Ben McKenzie: Everyone Lies for Money
Victor Peña/2026 Easy Money Productions, Inc
In the 2021 Super Bowl ad, Matt Damon walks through a hall of humanity’s greatest achievements, stating, “Fortune favors the brave,” while crypto.com flashes on the screen. This message subtly suggests that anyone can achieve greatness, downplaying the inherent risks. This moment truly shocked Ben McKenzie.
In his documentary, Everyone Is Lying to You for Money, McKenzie shares his disbelief while observing that ad. He narrates his journey from actor to economics graduate, critiquing the cryptocurrency world. With a charming and self-deprecating tone, he sheds light on the shocking practices of the industry, revealing how some of the biggest players operate without ethics.
McKenzie examines the rise of cryptocurrencies over the last decade, tracing their roots to the fallout from the 2008 financial crisis. He uncovers the bewildering reality behind what seems to be an elaborate scam. Through interviews with major figures in the gaming industry, he highlights fraudulent billionaires running crypto exchanges, such as Alexander Mashinsky of Celsius and Sam Bankman-Fried from the now-defunct FTX, both of whom faced legal repercussions for their actions.
He also critiques Hollywood elites who promote complicated crypto ventures and empathizes with everyday investors who continue believing in the promise of cryptocurrencies despite their substantial losses.
“Cryptocurrency is not the future of money; it is a throwback,” McKenzie stated at a Q&A after the film’s screening. He argues that the concept of stablecoins is misleading and that these currencies are not genuinely decentralized, merely lacking central regulation. “What exists are mere lines of code, not tangible assets.”
McKenzie’s disdain for the deceit in the crypto industry is palpable in his film and interviews. He candidly calls out fellow actors promoting cryptocurrencies, with Matt Damon being a primary focal point. When asked if he heard from Damon since the release, he joked about seeing him in Brooklyn, playfully wishing to don a disguise while passing by. “Sorry, Matt,” he quipped, knowing Damon will manage just fine.
Everyone Is Lying to You for Money will have limited release in the US, with a planned launch in the UK later this year.
Topics:
Source: www.newscientist.com