Rogue Trader

John Chard

My team were young, they were hungry, and they didn't have a clue. I don't have youth on my side, as regards Nick Leeson's quote that headlines this small review, but I was hungry for a good film and I didn't have a clue about what it would be like! Rogue Trader is the story of how wide boy Nick Leeson brought about the downfall of Barings Merchant Bank, one of the most financially historical institutions in London. A fictionalised adaptation from Leeson's own autobiography, the potential for a potent insight into insider trading et al is wasted. Instead we get a film of baffling trader chatter, newspaper like direction from James Dearden, and performances outside of Ewan McGregor as Leeson, that are distinctly unbelievable. Those who work in the industry this involves are sure to find some rewards, but to the outsiders peeking in to hopefully learn whist being entertained, it's a damp financial squib. 5/10