During the pandemic, Ben McKenzie, known for his roles in acclaimed television series, found himself intensely captivated by the world of cryptocurrency. As many men in their 40s turned back to video games, McKenzie, a veteran actor celebrated for his roles in shows like “The O.C.” and “Gotham,” became obsessed with the volatile realm of digital currencies, trying to decode its complex financial mechanisms as he delved deeper into the online economy.
His exploration took a critical turn as he noticed the rise of various celebrity endorsements for crypto, which only intensified his skepticism. “If there’s one thing I did know right off the bat, it’s that Matt Damon didn’t know anything about crypto,” McKenzie remarked, reflecting a growing concern about the fraudulent underbelly of the crypto market.
Motivated by a personal quest for understanding and clarity, McKenzie hired a camera crew to film his journey into cryptocurrency, culminating in the documentary “Everyone Is Lying to You For Money,” set to premiere in theaters soon. The film chronicles not just his investment experiences but also the darker aspects of crypto, exposing what he describes as widespread fraud. The documentary blends scripted segments with reality, showing McKenzie engaging with both fervent enthusiasts and skeptics alike while navigating the toll his obsession takes on his family life.
McKenzie, who has transitioned into roles that include a rookie cop and a detective, highlights the emotional and social implications of cryptocurrency. He openly admits that the lure of quick riches often masks a more sinister reality — a theme that resonates throughout his work in the film and recent book titled “Easy Money: Cryptocurrency, Casino Capitalism, and the Golden Age of Fraud,” co-authored with journalist Jacob Silverman.
In a candid interview, McKenzie expressed his genuine belief in combating what he sees as one of the biggest financial scams of the era. He cites his background in economics and his experiences in the entertainment industry as his guiding lights in navigating this complex landscape. His involvement in the film isn’t purely academic; he invested profits from his crypto endeavors into the documentary itself, demonstrating his commitment to shedding light on the perilous nature of cryptocurrency.
The documentary portrays varying perspectives in the crypto debate, showcasing the stark contrast between the cynics, like Sam Bankman-Fried, who was at the helm of the now-defunct FTX exchange, and those who fervently believe in the technology’s potential. Notably, McKenzie’s interactions with Bankman-Fried serve as an unsettling reminder of the fragility inherent in the crypto market.
Further complicating his narrative are encounters with individuals deeply invested in crypto culture, including a man living in presumed “Bitcoin City” in El Salvador, a government-backed project that promises a bright future amid disillusionment. These real-life stories illustrate the hopes and dreams that blockchain technology cultivates, yet often with no substantial grounding.
Throughout his journey, McKenzie has remained grounded, battling the stereotypes that often come with being a former teen heartthrob. He aspires to leverage his platform for greater social and economic awareness, reflecting an ongoing commitment to political activism that had found renewed vigor during the pandemic.
As he contemplates the future, McKenzie hints at potential political aspirations and the opportunity to enact real change. His next project involves a legal drama highlighting corruption in New York City, showcasing yet another dimension of his evolving career. Thus, McKenzie’s journey represents a narrative not just of personal investment but of grappling with larger societal issues, advocating for an evolution in how we perceive money, trust, and community in an increasingly complex world.
