of the largest corporate scandals in history. The film explores the rise and fall of Enron, a energy company that went bankrupt in 2001, leaving thousands of employees without jobs and millions of dollars in debt.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
No, due to mature themes and complex financial concepts, this film is not suitable for family viewing.
CineReview Recommendation
This film is worth watching for anyone interested in business, finance, or true crime. However, it may not be suitable for all audiences due to mature themes and complex financial concepts.
Spoiler Alert!
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The film delves into the details of the scandal, revealing how Enron's top executives, including Jeffrey Skilling and Kenneth Lay, used complex financial schemes to hide the company's true financial situation. The film also explores the role of Arthur Andersen, Enron's accounting firm, in perpetuating the scandal.
Review Details
story9.00/10
The story is engaging and well-researched, providing a detailed account of the Enron scandal. The film's use of interviews, archival footage, and animations helps to explain complex financial concepts in an accessible way.
acting7.00/10
The acting is decent, with some standout performances from the interviewees. However, some actors feel a bit over-the-top, particularly those portraying Enron's executives.
characters8.00/10
The characters in the film are well-developed, particularly Jeffrey Skilling and Kenneth Lay, who are portrayed as charismatic and ruthless executives. However, some characters, such as Arthur Andersen's executives, feel somewhat one-dimensional.
direction9.00/10
The direction is excellent, with a clear and concise narrative that keeps the viewer engaged. The film's use of music and sound design adds to the overall impact of the story.
cinematography8.00/10
The cinematography is solid, with a mix of interviews, archival footage, and animations. However, some scenes feel a bit dry, particularly those featuring complex financial data.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The film's engaging story, well-researched narrative, and excellent direction make it a compelling watch. The use of music and sound design adds to the overall impact of the story.
Cons
Some characters feel one-dimensional, and the film's use of complex financial data can be dry at times. Additionally, the film's message may feel a bit heavy-handed at times.
Notable Quotes
"I'm not a crook, I'm a businessman."
"The smartest guys in the room are the ones who got us into this mess."
"We're not just a company, we're a movement."
