Actor-director Ben McKenzie is making headlines with his debut documentary, Everyone Is Lying to You for Money, set to premiere in New York and Los Angeles. During a recent interview in Miami, McKenzie showcased his outspoken nature, donning a baseball cap that proclaims, “Make Lying Wrong Again.” This statement is a pointed critique of the political climate, particularly aimed at the former president and his associated movements.
In his documentary, McKenzie takes an unflinching look at the cryptocurrency market, which he argues is rife with deception and exploitation, dubbing it a “scam.” Fueled by his economics background from the University of Virginia, he approached the subject with skepticism as he shared his views over a double espresso. He dismissed the allure of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, arguing that they primarily serve two dark purposes: gambling and crime.
“Crypto really only has two use cases that I’ve seen, which is gambling and crime,” McKenzie said, emphasizing that much of the crypto landscape consists of speculative coins that resemble betting opportunities. He pointed out the many dubious cryptocurrencies available, citing names like Fart Coin and Trump Coin, and noted the inherent risks for ordinary investors who lack the resources to compete with affluent insiders.
McKenzie said these wealthy players influence coin values, making it nearly impossible for everyday people to profit in a fair manner. He explained the practice of “wash trading,” where traders artificially inflate trading activity for a cryptocurrency by buying and selling between their own accounts, creating a false sense of market demand. As a result, unsuspecting investors might end up purchasing coins at inflated prices, only to find themselves exploited when the true holders cash out.
His deep dive into crypto arose during the pandemic when acting opportunities dried up, leading to his realization of the extensive fraud within the industry. The culmination of his research is encapsulated in his 2023 book, Easy Money: Cryptocurrency, Casino Capitalism, and the Golden Age of Fraud, co-written with Jacob Silverman.
McKenzie’s dissection of the crypto world extends to political figures as well, especially in light of the former president’s pivot to crypto enthusiasm. After initially branding it a scam, the former president is now attempting to leverage the crypto community for his own political gain. McKenzie reacted to this shift, stating that the association of fraudulent currency with a convicted fraudster president is particularly ironic.
In the documentary, McKenzie uses humor to critique the industry, targeting celebrity endorsements from figures like Matt Damon and Tom Brady. He believes taking a humorous angle is crucial for engaging the public, especially given the massive financial resources trying to manipulate public perception regarding cryptocurrency.
The film also includes lighthearted moments from McKenzie’s personal life, featuring his wife, actress Morena Baccarin, and their children. Their family dynamic adds a relatable element to the documentary, with Baccarin occasionally rolling her eyes at McKenzie’s fervor for the subject. He recounted how family discussions led to their participation in the project, where they navigated the complexities of involving their children in such a serious topic.
Ultimately, the purpose of Everyone Is Lying to You for Money is to entertain while delivering a critical message, aiming to inform the audience about the real dangers lurking in the cryptocurrency boom. By balancing humor with hard truths, McKenzie hopes to engage viewers and inspire them to rethink their perceptions of this controversial financial phenomenon.
