Wall Street: Finance and New York According to Oliver Stone
Released in 1987, this Oliver Stone film takes you deep into the world of finance. Discover Wall Street like never before through the eyes of ambitious traders and ruthless moguls.
The Story of Wall Street
- Released in 1987, Wall Street brings together two major American stars, Michael Douglas and Charlie Sheen, under the direction of Oliver Stone, one of cinema’s most acclaimed filmmakers. The New York-based director also made Platoon, Born on the Fourth of July, JFK, and World Trade Center. He also wrote the screenplay for Midnight Express, Alan Parker’s acclaimed film.
- Wall Street offers a sharp look at the ruthless world of high finance. Charlie Sheen plays Bud Fox, a young broker starting out at one of Wall Street’s top investment banks. His mentor is the formidable Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas), a shark willing to do anything to make money. Bud Fox finds him mesmerizing—but he soon learns that “every dream has a price,” as the film’s tagline warns.
- The film draws inspiration from the October 1987 stock market crash and the junk bond scandal. Oliver Stone based the character of Gordon Gekko on banker Michael Milken, who was sentenced to 10 years in prison for fraud.
New York in Wall Street
- Oliver Stone’s film lets you step inside the major investment banks of Wall Street. Bud Fox and Gordon Gekko’s bank is located at 222 Broadway, a building that today houses several financial firms. You’ll get a kick out of seeing the trading floors of that era, complete with prehistoric computers.
- The film includes striking images of the World Trade Center twin towers, then symbols of American economic power.
- Bud Fox and Gordon Gekko frequent several restaurants in Midtown, starting with the exclusive 21 Club at 21 West 52nd Street. This restaurant is among New York’s most expensive and is part of the Belmond luxury hospitality group. Another option, more casual: the Irish pub PJ Moran’s at 3 East 48th Street.
- Central Park is another major setting in the film. Head to Sheep Meadow to relive one of the film’s key scenes. You’ll spot Tavern on the Green, an upscale New York restaurant.
The Wall Street Trailer
The Movie Poster
What Did You Think of This Film?
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