August

August follows the gripping story of two brothers, Tom Sterling (Josh Hartnett) and Joshua Sterling (Adam Scott), who are co-founders of a dot-com company, Landshark, established in New York City during the late 1990s. It's a compelling narrative to understand the behind-the-scenes drama of the dot-com bubble period and provides insight into the dynamics of start-ups during this era.

Tom, the central protagonist, is the CEO of the company and presents a compelling character study. He is depicted as a headstrong, aggressive, and impulsive individual, who, despite the imminent crash of the dot-com bubble, is convinced of his company's invincibility. He appears unwilling to consider the impact of the changing economic climate on his firm, sticking firmly to his ambitious vision while neglecting to address the potential pitfalls ahead. His constant denial of reality and relentless pursuit of success forms a core part of the movie's narrative.

On the other hand, Joshua showcases more caution and pragmatism, revealing contrasting attitudes towards the business's future. He's the stabilizing influence, attempting to moderate his brother's boundless ambition, and inject some realism into his strategies. This sibling dynamic forms a significant subplot of this film as we witness the unfolding events through the glaring differences in the brothers' approach and temperament.

Enter Sarrah (Naomie Harris), a corporate performance specialist who arrives with an agenda of her own. She plays a potential love interest to Tom, but her relationship with him is complicated and nuanced. Sarrah's character adds depth, romance, drama, and personal conflict to the plot, forging a significant contribution to the overall storyline.

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of August is its portrayal of a particular period - the tail end of the dot-com boom. It offers a close-up view of how this bubble affected not only businesses but also the personal lives of those who dared to dream in this era of technological optimism. Through the characters' dialogues and interactions, the viewers are granted a stark glimpse into the roller-coaster that was the dot-com era, filled with immense hope, ambition, disillusionment, and dramatic downfall.

Each character in August serves as a metaphor for different aspects of the business world, representing multiple perspectives of handling an extreme market climate. We have the so-called "experienced" business tycoons, the naive optimists, the cautious pragmatists, the tech nerds enthusiastic about creating something without understanding the economics, and the silent spectators who watch it all come to life without a clear comprehension of where it's all heading.

The 2008 movie, helmed by Austin Chick and written by Howard A. Rodman, prides itself on its excellent cast performances, intense dialogues, and detailed portrayal of the dot-com world and its impact on relationships. Hartnett, as Tom Sterling, gives a performance that ranges from stubborn belief in his dreams to controlled despair as he navigates the inevitable fall.

The movie's pacing is such that it keeps you engrossed without committing to fast-paced action or melodrama. The script's focus is on the internal mechanisms of running a business, making decisions, discussing ideologies, and most importantly, facing the inevitable collapse. The drama is more cerebral than visual, which will attract audience members who prefer depth and realism in their movie experience.

The story illuminizes not just a crucial turbulent period in history, but it also brings forward a frank discussion about ambition, denial, and the price of relentless pursuit. Tom's journey symbolizes the rise and fall of the dot-com era, making August a captivating watch for anybody interested in the dynamics of the business world or the human connection that navigates it. With excellent performances and a thought-provoking story, August is a raw and unfiltered depiction of the human spirit against the backdrop of an economic crisis.