Bull Run might be adapted from a memoir by screenwriter Bill Keenan, but it also acknowledges Hollywood high finance staples Boiler Room, Margin Call, and American Psycho. Co-writer-director Alfredo Barrios Jr crafts an engaging and slick character study free from too much talk around money mergers, packed with an eclectic cast headlined by Tom Blyth. Looking further into the fictitious future of Bobby Sanders, who last featured in Odd Man Rush.
Best known for playing the title role in Billy the Kid at MGM+, Tom Blyth effortlessly introduces this capitalist battleground and lays down solid foundations for audiences to invest in. Employing a select number of assets in his on-screen arsenal to imbue Bull Run with just enough charm to offset less tasteful attributes. Such as the crass, overbearing, and money driven Masterson, shaped with venomous zeal by Ballers mainstay Troy Garity. An actor who not only made a major impression on the Dwayne Johnson juggernaut but featured in Danny Boyle’s Sunshine alongside Cillian Murphy.
For audiences who are familiar with the Mary Harron cult classic, Masterson gives off pure Patrick Bateman vibes minus those psychotic tendencies. Defined by ambition and blatant self-interest, Troy Garity changes the tone of this piece whenever he is on-screen, relishing this opportunity to cut loose as a master of the universe. In opposition to this vile stereotype of financial brokers everywhere, Blyth makes sure to avoid being overshadowed. Adding an essential humanity to an ensemble cast who carve out their own moment to shine in a film driven by agendas.
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Alongside the grandstanding cameo moments from Jay Mohr, best known to contemporary audiences for Air on Amazon Prime, Bull Run also finds time for a segue into romcom territory. Grounding the more outlandish elements of this film by focusing on an understated performance from Jordyn Denning. Bringing real heart to the character of Michelle and highlighting the importance of relationships outside the money markets. Nurturing her connection with Bobby alongside other elements, while Bill Keenan ensures other sub-plots have ample time to shine.
On a broader scale, Bull Run also draws equal amounts of drama and comedy from the corrosive nature of ambition. In this world there is no time for relationships that have no leverage. Wealth, status, and bragging rights win out against anything with any real meaning. However, what becomes painfully obvious is just how misinformed and unqualified half these characters are when it comes to making money. Riding on the coattails of experts in other countries who are disadvantaged by geographical location.
Audiences going into Bull Run will identify with that workplace hierarchy, and the hypocritical entitlement of over-achievers who win out just for showing up. Getting by on bravado without accruing the knowledge to back up their smoke show and getting promoted because of it. Charlie Chaplin once said, life is a comedy in long shot and a tragedy up close; something Bull Run embraces as it walks the thin line between both to great effect.
Bull Run is in selected theaters now and available on demand.