Money talks, that’s why Hollywood has made movies regarding how to make these things. Some movies deepict a hero who will stop at nothing to get the girl, or save their home town or any other heroic deed, but for some movies their singular goal is to amass and accumulate their money by any means possible, shady or legit. This premise is surprisingly a good storytelling narrative! In this article we explore the financing movies that tickle our fancy.
Wall Street (1987)
Directed by Oliver Stone, Wall Street is perhaps the quintessential finance movie, exploring the world of high finance in New York City during the 1980s. The film follows Bud Fox (Charlie Sheen), a young stockbroker who becomes entangled with the ruthless corporate raider Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas). Gekko’s infamous mantra, “Greed is good,” epitomizes the film’s critique of corporate greed and the ethical compromises often made in the pursuit of wealth. Wall Street not only reflects the excesses of the era but also serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition.
The Big Short (2015)
The Big Short, directed by Adam McKay, is a darkly comedic yet deeply informative look at the 2008 financial crisis. The film is based on Michael Lewis’s book of the same name and follows several groups of investors who bet against the U.S. housing market, predicting its eventual collapse. With a star-studded cast including Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, and Brad Pitt, The Big Short breaks down complex financial concepts using creative storytelling techniques, including fourth-wall breaks and celebrity cameos. The film highlights the systemic flaws in the financial industry and the devastating impact of the crisis on the global economy.
The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Martin Scorsese’s wild ride through the life of Jordan Belfort is a cautionary tale of excess and the consequences of unchecked greed. The film offers a darkly comedic look at the hedonistic culture of Wall Street in the 1990s. Apart from the means they amass their fortune, the movie depicts the lengths Jordan and his partners spend their ill gotten wealth in the most lavish ways. Fun fact: the real Jordan Belfort appears in the closing scene of the movie, introducing Leonardo de Caprio in one of his talks.
Boiler Room (2000)
Boiler Room, directed by Ben Younger, is a gripping tale of ambition, greed, and moral conflict. The film follows Seth Davis (Giovanni Ribisi), a college dropout who gets involved in a shady brokerage firm that operates like a boiler room, using high-pressure sales tactics to sell worthless stocks to unsuspecting investors. Inspired by true events and echoing the themes of Wall Street, Boiler Room explores the darker side of the American Dream and the darker things people experience, especially those from the finance industry. The film is a cautionary tale about the seductive power of money and the consequences of unethical behavior.
American Psycho (2000)
Though not purely a finance film, American Psycho, directed by Mary Harron and based on Bret Easton Ellis’s novel, offers a chilling portrait of the dehumanizing effects of wealth and consumerism. Christian Bale stars as Patrick Bateman, a wealthy investment banker with a dark secret—he’s a psychopathic killer. The film satirizes the materialistic culture of Wall Street in the 1980s, highlighting the moral emptiness that often accompanies the pursuit of wealth and status. American Psycho is a disturbing yet compelling exploration of the darker aspects of finance and capitalism.
Conclusion
A range of perspectives on the financial world are what these movies offer, from the glamorous to the gritty. Whether you’re interested in the psychology of greed, the mechanics of financial crises, or simply a good story, there’s a finance-themed film for everyone. Showing us the risks and upsides of making it big in your company or in gambling in online casino Philippines.
