The transformation of the United States into a global financial superpower would have been unthinkable without the contributions of John Pierpont Morgan. JPMorgan: How One Man Financed America is a fast-paced and informative account of the banking giant whose financial prowess has brought the nation back to the brink many times throughout its history.
Despite his chronic illness, Morgan was born with great advantages. His father caused a stir as a very successful businessman in the banking industry. Through him, Morgan entered the family business early on. But it wasn’t until after his father’s death that he achieved the great success he could call his own.
The film traces countless highlights from his life. He started his own banking business in 1861 after his first wife died of a tragic illness and buried himself in work to escape his grief. He would eventually become the most powerful man in American finance.
His most important achievement helped save America during a time of turmoil. He brokered an agreement between the Pennsylvania Railroad and the New York Central Railroad, which in turn saved the American economy. When he charted a way out of the gold panic of 1893, he revived the country’s financial prospects. Soon after, he struck a deal with Andrew Carnegie that gave him control of up to 70 percent of the entire U.S. steel production market.
JP Morgan: How One Man Funded America moves at breakneck speed, barely pausing to fully absorb the intricacies of such a complicated and storied life. To some, the laudatory tone of the film’s narrative may be disconcerting, especially as it covers Morgan’s life as he retired from the Army during the Civil War, paying someone to take his place on the field, and finding ways to do so. The ingenious way of taking advantage of the ensuing massacre.
However, it cannot be denied that the film is innovative in the way it is presented. The otherwise fleeting visual landscape of illustrations and photographs is brought to vivid three-dimensional life. This gives the film a sense of engagement and forward momentum.
Directed by: Mohammed Berraqouche
