Charlie Rose Season 24 Episode 58 'The Big Short'; 'In the Heart of the Sea'

In season 24 episode 58 of Charlie Rose, two highly anticipated films are discussed: "The Big Short" and "In the Heart of the Sea." The episode features interviews with the directors and key cast members of both films, as well as in-depth analysis of the themes explored in each.

"The Big Short" is a dark comedy that examines the housing market crash of 2008, and the group of financial experts who saw it coming and capitalized on it. Director Adam McKay joins Charlie Rose to discuss the challenges of telling this complex story in an entertaining way. McKay is best known for his work on comedic films such as "Anchorman" and "Talladega Nights," and he admits that tackling a serious topic like the housing crisis was a departure for him. However, he felt that the outrageous behavior of the bankers and brokers involved in the crash lent itself to a more satirical approach.

The film's star-studded cast includes Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, and Brad Pitt. In the episode, Bale and Carell join Rose to discuss their roles in the film and the research they did to prepare for them. Both actors undergo significant physical transformations for their roles, with Bale donning a bald cap and a heavy accent to play hedge fund manager Michael Burry, and Carell gaining weight and sporting a prosthetic nose to portray money manager Mark Baum. The two actors discuss the challenges of playing these real-life characters, who were operating at the height of an industry that was rife with corruption and greed.

"In the Heart of the Sea" is a historical adventure film that tells the story of the whaling ship Essex, which was sunk by a giant whale in 1820. Director Ron Howard joins Charlie Rose to discuss the inspiration behind the film, which was based on the book of the same name by Nathaniel Philbrick. Howard explains that he was drawn to the book because it not only tells the story of the Essex, but also delves into the cultural and economic factors that led to the whaling industry's decline.

The film stars Chris Hemsworth, Benjamin Walker, and Cillian Murphy, who all join Rose to discuss their roles and the challenges of filming on a massive scale. Hemsworth plays first mate Owen Chase, who is determined to bring his crew to safety after the ship goes down. Walker plays Captain George Pollard Jr., who is struggling to prove himself as a leader, and Murphy plays second mate Matthew Joy. The actors reveal the intense physical training they underwent to prepare for their roles, including spending time on a replica of the Essex to get a sense of what life was like for the crew.

Throughout the episode, Rose provides insightful commentary on the themes explored in both films, delving into the economic and social implications of the housing crisis and the impact of the whaling industry on the environment. He also asks thought-provoking questions of the guests, challenging them to consider the morality of their characters' actions and the role of art in reflecting and shaping society.

Overall, season 24 episode 58 of Charlie Rose offers a fascinating look at two very different films that share a common thread: they both delve into complex and often troubling aspects of American history and culture. The interviews are engaging and informative, and the analysis provided by both Rose and his guests is sure to spark further conversation and reflection.