Against the Rules: The Big Short Companion Adam McKay is Still Angry About 2008
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Oct 14, 2025 Adam McKay, acclaimed film writer-director known for his work on comedies like Anchorman and for directing The Big Short, joins Michael Lewis to unpack the lasting impact of the 2008 financial crisis. McKay shares insights into his transition from comedy to serious filmmaking, the challenges of adapting Lewis's book, and how he used humor to tackle complex financial concepts. He reveals the star-studded cast's role in bringing the film to life and expresses his ongoing anger about the crisis and its political ramifications.
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Unfairness As The Crisis's Political Legacy
- Michael Lewis argues the crisis's main legacy is a sense of unfairness: elites faced no consequences but got bailed out.
- That persistent feeling of a rigged system has fueled politics and remains relevant.
How McKay Became A Director
- Adam McKay described leaving SNL, making short films, and directing Anchorman as his entry into film directing.
- He credits Lorne Michaels' support and the experience of shooting on 16mm film for teaching him to direct.
Neoliberalism Normalized Corruption
- McKay saw The Big Short as a story about neoliberalism making corruption seem smart and normal.
- He believed the 'last man out' mentality explained much of the behavior leading to the crisis.
