Films About Finance 2017
The world of finance has always been a compelling backdrop for storytelling, exploring themes of greed, ambition, and the moral complexities tied to money. In 2017, several films tackled various aspects of finance, from the hustle of Wall Street to the intricacies of personal finance and the effects of economic downturns. These films not only entertained but also provided insights into the financial world, revealing the human stories behind the numbers.
“The Big Short”, 2015
Director: Adam McKay
While technically released in 2015, this film continued to resonate in 2017 due to its relevance, chronicling the events leading up to the 2008 financial crisis. It tells the story of a group of investors who bet against the housing market, exposing the corruption and greed that led to the economic collapse.
Starring: Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Brad Pitt, Melissa Leo, Hamish Linklater, John Magaro, Rafe Spall, Jeremy Strong, Marisa Tomei, Finn Wittrock, Stanley Wong, Byron Mann, Tracy Letts, Karen Gillan, Selena Gomez, Max Greenfield, Margot Robbie, Rudy Eisenzopf, Casey Groves, Charlie Talbert, Harold Gervais, Maria Frangos, Hunter Burke, Bernard Hocke, Shauna Rappold, Brandon Stacy, Aiden Flowers, Peter Epstein, Anthony Marble, Silas Cooper, Leslie Castay, Andrew Farrier, Ingrid Steed, Vanessa Cloke, David Zalkin, Carrie Lazar, Mychael Bates, Rajeev Jacob, Jay Potter, Garrett Hines, Ryan Broussard, Adepero Oduye, Jeffry Griffin, Anthony Bourdain, Joey Brooks, Colette Divine, Oscar Gale, Cayden Arthur Miscally, Dave Davis;
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
“The China Hustle”, 2017
Director: Jed Rothstein
This documentary exposes a massive financial fraud scheme involving Chinese companies that defrauded American investors. Through interviews and investigations, it reveals how these companies manipulated the financial system, leading to significant losses for investors and raising questions about regulatory oversight.
Starring: Carson Block, Dan David, Matthew Wiechert, Pat O'Brien;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: documentary;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 82 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
“The Founder”, 2016
Director: John Lee Hancock
While not strictly a finance film, “The Founder” delves into the business side of the fast-food industry, focusing on Ray Kroc's acquisition and expansion of McDonald's. It highlights the financial maneuvers and ethical dilemmas involved in creating a global empire.
Starring: Michael Keaton, Nick Offerman, John Carroll Lynch, Linda Cardellini, B.J. Novak, Laura Dern, Justin Randell Brooke, Kate Kneeland, Patrick Wilson, Griff Furst, Wilbur Fitzgerald, David de Vries, Andrew Benator, Cara Mantella, Randall Taylor, Lacey King, Jeremy Daniel Madden, Rebecca Ray, Adam Rosenberg, Jacinte Blankenship, Charles Green, David Silverman, Mike Pniewski, Catherine Dyer, Susan Savoie, Franco Palazzolo, Kenny Alfonso, Kabby Borders, Nicolette Goetz, Lauren Denham, Abbey Ferrell, Justin Alvarez, Victor McCay, Steve Coulter, Ric Reitz, Joy Glover Walters, Makabe Ganey, Jody Thompson, Chris Greene, Kimberly Banta, Devon Ogden, Gerald Duckworth, Jen Cohen, David Allen Kramer, Joseph Sanfelippo, Emmy Allin, Asad Baig, Kimberly Battista, Bradley Bowen, Marshall Choka;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: biography, drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 115 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
“Margin Call”, 2011
Director: J.C. Chandor
Another film that gained renewed interest in 2017, “Margin Call” is a thriller set during the early stages of the 2008 financial crisis, focusing on key players at an investment bank who must decide how to handle the impending disaster. It showcases the moral conflicts faced by those in the finance industry during a critical moment.
Starring: Kevin Spacey, Paul Bettany, Jeremy Irons, Zachary Quinto, Penn Badgley, Simon Baker, Mary McDonnell, Demi Moore, Stanley Tucci, Aasif Mandvi, Ashley Williams, Susan Blackwell, Maria Dizzia, Jimmy Palumbo, Al Sapienza, Peter Kim, Grace Gummer, Oberon Ka Adjipong, Claude Jay, Kevin Keels, Jason Liebman, Jamie Lee Petronis, Uziman, Steven Weisz;
Production year: 2011;
Genre: thriller, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 107 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “Margin Call” on the website imdb.com
“Billions”, 2016
Director: Colin Bucksey, Neil Burger, John Dahl, Adam Bernstein
Though a series rather than a film, “Billions” continued to captivate audiences in 2017. It explores the cat-and-mouse game between a hedge fund manager and a U.S. Attorney, delving deep into the world of high finance, power dynamics, and the pursuit of wealth.
Starring: Damian Lewis, Paul Giamatti, Maggie Siff, David Costabile, Condola Rashad, Daniel K. Isaac, Jeffrey DeMunn, Asia Kate Dillon, Kelly AuCoin, Dan Soder, Toby Leonard Moore, Dhruv Maheshwari, Kira Visser, Louis Cancelmi, Zina Wilde, Stephen Kunken, Lilly Moran, Ben Shenkman, Glenn Fleshler, Malin Åkerman, Allan Havey, Corey Stoll, Daniel Breaker, Terry Kinney, Will Roland, Eva Victor, Sarah Stiles, Keith Eric Chappelle, Chris Carfizzi, Sakina Jaffrey, Toney Goins, Ilfenesh Hadera, Jack Gore, Danny Strong, Rob Morrow, Zachary Unger, Clancy Brown, Christopher Denham, Malachi Weir, Jade Eshete, Alexa Swinton, Susan Misner, Samantha Mathis, Nathan Darrow, Matt Servitto, Timothy Davis, Jack Gilpin, Christopher Paul Richards, Susan Blackwell, Brian Berrebbi;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: drama;
Age: 18+;
Rating: IMDB: 8,3;
While the films of 2017 may not have exclusively focused on finance, they contributed to a broader understanding of the complexities and ethical challenges faced in the financial landscape, making them significant cultural touchstones in the realm of finance-related storytelling.
In conclusion, the films about finance released in 2017 offer a compelling exploration of the complexities and moral dilemmas inherent in the world of money management and investment. From the gripping narrative of “The Big Short” that delved into the 2008 financial crisis to the insightful character studies in “The China Hustle,” these films not only entertain but also educate audiences about the often opaque financial systems that govern our lives. They highlight the consequences of greed, the power dynamics at play, and the human impact of economic decisions, serving as a poignant reminder of the importance of financial literacy and ethical responsibility in an ever-evolving economic landscape. Ultimately, these cinematic works challenge viewers to reflect on their own relationships with money and the broader implications of financial systems in society.
