As an avid reader and moviegoer, I was thrilled to hear about the book-to-movie adaptation of “Secrecy World” and “The Laundromat.” Both the book and the movie delve into the same topic – the infamous Panama Papers scandal. However, as with any adaptation, changes were made to the story in the transition from page to screen. In this article, I will explore the similarities and differences between the two versions and provide an analysis of “The Laundromat” (2019) movie.
Introduction to The Laundromat (2019) – A Book-to-Movie Adaptation
“The Laundromat” is a movie directed by Steven Soderbergh and released in 2019. It is based on the book “Secrecy World: Inside the Panama Papers Investigation of Illicit Money Networks and the Global Elite” by Jake Bernstein. The movie features an all-star cast, including Meryl Streep, Gary Oldman, Antonio Banderas, and Sharon Stone. It tells the story of the Panama Papers scandal, where a group of journalists uncovered a massive network of illicit money transfers and tax evasion schemes.
Secrecy World: Inside the Panama Papers Investigation of Illicit Money Networks and the Global Elite of Jake Bernstein – book summary, plot, and characters
“Secrecy World” is a non-fiction book that explores the investigation into the Panama Papers scandal, conducted by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ). It covers the history of Mossack Fonseca, the law firm at the center of the scandal, and the global elite who used their services to hide their wealth and avoid paying taxes. The book also delves into the legal and ethical issues surrounding offshore tax havens.
The Laundromat of the director Steven Soderbergh explained – the plot and themes
“The Laundromat” follows the story of Ellen Martin, played by Meryl Streep. After her husband dies in a boat accident, Ellen discovers that the insurance company she was dealing with is actually a shell company owned by Mossack Fonseca. She then embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind the company and the network of illegal financial activities it was involved in. The movie explores themes of greed, corruption, and the consequences of unchecked power.
The accuracy of the movie The Laundromat – based on a true story
While “The Laundromat” is based on the true story of the Panama Papers scandal, it takes some creative liberties in its storytelling. The movie is not a strict retelling of the events that took place, but rather a dramatization of the investigation and its aftermath. Some of the characters and events in the movie are fictionalized for the purpose of storytelling, but the overall message and themes of the movie remain true to the real-life events.
Differences between the book and the movie – the changes made in the adaptation
One of the main differences between the book and the movie is the focus on Ellen Martin’s character. While the book covers the investigation as a whole, the movie narrows its focus to Ellen’s personal journey. Additionally, some of the events in the movie are fictionalized for dramatic effect, such as the boat accident that sets off Ellen’s investigation. The movie also takes a more comedic tone than the book, which is a more straightforward account of the investigation.
What kind of film is The Laundromat (2019)? themes, parents guide and classification
“The Laundromat” is a dramatic comedy that deals with serious issues such as corruption and financial crime. It is rated R for language and some sexual content, and is not recommended for children under 17. The movie explores themes of power, greed, and the consequences of unchecked capitalism.
The Panama Papers scandal – what are the Panama Papers ICIJ?
The Panama Papers scandal was a massive leak of 11.5 million documents from the law firm Mossack Fonseca. The documents revealed a vast network of offshore tax havens and money laundering schemes used by wealthy individuals and companies to avoid paying taxes. The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) coordinated the investigation and released the findings to the public in 2016.
When The Laundromat takes place
“The Laundromat” takes place in the years leading up to the release of the Panama Papers in 2016. The movie covers the investigation into the scandal and the fallout that followed.
Where The Laundromat is filmed? – location
“The Laundromat” was filmed in various locations around the world, including Los Angeles, Detroit, and Puerto Rico. The movie features stunning visuals and expert cinematography, which help to bring the story to life.
Mossack Fonseca – real story and update
Mossack Fonseca was a law firm based in Panama that specialized in setting up offshore companies and tax havens for wealthy clients. The firm was at the center of the Panama Papers scandal, which revealed the extent of the company’s involvement in illegal financial activities. As a result of the scandal, the company shut down in 2018.
Who leaked the Panama Papers?
The source of the Panama Papers leak is still unknown. The documents were obtained by a German newspaper, which then shared them with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ). The ICIJ coordinated the investigation and released the findings to the public.
Meryl Streep’s role in The Laundromat – his other must-see films
Meryl Streep plays the role of Ellen Martin in “The Laundromat.” Streep is a highly acclaimed actress with a long list of must-see films to her name. Some of her most notable roles include Miranda Priestly in “The Devil Wears Prada,” Sophie in “Sophie’s Choice,” and Margaret Thatcher in “The Iron Lady.”
Ellen Martin’s character: differences between book and movie
One of the main differences between the book and the movie is the focus on Ellen Martin’s character. While the book covers the investigation as a whole, the movie narrows its focus to Ellen’s personal journey. Additionally, the character of Ellen is fictionalized for the purpose of storytelling.
Gary Oldman’s role in The Laundromat – his other must-see films
Gary Oldman plays the role of Jürgen Mossack in “The Laundromat.” Oldman is a highly acclaimed actor with a long list of must-see films to his name. Some of his most notable roles include Winston Churchill in “Darkest Hour,” Dracula in “Bram Stoker’s Dracula,” and Jim Gordon in “The Dark Knight.”
Jürgen Mossack’s character: differences between book and movie
The character of Jürgen Mossack is a real person, and the book provides a more in-depth look at his role in the Panama Papers scandal. In the movie, Mossack is portrayed as a suave and charming businessman, which is a departure from his real-life persona.
Antonio Banderas’s role in The Laundromat – his other must-see films
Antonio Banderas plays the role of Ramón Fonseca in “The Laundromat.” Banderas is a highly acclaimed actor with a long list of must-see films to his name. Some of his most notable roles include Zorro in “The Mask of Zorro,” Che in “Evita,” and Gregorio Cortez in “The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez.”
Ramón Fonseca’s character: differences between book and movie
The character of Ramón Fonseca is a real person, and the book provides a more in-depth look at his role in the Panama Papers scandal. In the movie, Fonseca is portrayed as a charismatic and charming businessman, which is a departure from his real-life persona.
Sharon Stone’s role in The Laundromat – his other must-see films
Sharon Stone plays the role of Hannah in “The Laundromat.” Stone is a highly acclaimed actress with a long list of must-see films to her name. Some of her most notable roles include Catherine Tramell in “Basic Instinct,” Ginger McKenna in “Casino,” and Ellen in “Total Recall.”
Hannah’s character: differences between book and movie
The character of Hannah is fictionalized for the purpose of storytelling in “The Laundromat.” While the book covers the investigation as a whole, the movie narrows its focus to Ellen’s personal journey.
David Schwimmer’s role in The Laundromat – his other must-see films
David Schwimmer plays the role of Matthew Quirk in “The Laundromat.” Schwimmer is a highly acclaimed actor with a long list of must-see films and TV shows to his name. Some of his most notable roles include Ross Geller in “Friends,” Herbert Sobel in “Band of Brothers,” and Melman the Giraffe in “Madagascar.”
Matthew Quirk’s Character: Differences Between Book and Movie
The Laundromat, both the book and the movie, revolves around the Panama Papers scandal, which exposed the offshore accounts of several high-profile individuals and companies. In the book, Matthew Quirk is a fictional character who is a part of the investigative team that uncovers the scandal. However, in the movie, the character does not exist. Instead, the story follows Ellen Martin, played by Meryl Streep, who is a victim of the scandal and seeks justice.
Who Dies and How
Another significant difference between the book and the movie is the characters that die and how they die. In the book, several characters die due to their involvement in the scandal, while in the movie, only one character dies. The death scene in the movie is also different from the book, as the character dies in a boat explosion, while in the book, the character is assassinated.
The Laundromat Screenplay by Scott Z. Burns, Analysis, and Where to Download It
Scott Z. Burns wrote the screenplay for The Laundromat, and he did an excellent job of adapting the book for the screen. The screenplay is available for download on several websites, including Script Slug and SimplyScripts. If you are interested in screenwriting or just want to analyze the movie’s adaptation, I highly recommend reading the screenplay.
The Laundromat – Music and Soundtrack by David Holmes
The soundtrack of The Laundromat, composed by David Holmes, perfectly captures the movie’s tone and themes. The music is a combination of jazz, electronic, and orchestral music, which creates a unique and captivating sound. The soundtrack is available on several platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music.
Suits and Costume of The Laundromat – Tips for Fancy Dress Party and Cosplay
The Laundromat features several characters who wear stylish and elegant suits, such as Jürgen Mossack, played by Gary Oldman, and Ramón Fonseca, played by Antonio Banderas. If you are attending a fancy dress party or planning to cosplay as one of the characters from The Laundromat, you can take inspiration from the movie’s costumes. You can also find similar outfits on several online stores, such as Amazon and Etsy.
The Laundromat Gadgets and Collectibles – Merchandise Related to the Movie
If you are a fan of The Laundromat, you can show your love for the movie by purchasing merchandise related to the movie. You can find several gadgets and collectibles, such as t-shirts, posters, and phone cases, on online stores like Redbubble and Society6.
Games and Video Games That Are Based on The Laundromat or Similar
Although there are no games or video games based explicitly on The Laundromat, several games explore similar themes and concepts. For example, Watch Dogs 2, a popular video game, features a mission that involves hacking into a bank’s offshore account to expose corruption. Other games, such as Grand Theft Auto V and Payday 2, also feature heists and financial crimes.
How The Laundromat Begins?
The Laundromat begins with Ellen Martin’s story, a widow who loses her husband in a boating accident. She discovers that the insurance company has denied her claim, and her investigation leads her to the Panama Papers scandal. The movie then follows her journey as she tries to uncover the truth behind the scandal and seek justice for the victims.
The Laundromat Film Explained – Complex Financial Concepts Simplified
The Laundromat deals with complex financial concepts, such as offshore accounts, shell companies, and money laundering. The movie does an excellent job of simplifying these concepts and making them accessible to the general audience. The movie also uses humor and satire to explain these concepts, making it an enjoyable and educational experience.
Best The Laundromat’s Quotes
The Laundromat has several memorable and thought-provoking quotes. One of the best quotes from the movie is “The meek are screwed. They don’t have offshore accounts.” This quote highlights the movie’s themes of inequality and corruption.
How Much Did The Laundromat Cost and How Much Did It Box Office
The Laundromat had a budget of $20 million, and it grossed $3.1 million at the box office. The movie was a commercial failure, but it received critical acclaim for its performances and storytelling.
Where to Watch The Laundromat – Streaming, on TV, and DVD
The Laundromat is available to stream on Netflix, and it is also available on DVD and Blu-Ray. If you have a Netflix subscription, you can watch the movie for free, or you can rent or purchase it on several online platforms like Amazon and iTunes.
Other Films by Steven Soderbergh
Steven Soderbergh, the director of The Laundromat, has directed several other notable films, such as Ocean’s Eleven, Erin Brockovich, and Traffic. If you enjoyed The Laundromat, you should check out these movies as well.
Other Books by Jake Bernstein
Jake Bernstein, the author of Secrecy World, has written several other books, such as The Man Who Stole the Mona Lisa and Poisoned: The True Story of the Deadly E. Coli Outbreak That Changed the Way Americans Eat. If you enjoyed Secrecy World, you should check out these books as well.
Will The Laundromat 2 Come Out? Sequel, Release Date
There has been no official announcement regarding a sequel to The Laundromat. However, given the success of the Panama Papers investigation and the continuing relevance of the movie’s themes, it is possible that a sequel could be in the works.
If You Loved The Laundromat (2019), What to Watch After – Similar Films
If you enjoyed The Laundromat, you should check out other movies that deal with similar themes, such as The Big Short, Margin Call, and The Wolf of Wall Street. These movies explore financial crimes and corruption and feature excellent performances and storytelling.
What to Read After Secrecy World: Inside the Panama Papers Investigation of Illicit Money Networks and the Global Elite – Similar Books
If you enjoyed Secrecy World, you should check out other books that delve into similar topics, such as Dark Money by Jane Mayer, Bad Blood by John Carreyrou, and The Panama Papers by Bastian Obermayer and Frederik Obermaier.
More Authors Similar to Jake Bernstein – Our Suggestions
If you enjoyed Jake Bernstein’s writing style and investigative journalism, you should check out other authors who write on similar topics, such as David Enrich, Matt Taibbi, and Michael Lewis. These authors explore financial crimes and corruption and provide in-depth analysis and storytelling.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “The Laundromat” is a well-crafted movie that explores the Panama Papers scandal and its aftermath. While the movie takes some creative liberties in its storytelling, the overall message and themes of the movie remain true to the real-life events. The all-star cast delivers excellent performances, and the expert cinematography helps to bring the story to life. Whether you’re a fan of the book or just looking for a compelling movie to watch, “The Laundromat” is definitely worth checking out.
