Today, trading on exchanges is as popular as in the 80s. The success of tens of thousands of traders is completely dependent on the quotes of the course, each of them dreams one day to hit the big jackpot. So who are these stock traders - players, analysts, visionaries or just lucky ones? And how does the rotation in the world of half-truths and the desire for profit change a person? These and other difficult topical issues were raised by Oliver Stone in the 1987 film “Wall Street”. The main character, he chose the stock trader Gordon Gekko.
Why did the idea of ​​the film
Since the father of the director himself also worked on the stock exchange in the 60s, Oliver Stone knew the cuisine of the entire trading process well. In addition, he, like many others, was concerned about what the once-in-service gentleman's Wall Street exchange had turned into. After the removal of some financial and trade restrictions, as well as due to the faster dissemination of information, the American market of the late 70s and early 80s looked like a huge casino where in a few moments someone could squander millions and someone else could get the whole state.
Who is Gordon Gekko?
He is a shark in the world of stocks and bonds, a successful seasoned trader who made a fortune of tens of millions thanks to his experience, ability to predict and some financial frauds. This is a fictional character, but Oliver Stone conceived it as a collective image based on real businessmen of that time - Michael Milken, Ivan Bosky.
Although they thought of taking on this role as Richard Gere or Warren Beatty, Michael Douglas was finally approved. He played his roles flawlessly, even when he had to play villains. And although the director’s idea was to condemn the way of life and thinking of unprincipled traders, the actor’s charm and charisma slightly changed the concept of the film and showed Gordon Gekko on the other hand. Michael Douglas shifted his focus, showing that the hero achieved success not only due to the manipulation of dishonestly obtained information, but also due to thoughtful moves and the right transaction strategy.
Although Gordon Gekko is by no means a positive character. He is a player who puts capital over family, commitment and human relationships. Gekko does not hesitate to extract insider information, merge it into the right hands, thereby creating a stir or panic regarding certain shares for its own benefit. He is a pragmatist and cynic who understands that any emotions in this matter are superfluous. To be cold-blooded and to avoid any sympathy and affection is his motto.
Plot of the film
Bad Fox is a novice trader who wants to make big money in one fell swoop. But he soon realizes that he lacks the skill and dexterity to get out of the ordinary employees of the exchange. Therefore, he finds a second way: he seeks cooperation with Gordon Gekko - a thunderstorm of the exchange world, draining him information about one upcoming deal. Since then, Gordon used Bud as an exchange spy who, by hook or by crook, obtained insider data, and himself used it for his profit. Such a symbiosis was useful to both of them, and Fox's condition also began to grow.
But at one point it was all over, because after the next deal, Bad realized that Gordon Gekko had betrayed him, and that he had been a puppet in his hands all this time, so he went to his direct competitor and began to work with him. As a result, Gordon’s shares plummeted, for which he declared Bad financial police as a dishonest broker. Fox, in turn, spoke about the machinations of Gekko, for which he was sentenced to 10 years.
Gordon Gekko's famous sayings
"The thirst for profit is good." This is his life credo.
"The first business lesson is this: never show emotion." He believed that in order to conduct business successfully, a cold mind was needed.
"Money makes us do what we don’t want."
- "Want to have a friend - get a puppy." This phrase is often quoted when referring to any type of entrepreneurial activity where there can be no question of friendship or affection between business partners, because this will only harm the business in the long run.
- "I don't create anything, I just own." So Gordon explained in a nutshell the principle of the existence of joint stock companies.
- "Money never sleeps."
Interesting facts about the film
- Gordon Gekko from the movie "Wall Street" uses the world's first mobile phone, which weighs more than 1 kg.
- Forbes Magazine placed him in 4th place among 15 fictional movie villains in 2008 profit status.
- Michael Douglas, preparing for the role, studied with a speech teacher to learn how to speak clearly and choppy.
- The costumes for the film were sewn by Nino Cherutti.
- Gordon has the rarest pistol in the world - the Luger 0.45, which is estimated at $ 1 million.
This film is a tutorial for beginners and Forex players. Although times have changed, and now there are much more opportunities to verify information, but the principles of trading on the exchange have remained the same. And Gordon Gekko himself became a symbol of the era of exchange players, and his statements survived the time and are relevant now.