Film Interests Choose a Film Interests Isolate

¶ … Film Interests

Choose a Film Interests

Isolate a specific issue, case, problem, or scenario related to business, politics, leadership, advertising, marketing, or ethics in the film.

In the movie Wall Street, there is a focus on a number of issues to include: business, marketing and ethics. What happened is Bud Fox is an up and coming broker who will do anything to be successful. This is when he meets Gordon Gecko, who encourages Fox to become creative in the investment advice that he is providing (by obtaining inside information). The impact is that Fox quickly become corrupted by the easy money and fast life of Gecko's world. Once he realizes that Gecko is using him for his own personal benefits, is when he begins to face legal troubles (with him being arrested for insider trading). After wearing a wire and recording Gecko's involvement is when Fox goes to court. The uncertainty is showing how he was able to do the right thing in the end. Yet, Fox's future remains checkered, as he must come to grips with what happened. ("Wall Street," 2012) (Newkirk, 1998)

These different areas are illustrating how there are business challenges, as he will do anything to become successful. It is also about his desire to market himself in a way that will make him indispensable to Gecko (at least in his own mind). While the ethical issues are highlighting how Fox is willing to break the law to achieve these larger objective. It is at this point that he becomes corrupted by idolizing Gecko and what he stands for. ("Wall Street," 2012) (Newkirk, 1998)

Briefly describe the origins of this issue and how it is developed in the film, the characters involved, and the resolution (or non-resolution) of the issue.

The origins of the film are based upon the scandals that occurred during the late 1980's involving: Ivan Boesky and Michael Milken. In both situations, they were using nonpublic information to profit off of potential mergers and acquisition. This led to the development of Gordon Gecko based on these personalities. The resolution of the issue is similar to what happened with both Milken and Boesky through their arrest / prosecution. ("Wall Street," 2012) (Newkirk, 1998)

Identify either the screenwriter's or the director's perspective on the issue. To do this, you need to ask yourselves whether the screenplay (script) itself shows this most clearly or if the director's interpretation of the screenplay is more important. Provide a clear, concise rationale with supporting examples from the film (quotations, highlights, descriptions of symbols, close-ups) to support your interpretation.

The screenwriter's perspective is to show how these issues have corrupted honest people. This occurred with Fox, who wanted to be able to move away from cold calling and to start working with large clients. The problem is that he was having trouble doing this from the obstacles that are in place. ("Wall Street," 2012) (Newkirk, 1998)

Moreover, there is an emphasis on how the excesses in the economy will lead to tremendous amounts of greed. This comes to a head in the film with everyone wanting to make as much money as they can. While at the same time, they are ignoring the fact that their actions are illegal or immoral (which allows this kind of behavior to continue). Once someone is arrested, is when everyone begins to question these actions. A good example of this is at the beginning of the film when Gecko's trader is bragging about the money they are making. This makes Fox jealous and willing to do anything to be in this world. ("Wall Street," 2012) (Newkirk, 1998)

Analyze the techniques used by the director and/or the screenwriter to persuade or sway an audience (such as biased language or descriptions, one-sided arguments, sound, music, or visual effects such as lighting, camera angles, or close-ups)

The best way that the director is able to sway the audience is through how issues are presented. An example of this occurred, when Gecko makes a speech about how greed is good (while addressing shareholders of Teldar Paper). This is a one sided argument by showing how capitalism can address the challenges impacting the world. As, these kinds of excesses will lead to even greater abuses down the road. This is designed to sway the audience by showing how Gecko is a true capitalist and not some greedy corporate raider. Once this occurs, is when they are able to understand his mindset and thinking. ("Wall Street," 2012) (Newkirk, 1998)

At the same time, the music is used to show how there is sense of change that is occurring. The problem is that the transformations are taking place at a time when everyone is engaging in unethical behavior. This increases the sense of momentum and suspense by making the audience feel as if this will continue well into the future. However, like any kind of con, this is nothing more than an illusion. In this aspect, these ideas are showing these feelings by creating that sense of uncertainty with bad things occurring. This is the point that the audience can see how the actions of main characters are immoral. ("Wall Street," 2012) (Newkirk, 1998)

Evaluate how effectively the film handles the issue/problem it raises, and how valuable you think the film is.

The film does an outstanding job of showing corporate greed and its long-term impact on society. The way that this is taking place, is through illustrating how Fox and his friends will do anything to make money. Over the course of time, this makes Fox arrogant (with him believing that he is unstoppable). ("Wall Street," 2012) (Newkirk, 1998)

When this happens, there is change of events with Gecko turning on Fox. At the same time, the SEC is onto his activities and began closing in. One day when Fox comes into work is when his arrogance is put the test with his arrest in front of everyone. At the same time, a veteran broker (Lou Manheim) talks about how during these times is when someone will find their character. While the owner of the firm immediately says he is no good and how he knew it from the very beginning. ("Wall Street," 2012) (Newkirk, 1998)