“Wall Street”, 1987
Director: Oliver Stone
This film dives deep into the high-stakes world of finance through the eyes of Bud Fox (Charlie Sheen), a young and ambitious stockbroker who becomes involved with Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas), a ruthless corporate raider. Set against the backdrop of 1980s Manhattan, it explores themes of greed, morality, and the American dream.
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 Devil Wears Prada”, 2006
Director: David Frankel
An adaptation of Lauren Weisberger's novel, this film follows the trials and tribulations of Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway), a fresh college graduate who lands a job as an assistant to Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep), the demanding editor-in-chief of a prestigious fashion magazine. It's a witty yet poignant look at the fashion industry and the sacrifices one must make for success.
Starring: Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci, Simon Baker, Adrian Grenier, Tracie Thoms, Rich Sommer, Daniel Sunjata, David Marshall Grant;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: drama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 109 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
More information about the film “The Devil Wears Prada” on the website imdb.com
“Working Girl”, 1988
Director: Mike Nichols
This romantic comedy-drama stars Melanie Griffith as Tess McGill, a secretary from Staten Island with ambitions of breaking into the male-dominated world of Wall Street investment banking. It's a quintessential 80s tale of ambition, identity, and the pursuit of happiness in the corporate world.
Starring: Melanie Griffith, Harrison Ford, Sigourney Weaver, Alec Baldwin, Joan Cusack, Philip Bosco, Nora Dunn, Oliver Platt, James Lally, Kevin Spacey;
Production year: 1988;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 109 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,8;
More information about the film “Working Girl” on the website imdb.com
“25th Hour”, 2002
Director: Spike Lee
A departure from the corporate scene, this film directed by Spike Lee stars Edward Norton as Monty Brogan, a convicted drug dealer spending his last 24 hours of freedom in New York City before going to prison. It's a compelling look at choices, consequences, and the intricate web of relationships shaped by Monty's career decisions.
Starring: Edward Norton, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Barry Pepper, Rosario Dawson, Anna Paquin, Brian Cox, Tony Siragusa, Levani, Tony Devon, Misha Kuznetsov;
Production year: 2002;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 135 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,6;
More information about the film “25th Hour” on the website imdb.com
“Night at the Museum”, 2006
Director: Shawn Levy
This family-friendly adventure-comedy offers a whimsical take on working life through the lens of Larry Daley (Ben Stiller), a newly appointed night guard at the Museum of Natural History, where exhibits come to life after dark. It celebrates the magic of history, curiosity, and the importance of guarding our past.
Starring: Ben Stiller, Jake Cherry, Carla Gugino, Robin Williams, Steve Coogan, Owen Wilson, Dick Van Dyke, Mickey Rooney, Bill Cobbs, Ricky Gervais;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: fantasy, comedy, adventure, family;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 108 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,5;
More information about the film “Night at the Museum” on the website imdb.com
“Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)”, 2014
Director: Alejandro G. Iñárritu
Set predominantly in Broadway's St. James Theatre, this film follows Riggan Thomson (Michael Keaton), a faded Hollywood actor known for playing the superhero Birdman, as he attempts to revive his career by writing, directing, and starring in a Broadway production. It's a darkly comic exploration of fame, artistry, and redemption.
Starring: Michael Keaton, Edward Norton, Emma Stone, Naomi Watts, Zach Galifianakis, Andrea Riseborough, Amy Ryan, Lindsay Duncan, Damian Young, Jeremy Shamos;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: drama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 119 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)” on the website imdb.com
“Taxi Driver”, 1976
Director: Martin Scorsese
Directed by Martin Scorsese, this classic stars Robert De Niro as Travis Bickle, a mentally unstable Vietnam War veteran who works as a night-time taxi driver. It's a gritty, psychological deep dive into post-war disillusionment and the dark underbelly of urban life.
Starring: Robert De Niro, Cybill Shepherd, Jodie Foster, Harvey Keitel, Peter Boyle, Leonard Harris, Albert Brooks, Martin Scorsese, Garth Avery, Richard Higgs;
Production year: 1976;
Genre: thriller, drama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 114 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,2;
More information about the film “Taxi Driver” on the website imdb.com
These films not only capture the diversity of professions in New York City but also the myriad human stories that unfold within the concrete jungle, making them compelling narratives about the pursuit of success, identity, and fulfillment in the professional world.
In the vibrant tapestry of New York City, films about jobs have not only captured the essence of the city's relentless pace but also the personal and collective struggles and triumphs of its inhabitants. From the ruthless competitiveness depicted in “Wall Street” to the heartfelt aspirations of “Working Girl,” these films serve as a mirror to the dreams and realities faced by those who navigate the complex, often unforgiving job market of this iconic metropolis. They highlight not just the diversity of occupations but also the resilience and adaptability required to thrive in New York. As such, these cinematic explorations offer viewers around the world a glimpse into the myriad challenges and opportunities that define working life in the Big Apple, reminding us that in the heart of this bustling city, the human spirit perseveres, driven by ambition, passion, and an unwavering pursuit of success.
