All About the Money

The son of one of America’s richest families, James ‘Fergie’ Chamber is also an avowed communist. Highly critical of the cult of capitalism, he funds a small communitarian community in Massachusetts, although in all fairness to him—and despite his evident charisma—he has sufficient self-awareness to avoid creating a cult in his own image. But things get real and Fergie’s commitment is tested when he helps to fund and organise protests in response to America’s involvement in the Gaza war. Like a surreal blend of Succession and Anarchy 101, All About the Money is a compelling portrait of a man for whom vast wealth had provided a buffer against virtually all consequences, as he himself freely admits. With his blend of political awareness and egoically blind impulsiveness, Fergie is an engaging figure to watch and filmmaker Sinead O’Shea (who gave us last year’s Edna O’Brien biopic) does a remarkable job of connecting with him, while maintaining her critical distance.