Multi million dollar white collar thief Marc Drier gets 80 minutes to justify himself in this film, made in the run-up to his sentencing. The fact that Drier stole a huge amount of money doesn't make him proportionately evil, but he comes across as a difficult man to like, someone whose sense of ego and self-entitlement might, you think, have led him to commit any crime if the trade off of risk and reward was sufficiently large. Although the film is a kind of apology, an Drier affects at honesty, what shines through is that this is a person who thinks altogether too much of himself to ever be truly socialised. His twenty year sentence, which ends the film, was probably about right; but it's a bit of a stretch watching this film in which we get continuously exposed to Drier's special pleading without anyone who got hurt telling the other side of the story.
10 Reviews
Not enthralling but informative.
pazu712 February 2013
Warning: Spoilers
For the first 30 minutes I didn't understand why this film had such low ratings. It develops nicely. But as it winds on I start to get it. Mark Drier is just not very interesting as a criminal, nor as a person. He is insufficient as a protagonist or villain; neither an evil mustache-twirling Moriarty archetype, nor a contemporized Faustian tragedy who missteps his way to hell.
Even at the height of his success, it was his wealth and the celebrities with whom he associated, which made Drier noteworthy. Otherwise, he was a rather bland person. Shallow. Still is. And since, apart from a few informative segues, this film is based solely on interviews with the accused, talking about his life and crimes from his perspective, Unraveled begins to slow about 30 minutes in. And it continues to slow.
But I am not rating the film for its entertainment value. I actually think it's an important film; entertaining only if you enjoy deconstructing narcissists enough to sit though 90 minutes of faux-humility and self-serving rationalizations. Drier exemplifies 'the banality of evil'; the mundane presumptions at the heart of corruption. His contriteness is poorly worn. His shame, when occasionally voiced, is that he could ever have been so stupid to do this to 'himself'. Himself. Himself. Himself.
Of course his family gets due mention, but at no point does he offer apology to any of his victims. His last target was to be a teachers pension fund, but he was caught in the act. He never says it outright, but it becomes clear that he just sees it all as a game he lost; sees himself as some sort of Icarus on stolen wings. Everybody wants to fly, don't they? Don't you? And there it is, that constant refrain of the morally challenged; that, with the exception of the Saints, we're all vulnerable to excess... aren't we? - 'I am not so different from most people than you the viewer perhaps. If you only had the opportunity, would you not take it?' The good old 'I know I am but what are you?' defense.
Of course this is all my interpretation. Drier is actually very matter-of-fact and civil in his testimony. So much so that it gets rather boring. But listen to the words. Read between them. That's where the liar lurks.
I have no sympathy for him. Or his children. They were rich. Now they'll have to tread water with the rest of us. What the film offers is a brief peek behind the curtains of a man who, if not for the extent and brazen nature of his crimes, no one should ever have heard of. But that's also what makes him so dangerous. Because there are so many more Mark Driers out there. And we never seem to catch them until they've already set the house aflame.
Not an enthralling film but definitely an informative view.
Even at the height of his success, it was his wealth and the celebrities with whom he associated, which made Drier noteworthy. Otherwise, he was a rather bland person. Shallow. Still is. And since, apart from a few informative segues, this film is based solely on interviews with the accused, talking about his life and crimes from his perspective, Unraveled begins to slow about 30 minutes in. And it continues to slow.
But I am not rating the film for its entertainment value. I actually think it's an important film; entertaining only if you enjoy deconstructing narcissists enough to sit though 90 minutes of faux-humility and self-serving rationalizations. Drier exemplifies 'the banality of evil'; the mundane presumptions at the heart of corruption. His contriteness is poorly worn. His shame, when occasionally voiced, is that he could ever have been so stupid to do this to 'himself'. Himself. Himself. Himself.
Of course his family gets due mention, but at no point does he offer apology to any of his victims. His last target was to be a teachers pension fund, but he was caught in the act. He never says it outright, but it becomes clear that he just sees it all as a game he lost; sees himself as some sort of Icarus on stolen wings. Everybody wants to fly, don't they? Don't you? And there it is, that constant refrain of the morally challenged; that, with the exception of the Saints, we're all vulnerable to excess... aren't we? - 'I am not so different from most people than you the viewer perhaps. If you only had the opportunity, would you not take it?' The good old 'I know I am but what are you?' defense.
Of course this is all my interpretation. Drier is actually very matter-of-fact and civil in his testimony. So much so that it gets rather boring. But listen to the words. Read between them. That's where the liar lurks.
I have no sympathy for him. Or his children. They were rich. Now they'll have to tread water with the rest of us. What the film offers is a brief peek behind the curtains of a man who, if not for the extent and brazen nature of his crimes, no one should ever have heard of. But that's also what makes him so dangerous. Because there are so many more Mark Driers out there. And we never seem to catch them until they've already set the house aflame.
Not an enthralling film but definitely an informative view.
Interesting, especially if you are a lawyer
garretsr28 August 2012
I found this fascinating, but not fun. It was like watching a train wreck. I may have been more interested because I am an attorney. Specifically, as a civil litigator who practiced as a CPA for years before becoming an attorney, I found the interaction between Drier and his attorneys and consultants fascinating. Likewise, the level of incompetence on the parts of others that was necessary for him to get away with his scheme was just amazing.
While watching Drier, the questions of "what was he thinking" and "what is he thinking" are constantly in your mind. It's not clear whether he is remorseful or not. Drier clearly understands that what he did was wrong, but it is not clear that he is remorseful about anything except getting caught.
When you combine that with the post-conviction / pre-sentencing setting time frame of the conversations, it is strange and fascinating. Some of the the things that Drier is concerned about make sense, while others seem completely irrelevant given his circumstances.
While watching Drier, the questions of "what was he thinking" and "what is he thinking" are constantly in your mind. It's not clear whether he is remorseful or not. Drier clearly understands that what he did was wrong, but it is not clear that he is remorseful about anything except getting caught.
When you combine that with the post-conviction / pre-sentencing setting time frame of the conversations, it is strange and fascinating. Some of the the things that Drier is concerned about make sense, while others seem completely irrelevant given his circumstances.
Great Doc
MovieMcmizzle9 April 2012
I watched Unraveled at the Los Angeles Film Festival 2011 and thought it was a great doc. They managed to capture a unique portrait of Marc Drier's story because you watch the failed attorney turned crook sitting in his lavish 10 million dollar NYC penthouse as he is waiting to be sent to prison for a very long time. It was interesting to see how glamorous his apartment and possessions were at one point in time and then the end result of barren walls and packaged boxes. I watch American Greed and that type of show on a regular basis (which Drier was featured on) so this doc was on my must see list. The animations were well done and added a cool look to the movie. If you have a chance to see this I would definitely recommend...Overall a great doc with an interesting story.
Unraveled is Enlightening
szellner413 April 2012
While Hollywood has romanticized financial crime in films like Oceans Eleven, the documentary Unraveled provides a surprisingly honest look at large-scale white-collar crime in America. By following Marc Dreier during his house arrest, director Marc Simon captures a once-in-a- lifetime glance into the mindset of a criminal. This true story is propelled by real news clips about the incident and has a very cinematic, narrative feel to it. At times, I forgot I was watching a documentary and not a fiction piece. Dreier's crimes are so large and creative that they seem to be taken straight from a Hollywood film. Unraveled examines the financial climate at the time of Dreier's crimes and follows his activities from the opening of his law firm in 1998 until his sentencing in July of 2009. The film also analyzes the effect Dreier's crimes had on his personal life, especially regarding his relationship with his son and dog.
Unraveled explains how Dreier build his empire on shaky stacks of debt and lies, then follows how it all came falling down. It also relates his case to Bernie Madoff's similar case also going on at the time. During his interviews, Dreier shows remorse and a sense of responsibility for his actions. The documentary leaves you understanding the position Dreier was in, and also learning enough of his personality to understand why he committed the fraud.
Overall, Unraveled does an excellent job explaining the inside situation surrounding Marc Dreier's case and provides a great explanation of the economic climate during the last 20 years. When it was over, I was left feeling informed and sympathetic, but also sure that Dreier got what he deserved.
Unraveled explains how Dreier build his empire on shaky stacks of debt and lies, then follows how it all came falling down. It also relates his case to Bernie Madoff's similar case also going on at the time. During his interviews, Dreier shows remorse and a sense of responsibility for his actions. The documentary leaves you understanding the position Dreier was in, and also learning enough of his personality to understand why he committed the fraud.
Overall, Unraveled does an excellent job explaining the inside situation surrounding Marc Dreier's case and provides a great explanation of the economic climate during the last 20 years. When it was over, I was left feeling informed and sympathetic, but also sure that Dreier got what he deserved.
Unravel Your Beliefs
tab-ambush6 June 2012
Warning: Spoilers
When I first began watching this documentary, I wondered if it would be able to keep my interest. I had been told it was about financial crimes in American and, to be honest, nothing bores me more than these sorts of issues. Surprisingly though, I was absolutely captivated by Mark Drier's story. At times, I forgot I was watching a documentary. Drier's story almost seems fictional because of how extreme the fraud was that he committed.
The documentary follows Drier's during his 60 days on house arrest before his trial. During this time, we watch Drier go about his life, a new life of solitude that will prepare him for the sentence he knows he will undoubtedly serve in prison. He tells us about his childhood, his family and, most importantly, how his greed and his desire for notoriety overtook his life.
This documentary challenges the audience unlike any I have seen before. I found myself, many times, sympathizing with Drier and the situation he was in. Watching his interactions with his son, listening to him talk about his mother, even his last goodbye with his dog...broke my heart. I had to remind myself of the severity of his crimes and the people's lives he had destroyed because selfishness. But even then, I found myself internally cheering when his sentenced was announced at the end, grateful it was much less than expected.
Does this make me an immoral person for pitying a criminal? Is Drier a bad person, or as he calls himself, a "devil", for what he has done? I'm not sure. I think this is exactly the purpose of this documentary though. Unraveled challenges our opinions about crime and punishment and whether these opinions change when we actually get to know the person. When it comes down to it, do people actually deserve a second chance when they repent their sins?
The documentary follows Drier's during his 60 days on house arrest before his trial. During this time, we watch Drier go about his life, a new life of solitude that will prepare him for the sentence he knows he will undoubtedly serve in prison. He tells us about his childhood, his family and, most importantly, how his greed and his desire for notoriety overtook his life.
This documentary challenges the audience unlike any I have seen before. I found myself, many times, sympathizing with Drier and the situation he was in. Watching his interactions with his son, listening to him talk about his mother, even his last goodbye with his dog...broke my heart. I had to remind myself of the severity of his crimes and the people's lives he had destroyed because selfishness. But even then, I found myself internally cheering when his sentenced was announced at the end, grateful it was much less than expected.
Does this make me an immoral person for pitying a criminal? Is Drier a bad person, or as he calls himself, a "devil", for what he has done? I'm not sure. I think this is exactly the purpose of this documentary though. Unraveled challenges our opinions about crime and punishment and whether these opinions change when we actually get to know the person. When it comes down to it, do people actually deserve a second chance when they repent their sins?
Must-See Documentary
AngelaCarroll925 January 2014
I'm not an attorney or finance guru but a person that is fascinated by financial crime stories. Let's face it-this was a BIG one. I recommend this documentary if you're interested in understanding the "why" of Marc Dreier's fraud and the economic environment that helped to create his empire. Thus, you will gain some insight into the 2008 financial crisis.
I couldn't help but like Marc Dreier as I watched him engage with his son and dog. His rise & fall was thought-provoking and had me asking myself: Would I ever do the same given the opportunity? What would stop me- virtue(I hope) or the fear of being caught? Also-the injected animations were well-done(similar to comic book)and the irony was not lost on me via our economic climate.
I couldn't help but like Marc Dreier as I watched him engage with his son and dog. His rise & fall was thought-provoking and had me asking myself: Would I ever do the same given the opportunity? What would stop me- virtue(I hope) or the fear of being caught? Also-the injected animations were well-done(similar to comic book)and the irony was not lost on me via our economic climate.
Another conventional American dreamer gets his comeuppance
NORDIC-214 August 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Interesting documentary on Marc Dreier, fraudster extraordinaire. His $10 million Manhattan penthouse apartment notwithstanding, Dreier was/is a lowlife, scamming over $400 million from clients between 2004 and 2008 so that he could live the fabled alpha-male high life so heavily advertised in 'New York Times Magazine', 'Vanity Fair' and other purveyors of pretentious upper-class nonsense. Dreier comes of as smart and tough (he never whines about his fate)but also sociopathic; he never displays any remorse about his crimes and the damage he's done. In the final analysis, this man is a thoroughly conventional fool, once rich in capital but always poor in soul and imagination.
Very interesting history lesson
yespat17 August 2023
I'm not a lawyer but an observer of our political system. This is required viewing. This documentary gives a bird's eye view of how the rich keep getting away with huge financial crimes while only a handful get caught. Many more keep doing what they are doing because of the opportunity and lack of measures in place that keep them in check. All the while, they keep raking in huge profits on the backs of the rest of us. This documentary should be required viewing in every college level ethics class and in every high school social studies class. Very well done. I was kept on the edge of my seat throughout.
How much for the snake oil?
tieman6420 February 2014
Warning: Spoilers
"I see through your lies, I see through your brain." - Bob Dylan
Part con-job, part documentary, "Unraveled" revolves around Marc Dreier, a swindler who pocketed 380 million dollars after selling worthless financial instruments and promissory notes.
Shot in a Manhattan penthouse, "Unraveled" finds Dreier under a sixty day house arrest. Here he tries to weasel his way out of guilt, spinning tales designed to earn our sympathy. "I did a lot of good things over the years," Dreier claims, before blaming "divorce", "opportunity", "cinema", "desperation", "society" and "mental illness" for his crimes.
"Unrevalled" was directed by Marc Simon, a close friend of Dreier. Simon seems to want to sanitise and absolve Dreier – this is certainly why Dreier agreed to the picture - but we don't fall for it. Dreier never stops broadcasting the aura of a conniving egomaniac.
7/10 - See "Elmer Gantry".
Part con-job, part documentary, "Unraveled" revolves around Marc Dreier, a swindler who pocketed 380 million dollars after selling worthless financial instruments and promissory notes.
Shot in a Manhattan penthouse, "Unraveled" finds Dreier under a sixty day house arrest. Here he tries to weasel his way out of guilt, spinning tales designed to earn our sympathy. "I did a lot of good things over the years," Dreier claims, before blaming "divorce", "opportunity", "cinema", "desperation", "society" and "mental illness" for his crimes.
"Unrevalled" was directed by Marc Simon, a close friend of Dreier. Simon seems to want to sanitise and absolve Dreier – this is certainly why Dreier agreed to the picture - but we don't fall for it. Dreier never stops broadcasting the aura of a conniving egomaniac.
7/10 - See "Elmer Gantry".
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