Gordon Gekko. The name itself conjures images of slicked-back hair, power ties, and the infamous mantra: “Greed, for lack of a better word, is good.” Michael Douglas’s portrayal of this iconic, morally ambiguous financier in Oliver Stone’s 1987 masterpiece, Wall Street, wasn’t just a performance; it was a cultural phenomenon. Earning Douglas an Oscar in 1988, Gekko isn’t just a great film character; he’s a lens through which we continue to examine the seductive and destructive nature of unchecked ambition. If you’re looking to understand the zeitgeist of the 1980s and the enduring allure of financial power, you need to Watch Wall Street 1987.
The Brutal Truth of the Trading Floor: Money Never Sleeps
Stone’s Wall Street isn’t just a movie; it’s a stark lesson in the zero-sum game of wealth. While some economists preach about expanding resources and prosperity for all, Wall Street throws a cold dose of reality in your face. As Gekko chillingly explains to his ambitious protégé, Bud Fox (played with perfect wide-eyed naiveté by Charlie Sheen), “Money itself isn’t lost or made, it’s simply transferred.” This cynical worldview permeates every frame of the film, especially when Stone contrasts Gekko’s opulent world of penthouses and private jets with the gritty realities of everyday New Yorkers struggling to make ends meet. Through carefully crafted visuals, Stone highlights the stark disparity, reminding us that Gekko’s lavish lifestyle is often built on the backs of others.
This unflinching portrayal of American capitalism may make some viewers uncomfortable, but it’s precisely this edge that makes Wall Street so compelling. Just as Shakespeare’s Richard III allows us to revel in the machinations of a morally bankrupt character, Wall Street doesn’t require you to subscribe to Stone’s philosophy to appreciate Gekko’s captivating depravity. Stone’s critical lens, depicting Wall Street as a modern-day Gomorrah, is not a flaw, but a key element of the film’s enduring entertainment value.
Beyond the Greed: Stone’s Craft and Gekko’s Charm
Oliver Stone masterfully balances journalistic detail with compelling human drama. The scenes of the bustling trading floor, the frantic phone calls, and the pressure-cooker environment are rendered with authenticity. Yet, Stone never loses sight of the human element. He injects dark humor, particularly through Gekko’s razor-sharp wit and cynical observations. Gekko’s lines are not just quotable; they are darkly comedic social commentary that reveals the callousness lurking beneath the polished veneer of Wall Street. Remember his cutting remark about WASPs at a charity event: “That’s the thing about WASPs. They hate people, but they love animals.” Or his brutal assessment of a rival: “If he was in the funeral business, no one would ever die!” Even when Gekko is ruthlessly manipulating Bud Fox, his charisma and biting humor are undeniable, making him a fascinating, if reprehensible, figure to watch.
Stone, whose own father worked as a stockbroker, also avoids painting Wall Street with a single brushstroke of villainy. He introduces characters like Hal Holbrook’s Lou Mannheim, a veteran broker embodying old-school ethics, seemingly out of place in the rampant greed of the 80s. John C. McGinley shines as Marvin, Fox’s initially supportive but ultimately dispensable colleague, adding another layer of complexity to the moral landscape of the film. These characters highlight that not everyone on Wall Street is a Gekko, adding depth and nuance to the narrative.
Michael Douglas: The Embodiment of “Greed is Good”
Ultimately, Wall Street belongs to Gordon Gekko. Douglas’s performance is a tour-de-force. We watch Gekko in his element, a master of the universe orchestrating deals, barking orders (“rip their throats out!”), and casually monitoring his blood pressure while chain-smoking. His centerpiece, the Teldar Paper stockholders’ meeting speech, is a cinematic highlight. It’s not just a display of brutality; it’s a chillingly logical articulation of his “greed is good” philosophy. Stone’s writing shines here, crafting a monologue that is both persuasive and deeply disturbing, forcing the audience to confront the uncomfortable logic of Gekko’s worldview.
Charlie Sheen provides the perfect foil as Bud Fox, the ambitious young broker seduced by Gekko’s world. Sheen effectively portrays Fox’s naivety and moral compromises as he descends deeper into Gekko’s orbit, providing Douglas ample space to dominate the screen. While the romantic subplot with Darien Taylor (Daryl Hannah) feels somewhat underdeveloped and tacked on, and the ending might be a little too simplistic for the film’s overall complexity, these minor shortcomings are easily overshadowed by the sheer force of Gekko’s presence.
Why You Still Need to Watch Wall Street Today
Forget subtlety; Gordon Gekko is the reason to watch Wall Street 1987. Michael Douglas delivers a performance for the ages, creating a character who is both captivating and terrifying. From his piercing gaze and raised eyebrows that speak volumes to his dismissive amusement at rivals like Sir Larry Wildman (Terence Stamp), Gekko commands every scene he’s in. Stone knew he had something special in Gekko and wisely put him front and center. As a cautionary tale wrapped in a thrilling narrative, Wall Street remains a scenic, albeit dark and dangerous, ride into the heart of ambition and excess. If you want to understand the enduring power of cinematic villains and the seductive allure of Wall Street, make sure to watch Wall Street 1987.
