The Banker
In the 1960s, two African-American entrepreneurs hire a working-class white man to pretend to be the head of their business empire while they pose as a janitor and chauffeur.In the 1960s, two African-American entrepreneurs hire a working-class white man to pretend to be the head of their business empire while they pose as a janitor and chauffeur.In the 1960s, two African-American entrepreneurs hire a working-class white man to pretend to be the head of their business empire while they pose as a janitor and chauffeur.
- Awards
- 3 wins & 7 nominations total
Gregory Alan Williams
- Britton Garrett
- (as Gregalan Williams)
Featured reviews
It's a shame to see all the fake 8, 9 and 10/10's, but it's also a shame to see such a low rating for this well put together biopic - considering it took five writers to put it together, and usually anything more than two writers becomes a disaster.
The two big issues for me was the slow pacing and long dragged out scenes, and Mackie's acting. The 120 min runtime felt like 3 hours. This film needed a faster pace and some cutting/editing to bring its runtime down to 90-100 mins. As for Mackie, his monotonic dialogue and bland persona was a disappointment. I'm not sure if he was playing the actual Bernard Garrett's personality, or if he was just bored. Either way, his character could've used some skip in his step. On the other hand, Samuel L. Jackson, as always, nailed his character. He was perfect for this role, and made this film that much more entertaining. All other casting and performances were on point.
The cinematography, score and timely 60's sets and wardrobe were excellent. This biopic's story/screenplay was actually very well put together, and had a nice flow in the way it was told. However, it was a little weighed down, and could've used some OMG moments.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed it more that expected, and it's certainly undeserving of the current low rating. It's a solid and well deserved 9/10 from me. To see more of my 1000+ ratings and 800+ reviews, click on my username.
The two big issues for me was the slow pacing and long dragged out scenes, and Mackie's acting. The 120 min runtime felt like 3 hours. This film needed a faster pace and some cutting/editing to bring its runtime down to 90-100 mins. As for Mackie, his monotonic dialogue and bland persona was a disappointment. I'm not sure if he was playing the actual Bernard Garrett's personality, or if he was just bored. Either way, his character could've used some skip in his step. On the other hand, Samuel L. Jackson, as always, nailed his character. He was perfect for this role, and made this film that much more entertaining. All other casting and performances were on point.
The cinematography, score and timely 60's sets and wardrobe were excellent. This biopic's story/screenplay was actually very well put together, and had a nice flow in the way it was told. However, it was a little weighed down, and could've used some OMG moments.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed it more that expected, and it's certainly undeserving of the current low rating. It's a solid and well deserved 9/10 from me. To see more of my 1000+ ratings and 800+ reviews, click on my username.
Engaging tale of two men trying to make money despite the unequal laws back then. It really draws me into the story, and I feel for the characters who faced so much injustice.
Inspired by true events The Banker shows how in a not that distant past black people just didn't have the same rights and opportunies as white people. Nowadays there is some progress made even though there are still a lot of people that will judge people just by the color of their skin and that without knowing the person. There always will be people that base their judgement of somebody by the color of their skin, racism is for dumb people and dumb people we will always have. That said this story is worth to be told, and definitely helped in giving everybody, no matter what race or religion you belong to, a chance to have equal opportunities and rights to make money or to live where you want. Great job from Anthony Mackie, Samuel L. Jackson, Nicholas Hoult and the rest of the cast, excellent acting from their part. George Nolfi made this movie most enjoyable to watch. The movie deserves a high rating and certainly doesn't deserve negative reviews.
I am glad that I was able to learn about the story of Bernard Garrett and Joe Morris. This movie was enjoyable to watch and Samuel Jackson and Anthony Mackie are excellent together in this film. Of course it is upsetting to watch the racism of that period continually roadblock and take from Garrett and Morris but, it was much more enjoyable watching their accomplishments. History its what it is...it can't be erased.
One of those films that has genuine history and a story that needs to be told. But when you tell the story you have to make it interesting enough to make you think I'm glad I saw it and at the same time entertaining enough to keep you interested. I'm pleased to say this ticks all the boxes. Samuel L Jackson is made for a role like this. Just watch it with an open mind and then judge. I don't give 10 out of 10 only on the basis that I've never seen a film that truly deserves it, I'm not sure when that'll be but when I see the film I'll give it hence 9 as it's that good in my opinion.
Did you know
- TriviaThe film, shooting of which was completed in 2018, was held up for original release in 2019 when one of the producers, Bernard Garret Jr. (son of the main character depicted in the film) whose name has been removed from the credits, was accused of sexual misconduct.
- GoofsIn the exterior shots of the prison, just before Joe and Eunice pick up Bernhard, compact remote cameras, razor wire, and one-way glass on the watch-tower, are all visible. No prison in 1968 had such high-tech equipment, which would only become the norm in the late 80s and 90s.
- Quotes
Joe Morris: That's what I like about you. You are a good person. Ain't been corrupted by the world yet. Like a child. But, that's gonna change when you get rich.
- Crazy creditsOn the ending credits, pictures of the real life characters are shown aside the actors/actresses that were depicting them in the movie, plus original pictures related to the story.
- How long is The Banker?Powered by Alexa
Details
Box office
- Gross worldwide
- $1,700,000
- Runtime2 hours
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 2.39 : 1
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