Films about business delve into the intricacies of entrepreneurship, challenges of corporate life, economic crises, and the cutthroat world of competition. They often explore themes such as greed, ambition, ethics, and the human spirit. These movies provide viewers with insights into different industries and time periods, and sometimes, they examine the psychological and personal impacts of business on individuals and society as a whole.
“Wall Street”, 1987
Director: Oliver Stone
Directed by Oliver Stone, this film tells the story of a young and ambitious stockbroker, Bud Fox, who falls under the influence of Gordon Gekko, a ruthless and greedy corporate raider. It explores themes of greed and moral compromise in the financial sector of the 1980s.
Starring: Michael Douglas, Charlie Sheen, Daryl Hannah, Martin Sheen, Hal Holbrook, Terence Stamp, Saul Rubinek, William G. Knight, James Spader, Tamara Tunie;
Production year: 1987;
Genre: drama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 120 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Wall Street” on the website imdb.com
“The Social Network”, 2010
Director: David Fincher
Directed by David Fincher, this film is based on the founding of Facebook and the legal battles that followed. It explores the complex relationships and ethical dilemmas faced by Mark Zuckerberg as he builds the social media giant.
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
“The Big Short”, 2015
Director: Adam McKay
This film, directed by Adam McKay, is based on the true story of a group of investors who bet against the US mortgage market before the financial crisis of 2008. It provides an insight into the financial practices that led to the collapse and offers a critical look at the banking industry.
Starring: Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Brad Pitt, Melissa Leo, Hamish Linklater, John Magaro, Rafe Spall, Jeremy Strong, Marisa Tomei;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: drama, comedy, biography, history;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 130 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
More information about the film “The Big Short” on the website imdb.com
“Glengarry Glen Ross”, 1992
Director: James Foley
Directed by James Foley, this film is based on David Mamet's Pulitzer Prize-winning play, focusing on four desperate real estate agents engaged in unethical behaviors to close deals and save their jobs. It portrays the intense pressures of sales and the dark side of the real estate business.
Starring: Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Alec Baldwin, Alan Arkin, Ed Harris, Kevin Spacey, Jonathan Pryce, Bruce Altman, Jude Ciccolella, Paul Butler;
Production year: 1992;
Genre: drama, crime, detective;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 100 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “Glengarry Glen Ross” on the website imdb.com
“The Wolf of Wall Street”, 2013
Director: Martin Scorsese
Directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, this film is based on the true story of Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker who engages in corruption and fraud in the 1990s. It highlights the excessive lifestyle and downfall of a financially successful yet morally bankrupt individual.
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;
These films not only entertain but also offer viewers a deeper understanding of the business world's complexities and moral challenges.
In conclusion, films about business offer a compelling exploration of the dynamics of power, ambition, and ethics within the corporate world. From the intense boardroom dramas of “The Wolf of Wall Street” and “Wall Street” to the innovative narratives of entrepreneurship in “The Social Network” and “Steve Jobs,” these films provide insightful commentary on the complexities of modern capitalism. They delve into the personal and professional sacrifices made in the pursuit of success, often highlighting the moral dilemmas and societal impacts of business decisions. Through captivating storytelling and complex characters, these films not only entertain but also provoke critical reflection on the real-world implications of business practices and the human cost of corporate ambition.
