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Casino Jack and the United States of Money
Why in the world would supposedly intelligent people like former Reps. Tom DeLay and Bob Ney agree to talk to Gibney about the Jack Abramoff scandal? Did they not see Enron: the Smartest Guys in the Room or Taxi to the Dark Side? Didn’t their staffs do a little research and learn that Gibney is an established master of the carefully argued, clearly explained documentary takedown? Apparently not, because here they sit, one forced into retirement and the other convicted on corruption charges. And both shrug off their deeds as “the way things work.” It’ll make you want to throttle somebody.
Though this isn’t quite as terrific and enraging as Enron, it’s darned effective storytelling about the corrupt deals between lobbyists and politicians. Abramoff’s efforts were the kind of cynical (and illegal) manipulation you always feared was S.O.P. in Washington. His lobbying firm used his powerful connections to do backroom deals, peddle influence and practically extort money from clients. Even if you followed the Abramoff scandal, you’ll find new info to boggle the mind. And Gibney’s handling of Abramoff’s Mariana Islands scam exposes what happens when the free market is left to its own devices. It ain’t pretty, but we’re glad Gibney makes us look.
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