‘Money Monster’ is an unnerving yet realistically portrayed look at the interconnections between corporations and their investors. An ‘inexplicable isolated’ computer glitch occurs, that sends the market into a frenzy over a company stock. Was it rigged to someone’s advantage? Is it a form of theft legalised yet made to seem obscurely accidental? Are there human fingerprints over its timing? These issues are explored. Of course, for those who suffered from losses, one can simply point fingers at these poor investors for their negative karma’s ripening. However, the rich and powerful can easily manipulate the deluded greed of the masses to their advantage. If with such evil intentions, they themselves create tons of negative karma.
The film probes the need for answerability when markets crash. Who is at fault? The 1%, the 99%, or both? Yes, there is surely both personal and collective karma at play, with parties driven by greed and delusion. It also questions what is a good investment. Of course, we tend to think of a good investment as one that will very probably rake in huge profits. But to think of an investment as ‘good’ in this greedy way is the same as Wall Street’s Gekko saying ‘greed is good’. We need to rediscover what is ‘good’ in itself, as in ethical. Is that invested in truly good for all? What does the invested company really do with the money you pump in? Is it Right Livelihood as taught by the Buddha, that is harmless to sentient beings?
Moral issues behind public recommendations in the media are also quizzed. Are financial ‘experts’ really experts? If so, how could they not predict or prevent the last great financial collapse? Why are there even more gurus with hindsights than foresights? Because it is an easier job? Are foresights ever reviewed later objectively? Are predictions semi-guesswork, with some gurus paid to sell? How do the ‘experts’ themselves invest? Do they continue getting paid for their disastrous recommendations? When does investing become mere gambling? Do (over-)confident investment gurus create self-fulfilling prophesies by stirring up markets of choice? With all these interdependent implications, we have to realise that we all, the 100%, puppet supply and demand, albeit some with thicker strings. Before you invest, do reflect… Are you investing to shape a purer world with less delusional greed and hatred, or a defiled world with more?
