The Rise and Abrupt Demise of “Madoff,” Portrayed by Richard Dreyfuss in New ABC Original Movie Event

By Rena Renee

ABC Disney’s miniseries Madoff  is a story that must be told; not just for the entertainment but for the warning. This miniseries retells the story of Bernie Madoff, (Richard Dreyfuss) the man behind the financial crisis of 2008 and the face of corruption and betrayal. Executive producers Linda Berman and Joe Pichirallo focused on telling the story from Bernie’s perspective and to humanize him so viewers get a true understanding outside the news. Most ask how someone can get away with such behavior for so long. This miniseries takes the time to delve into these questions.

Bernie is admired because he danced with his demons in a way we all wish we could perfect. The worst part was that it was at the expense of his closest friends and family. Son, Mark Madoff, (Tom Lipinski) craves his father’s approval which is in contrast to his brother Andrew Madoff (Danny Deferrari) who is not as concerned. Wife, Ruth (Blythe Danner) is oblivious to her husband’s scheming and is blindsided. Childhood sweethearts, and years of marriage, Ruth and Bernie deal with crushing betrayal on the part of Bernie. His attack on people who trusted him for financial security has such a powerful ripple effect that the lives of many were devastated. Bernie outwardly has nerve blaming everyone else with the attitude “people” should know better. Like most of us we blindly put our faith in risks that are not guaranteed, rarely investigate and rely on our expectations. According to Bernie, that’s what we get for believing in magic. Such a profound statement because I for one, believe in magic. This explanation stuck close to home. This is also the reason this story needs to be told. A reminder of blind faith and the human vice of greed. He was not the first, maybe the biggest thus far,but if history’s pattern remains true, he will not be the last. Time will tell, the one thing we can all depend on; the passage of time and the light of truth.

The writer, (Ben Robbins) portrays how circumstances led him to this deception. Bernie didn’t go into it thinking he would pull off the biggest ponzi scheme ever, It unfolded perfectly before him, almost the mindset of “you do what you have to do” or I don’t care who I step on as long as I get to the top and the most satisfying one? Who do I have to sleep with to get where I’m going? The whole mentality falling back on greed, which is master manipulator of the psyche. Director Raymond De Felitta’s, focus on the Madoff family perspective makes this miniseries one in which anyone can relate. Whether you want entertainment with a not so documentary flair but true story or you plan on taking notes to try your luck on financial deception ABC Disney’s Madoff is worth watching.

“Madoff” also stars Peter Scolari as Peter Madoff, Erin Cummings as Eleanor Squillari, Michael Rispoli as Frank DiPascali and Frank Whaley as Harry Markopolos. The miniseries also features Charles Grodin and Lewis Black.

The primetime miniseries “Madoff,” airs FEBRUARY 3 & 4 at 8/7c on the ABC Television Network.