Film review: '99 Homes'

Michael Shannon is one of those actors who can get under your skin and make it crawl. And he does just that in the new film, "99 Homes." His portrayal of an unscrupulous real estate broker is so frightening it might have an effect on the housing boom.

In the opening scene, a camera pans backward out of a bloodied bathroom with a gun lying on the floor. It then focuses on Rick Carver (Michael Shannon), who is visibly disturbed by the suicide of the owner, upon whom he has just foreclosed. But not in sympathy, he's pissed. Even the cops who have been called to assist in the eviction, cringe at Carver's lack of empathy.

Next stop: Dennis Nash's (Andrew Garfield) family home, where he lives with his mother (Laura Dern) and young son. Carver, with police in tow, tell them that they have two minutes to gather up some things and vacate the premises. Carver's arrogant disconnect borders on vicious as these helpless people are dragged from their beloved home.

Later, Carver and Nash's paths cross when Carver learns that Nash is a construction worker who is out of work due to the 2008 housing crisis. He persuades Nash to work for him helping to displace homeowners. There's lots of money in it and Nash is desperate. It's a pact with the devil and although Nash is, deep down, a good guy, he becomes a disciple.

Director-writer Ramin Bahrani ("Man Push Cart") has managed to make a film about foreclosures into a riveting expose on the human toll it takes. The ripple effect that the banksters forced on the middle class was devastating. And as Carver observes, "America doesn't bailout losers."

Shannon ("Take Shelter") delivers, yet another, fearless, brilliant performance. And although he doesn't always receive the attention that he deserves, he never stoops to the challenge. His menacing, pompous portrayal of a heartless pillager in this disturbing film is thrilling to behold. And Mr. Garfield masterfully holds his own in such company. His character's evolution is multi-faceted and without error. 

Rick Carver gives Dennis Nash a piece of advice: "Watch out for alligators, they don't sleep." It's the only thing he gives that doesn't have a price tag attached to it. "99 Homes" is about predators that prey upon hard-working people who just want a piece of the American Dream. As of late, it has become a nightmare for many.