'Arbitrage' Blu-Ray Shows Richard Gear In Top Form

Arbitrage follows successful financier Robert Miller (Richard Gere) as he tries to cover up his fraudulent dealings and involvement in his mistress’ death before selling his company. Robert has it all – a loving family, loyal employees, exorbitant wealth, and power. He exudes a cool confidence and stoicism during troubling times, even when his life, work and reputation are at risk. Despite these strengths, he is not the man everyone thinks he is. He secretly spent half of his company’s funds for a private investment, and has a mistress his wife Ellen (Susan Sarandon) seems to know nothing about.

These secrets begin to surface in the wake of a terrible accident. After missing nearly half of his girlfriend Julie’s (Laetitia Casta) art show due to a business meeting, Robert apologizes and suggests a romantic get-away upstate. On their drive, Robert falls asleep at the wheel, and the car careens into the divide and violently flips. Julie is dead and Robert has suffered a head injury and broken ribs. As he escapes into the surrounding woods, apparently to seek help, the car explodes behind him. At a gas station, he calls Jimmy (Nate Parker), a guy who owes him a favor, for a ride home. Although he is in great pain, Robert does away with any evidence that would link him to the car crash – including security tapes of him returning home early that morning and his bloody clothing.

These precautions do not evade the suspicions of a slouchy detective (Tim Roth) who pursues both Robert and Ellen for answers the following day. Soon, Robert’s composure is threatened by the very real possibility that his crimes will be uncovered. Robert’s daughter confronts him about the missing business fund. Jimmy is interrogated and put on trial. s these events unfold, Robert is forced to choose who and what deserves the most protection.

Arbitrage is a fast-paced drama with an easy plot and a lot of action. It sheds a bit of light on those top-heavy bankers we so often hear about in the news. Though the film’s main focus is Robert, he remains a difficult man to read. His impassivity lends to the mysterious, distant character we struggle to understand… or perhaps we aren’t meant to.

The Blu-Ray special features include deleted scenes, two featurettes exploring Robert's character and the making of the movie, and director’s commentary.

Article by Jill Wronski