Oliver Stone’s Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps arrived with high expectations as a sequel to the iconic 1987 film Wall Street. While it revisits the compelling world of high finance and the infamous Gordon Gekko, the movie has been met with mixed reactions, often described as flawed. This article delves into the criticisms and praises of Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps, exploring why, despite its imperfections, it remains a fascinating cinematic experience for those interested in the themes of greed, redemption, and the volatile nature of Wall Street.
One of the primary criticisms leveled against Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps is its somewhat convoluted and occasionally heavy-handed narrative. The film attempts to weave together several complex threads: Gordon Gekko’s (Michael Douglas) release from prison and re-entry into a changed financial landscape, his estranged relationship with his daughter Winnie (Carey Mulligan), and the ambitious endeavors of Jake Moore (Shia LaBeouf), Winnie’s fiancé and a rising star on Wall Street. The plot sometimes feels disjointed as it juggles these elements, leading to moments where the storytelling feels less than cohesive.
Furthermore, Stone’s use of symbolism in Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps has been described as simplistic and overemphasized. The recurring motif of soap bubbles, intended to represent the fragility of the economic bubble, is cited as an example of this. While the initial visual might be striking, the repeated imagery, particularly the extended shots of a single bubble rising, can feel didactic and lacking subtlety. Similarly, the cameo appearances, such as Charlie Sheen reprising his role as Bud Fox, and even Oliver Stone himself appearing as a commentator, have been deemed distracting and somewhat ludicrous, pulling the viewer out of the narrative.
However, despite these flaws in plot and symbolism, Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps is not without its merits. Visually, the film is often stunning. The cinematography captures the energy and allure of New York City and the high-stakes world of finance. One particular shot, showcasing the Empire State Building shrouded in nighttime mist, is frequently mentioned as a standout example of the film’s visual strengths, creating a memorable and atmospheric image.
Moreover, the performances in Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps are generally praised, particularly those of Shia LaBeouf and Carey Mulligan. LaBeouf, as Jake Moore, portrays the ambitious young investor with a compelling mix of idealism and vulnerability, demonstrating his ability to handle a more mature and complex role. Carey Mulligan, as Winnie Gekko, delivers a nuanced performance as Gordon’s daughter, navigating a difficult role with conviction and presence. Her character’s skepticism towards Wall Street and her engagement in social activism provide an interesting counterpoint to the financial machinations of the other characters.
The film also touches upon the complexities and often opaque nature of high finance. While the specifics of the economic strategies employed by the characters might be elusive to viewers without a financial background, this ambiguity could be interpreted as a deliberate choice by Stone. It reflects the often-inscrutable world of Wall Street and the intricate, sometimes incomprehensible, ways in which fortunes are made and lost. The film depicts characters like Bretton James (Josh Brolin) engaging in financial maneuvers that are difficult to fully grasp, mirroring the real-world complexities that contributed to the 2008 financial crisis, the backdrop against which the movie is set.
One particularly lauded scene in Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps is set within the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This opulent banquet scene, where the wealthy elite gather amidst priceless art, epitomizes the excesses and detachment of the financial world. Stone masterfully uses long tracking shots to showcase the lavish setting and the self-satisfied demeanor of the attendees. The scene draws parallels to historical epics, evoking images of wealthy elites oblivious to societal disparities, much like scenes from Gone with the Wind or War and Peace. This sequence highlights Stone’s directorial strengths and hints at the potential for a more impactful film focusing on the historical and societal implications of unchecked financial power.
In conclusion, Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps, while not without its flaws in narrative and symbolism, offers a compelling, if imperfect, glimpse into the world of high finance in the aftermath of the 2008 crisis. Its visual strengths, strong performances, and moments of insightful social commentary, particularly in the Met Museum scene, make it a worthwhile watch for those interested in the themes it explores, even if it doesn’t quite reach the heights of its predecessor. The film serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of greed and the enduring allure and peril of Wall Street.
