Cast
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Ewan McGregor
as Nick Leeson
Anna Friel
as Lisa Leeson
Nigel Lindsay
as Ron Baker
Tim McInnerny
as Tony Hawes
Irene Ng
as Bonnie Lee
Lee Ross
as Danny Argyropoulos
Yves Beneyton
as Pierre Beaumarchais
Simon Shepherd
as Peter Norris
John Standing
as Peter Baring
Pip Torrens
as Simon Jones
Betsy Brantley
as Brenda Granger
Caroline Langrishe
as Ash Lewis
Tom Wu
as George Seow
Daniel York
as Henry Tan
Sharon Duce
as Patsy Sims
Crew
Director
- James Dearden
Writer
- James Dearden
Producer
- Janette Day
- James Dearden
- Paul Raphael
Reviews
John Chard
My team were young, they were hungry, and they didn't have a clue.
I don't have youth on my side, as regards Nick Leeson's quote that headlines this small review, but I was hungry for a good film and I didn't have a clue about what it would be like!
Rogue Trader is the story of how wide boy Nick Leeson brought about the downfall of Barings Merchant Bank, one of the most financially historical institutions in London. A fictionalised adaptation from Leeson's own autobiography, the potential for a potent insight into insider trading et al is wasted. Instead we get a film of baffling trader chatter, newspaper like direction from James Dearden, and performances outside of Ewan McGregor as Leeson, that are distinctly unbelievable.
Those who work in the industry this involves are sure to find some rewards, but to the outsiders peeking in to hopefully learn whist being entertained, it's a damp financial squib. 5/10
Feb 21, 2016
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Rogue Trader examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director James Dearden brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1999, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Rogue Trader took approximately 4 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $12.8 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 101 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 135 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 12 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
- The film contains approximately 1079 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1999, when this film was released:
- Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Rogue Trader shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Contact, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Rogue Trader subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Bridges of Madison County and The Shining explore similar territory, Rogue Trader stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: June 25, 1999
- Runtime: 1h 41m
- Budget: $12,800,000
