Capital

Capital is a thoroughly engrossing, dramatic film released in 2012. Directed by the influential filmmaker Costa-Gavras, known for his socially and politically-inspired films, and starring lead actors Gad Elmaleh, Gabriel Byrne, and Liya Kebede, the narrative of the film revolves around a complex web of power, intrigue, and ambition in the financial industry.

Gad Elmaleh plays Marc Tourneuil, a character who is suddenly catapulted into the realms of high finance and the banking world. Marc finds himself the appointed CEO of a leading French bank, out of the blue, after his predecessor is abruptly inducted into a medical leave due to health complications. With this unforeseen turn of events, Marc's world is flush with new challenges and responsibilities but also immense power he never imagined having. Elmaleh masterfully navigates the character's journey, from a reluctant stand-in leader to grappling with the overwhelming gravity of his new office.

Gabriel Byrne assumes the stalwart character of Dittmar Rigule, an international investor and key player in the financial world. Rigule is depicted as a ruthless, clear-minded operative who views everything, including Marc, as pieces on a colossal chessboard of finance and power politics. Byrne's Rigule tests Marc's mettle, forcing Marc into a tussle of wits and will, trying to manipulate him for his overarching goals. The tension and sparks flying between Byrne's Rigule and Elmaleh's Marc creates some of the most gripping scenes in the film.

The narrative further evolves with the introduction of supermodel Nassim (played by Liya Kebede), adding another layer to the film's exploration of power dynamics. Nassim, an ethereal yet formidable personality, brings in the unexpected twist of seduction into the high stakes game of finance. She captivates Marc, yet does not shy away from asserting her own desires and visions. Kebede flawlessly portrays Nassim’s charm, intelligence, and resilience, bringing a depth and intrigue to the narrative.

Running parallel to the personal dramas of the characters is the larger backdrop of corporate corruption, unchecked capitalism, and the devastating impact of unbridled greed. Directed with Costa-Gavras's characteristic flair for creating narratives that comment on real-life societal issues, Capital criticizes the world of high finance and raises questions about the moral obligations of those in power.

Capital is filmed in a gripping visual style balancing stylistic sophistication with a raw grittiness that reflects the overlapping worlds of finance and personal ambition. The film weaves together various locations from Europe to America and to Japan, presenting a truly global scope to the narrative that only enhances the scale and depth of its story.

The film’s screenplay is based on Stéphane Osmont's novel of the same name, with additional input from Karim Boukercha and Jean-Claude Grumberg. It skillfully dovetails personal dramas with the engrossing thematic exploration of the high finance world, deftly capturing the high-octane energy, labyrinthine machinations, and relentless pursuit of power in this realm.

Music is smartly wielded throughout the film to amplify mood and tension. Composed by acclaimed musician Armand Amar, the film’s score succinctly complements the dramatic highs and lows of Marc's journey.

In conclusion, Capital is a film that fascinates on multiple levels, right from its in-depth character portrayals by a superb cast, to its relentlessly paced narrative. Guided by Costa-Gavras's incisive direction, it doesn't shy away from putting under the microscope the complexities and, often, the moral gray areas of the world of finance, highlighting the deeply human stories that unfold within it. Capital is certainly a movie that stimulates both the heart and the mind.