Political Science

Wall Street

Director: Oliver Stone Starring: Michael Douglas, Charlie Sheen, Martin Sheen, Daryl Hannah

"Greed is Good!"

Wall Street takes place in 1985. If you can look past the monochrome computer monitors, the 5-pound "brick" cell phones, and the 80s style of "big hair" - there are many themes that are still timely and very applicable today. Wall Street is the story of the rise and fall of Bud Fox (Charlie Sheen), a bored and ambitious young account executive (a.k.a. stockbroker). The themes of greed, ambition, integrity, and temptation run through this film about cutthroat business.

Michael Douglas, who won an Oscar for his portrayal of Gordon Gecko, the villain who quotes Sun Tzu's Art of War, talks of ripping people's throats out, and turns Bud to the Dark Side. Gordon shows Bud the tremendous rewards and power that are available through the application of insider information and stock price manipulation.

Bud overcomes his initial ethical objections when the money starts rolling in and he acquires a plush new condo, a trophy girlfriend (Daryl Hannah), and the awe of his fellow stockbrokers. Mentored by Gordon and his quips like "if you are not inside - you are outside, sheep get slaughtered, and greed is good", Bud increasingly takes greater risks in crossing ethical and legal guidelines.

The turning point of this rise to fortune involves deceit, betrayal, and the apprentice becoming the master. Blue Star Airlines, one of the securities that is the subject of Gordon and Bud's interest, faces some of the same problems of profitability, union relations, and financing that the airline industry, specifically American Airlines, is currently experiencing. Ironically, it is corporate raider Gordon Gecko who exposes the waste and corruption of corporate executives at another company, Teldar Paper - which in some ways resembles Enron.

Wall Street is a great and entertaining movie. It also offers valuable insight into insider trading, securities manipulation, corporate raiders, and the lifestyles and personalities of Wall Street wizards and professionals. Even if you have already seen it, watch it again! It'll increase your understanding of the inner workings of the stock market.

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