THE BANK (2001)

THE BANK is a thinking man’s bank heist tale. A math whiz (David Wenham) invents an algorithm that can forecast with near-absolute certainty the ups and downs of global financial markets. He pitches it to a mega-bank, whose corrupt manager (Anthony LaPaglia) hires him to perfect, then implement the software to manipulate the market for profit, regardless of the consequences for investors. The software winds up working like gangbusters, but the result turns out to be far different from the manager's expectation. This suspenseful Australian thriller features several mysterious subplots including one about the true identity and intentions of the math guy, all of which come together neatly with the punch of a keyboard key. LaPaglia, whose face can turn from calm to fierce on a dime, is powerful as a banker you most certainly don't want tending your account.