Films about billionaires often explore the extravagant lifestyles, power dynamics, and moral dilemmas faced by the ultra-wealthy. These films delve into themes such as greed, corruption, redemption, and the impact of immense wealth on individuals and society.
“The Wolf of Wall Street”, 2013
Director: Martin Scorsese
Directed by Martin Scorsese, this film is based on the real-life story of Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker who rises to become a wealthy and corrupt Wall Street tycoon. It portrays the excesses and downfall of a billionaire fueled by greed and unethical practices.
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie, Kyle Chandler, Rob Reiner, P.J. Byrne, Jon Bernthal, Cristin Milioti, Jean Dujardin, Matthew McConaughey;
Production year: 2013;
Genre: drama, crime, biography, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 180 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,2;
“Citizen Kane”, 1941
Director: Orson Welles
Considered a classic in cinema history, this film directed by Orson Welles follows the life of Charles Foster Kane, a wealthy newspaper magnate. Through flashbacks and interviews, the film explores the complexities of Kane's character and the consequences of his pursuit of power and wealth.
Starring: Orson Welles, Joseph Cotten, Dorothy Comingore, Agnes Moorehead, Ruth Warrick, Ray Collins, Erskine Sanford, Everett Sloane, William Alland, Paul Stewart;
Production year: 1941;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 119 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,3;
More information about the film “Citizen Kane” on the website imdb.com
“Crazy Rich Asians”, 2018
Director: Jon M. Chu
This romantic comedy directed by Jon M. Chu follows the love story between a young Asian-American woman and her wealthy boyfriend from Singapore. The film showcases the opulent lifestyle of billionaires in Asia and the cultural clashes that arise between different social classes.
Starring: Constance Wu, Henry Golding, Michelle Yeoh, Gemma Chan, Lisa Lu, Awkwafina, Harry Shum Jr., Ken Jeong, Sonoya Mizuno, Chris Pang;
Production year: 2018;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 120 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
More information about the film “Crazy Rich Asians” on the website imdb.com
“The Social Network”, 2010
Director: David Fincher
Directed by David Fincher, this film chronicles the founding of Facebook by Mark Zuckerberg and his journey to becoming one of the youngest billionaires in history. It explores themes of ambition, betrayal, and the impact of social media on modern society.
Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake, Armie Hammer, Max Minghella, Rashida Jones, Brenda Song, Rooney Mara, Bryan Barter, Joseph Mazzello;
Production year: 2010;
Genre: drama, biography;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 120 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
More information about the film “The Social Network” on the website imdb.com
“Arbitrage”, 2012
Director: Nicholas Jarecki
Starring Richard Gere, this thriller follows a billionaire hedge fund manager who finds himself in a web of deceit and financial fraud. The film delves into the moral compromises and ethical dilemmas faced by the protagonist as he tries to protect his wealth and reputation.
Starring: Richard Gere, Susan Sarandon, Tim Roth, Brit Marling, Laetitia Casta, Nate Parker, Stuart Margolin, Chris Eigeman, Graydon Carter, Bruce Altman;
Production year: 2012;
Genre: thriller, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 107 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,6;
“The Great Gatsby”, 2013
Director: Baz Luhrmann
Based on F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, this film directed by Baz Luhrmann portrays the lavish lifestyle of Jay Gatsby, a mysterious billionaire in the 1920s. The story explores themes of love, wealth, and the illusion of the American Dream.
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Carey Mulligan, Joel Edgerton, Isla Fisher, Jason Clarke, Elizabeth Debicki, Callan McAuliffe, Jack Thompson, Amitabh Bachchan;
Production year: 2013;
Genre: drama, melodrama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 143 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “The Great Gatsby” on the website imdb.com
These films offer a glimpse into the world of billionaires, showcasing the complexities and consequences of extreme wealth.
Films about billionaires offer audiences a glimpse into the extravagant and often tumultuous lives of the ultra-wealthy. These films explore themes of power, greed, ambition, and the consequences that come with immense fortune. Whether portraying billionaires as ruthless individuals willing to do anything to maintain their wealth or as complex characters struggling with the burden of their riches, these films provide a captivating and sometimes cautionary look at the world of extreme wealth. Through compelling storytelling and mesmerizing performances, these films invite viewers to ponder the true value of money and the price of success in a society obsessed with wealth.
