Gordon Gekko Movie: Lessons on Insider Trading and Wall Street Culture
Introduction
The 1987 movie Wall Street, starring Michael Douglas as Gordon Gekko, is a classic representation of the Wall Street culture and insider trading. Gekko’s famous line “Greed is Good” captures the movie’s overall theme of unbridled ambition and avarice among the powerful players of Wall Street. As the story progresses, Gekko’s unethical business tactics and disregard for the law are revealed, ultimately leading to his downfall. Though Wall Street is a work of fiction, it still offers powerful lessons about the consequences of insider trading and the culture of Wall Street.
Movie: Insider Trading and Wall Street Culture
It was the summer of 1987, and Gordon Gekko was at the height of his power. As the most successful insider trader on Wall Street, he had made a fortune by exploiting the knowledge and connections of his elite network. Gekko had the power to move markets, and his influence was felt throughout the financial industry.
That summer, Gekko was determined to make an even bigger impact. He had set his sights on the world’s largest and most influential stock exchange – the New York Stock Exchange. Gekko knew that with the right moves, he could make millions and increase his already impressive fortune.
But Gekko was also aware of the risks. Insider trading was a federal crime, and if he was caught, he would be facing serious jail time. Gekko was willing to take the risk, however, if it meant he could get ahead. He began to build his fortune through insider trading and shady deals with other Wall Street bigwigs. His name became synonymous with Wall Street culture and he was seen as a financial genius.
Gordon Gekko soon became a household name, and people started to look up to him as an example of how to make money on Wall Street.
Gekko was a master manipulator, and he began to move shares in several different stocks. He bought low and sold high, all without the knowledge of the public. Gekko’s strategy paid off, and he made a killing in the markets. His profits were so immense that they began to attract the attention of the Securities and Exchange Commission, which began investigating Gekko’s activities.
Eventually, Gekko’s illegal practices were uncovered and he was arrested and charged with insider trading. He was convicted and sentenced to four years in prison.
Who Are The Characters In Gordon Gekko’s Movie Who Are Involved In Insider Trading?
Gordon Gekko
The main antagonist of the film is a ruthless corporate raider who makes a fortune through insider trading.
Bud Fox
Gekko’s protégé, a stockbroker who is initially unaware of Gekko’s illegal activities and eventually assists him in his schemes.
Carl Fox
Bud’s father, a working-class airline mechanic disapproves of Bud’s involvement with Gekko.
Sir Larry Wildman
A British corporate raider who attempts to take over Gekko’s company.
Sir John Thornton
A rival corporate raider who Gekko attempts to outwit.
Darien Taylor
Gekko’s former wife and Bud’s love interest.
Lou Mannheim
An experienced stockbroker who takes Bud under his wing and serves as a mentor.
Sir Howard Shearing
A British financier Gekko attempts to corner the market on a blue-chip stock.
Marty Barnes
A former colleague of Gekko’s who attempts to bring him down.
Roger Barnes
Marty’s brother and a former Wall Street trader who is implicated in Gekko’s illegal activities.
Lessons From The Gordon Gekko Movie’s Insider Trading
Greed Is Not Always Good
The central theme of the movie is that greed is not always a good thing. Gordon Gekko’s character is a prime example of this. He is an ambitious Wall Street trader who is driven by greed and willing to do whatever it takes to get ahead. He makes millions through insider trading, but in the end, he winds up in jail. This highlights the fact that even if greed can bring you success in the short term, it can also lead to long-term consequences.
Money Cannot Buy Happiness
Another important lesson from the movie is that money cannot buy happiness. Gekko’s character is portrayed as a powerful, wealthy man, but his personal life is a mess. He is divorced and estranged from his daughter, and his relationships with other people are strained. In the end, Gekko is alone and isolated, despite all of his money.
Trust Is Essential
The movie also emphasizes the importance of trust. Gekko’s character is constantly manipulating and deceiving people to get ahead. He is never able to build meaningful relationships because of his lack of trust. The movie shows that trust is essential for any successful relationship.
Look Out For Yourself
The movie also suggests that it is important to look out for yourself. Gekko’s character is constantly looking out for his interests, and this is ultimately what leads to his downfall. He is so focused on his gain that he fails to see the consequences of his actions. This is a reminder to be aware of the potential risks and rewards of any decision before taking action.
Choose Your Advisors Carefully
The movie also highlights the importance of choosing your advisors carefully. Gekko’s character is surrounded by shady advisors and shady deals, and this ultimately leads to his downfall. It is important to be wary of anyone who may be trying to take advantage of you and to make sure that you have trustworthy advisors who have your best interests at heart.
Wall Street Culture
The movie paints a vivid picture of the culture of Wall Street, depicting the high-stakes and cutthroat world of finance and stock trading. It shows how money and power can be used to manipulate the market and how those on the inside can use their position to their advantage. The movie also serves as a reminder that the culture of Wall Street can be extremely dangerous, as those at the top can easily become corrupt and abuse their power.
The Need for Regulating Markets
The movie also highlights the need for regulation in the stock market, as Gekko’s ability to manipulate the market is only possible because of the lack of regulation. The movie shows that markets need to be regulated to ensure that they are fair and that individuals do not have an unfair advantage.
Conclusion
The movie Wall Street and its iconic character Gordon Gekko have taught us a lot about insider trading, Wall Street culture, and the dynamics of business. Gordon Gekko’s mantra “Greed is Good” has become a symbol of Wall Street’s obsession with money and power. The film also exposed the dangers of insider trading, which is illegal and can lead to significant jail time. The movie also serves as a warning of the consequences of unchecked greed and ambition, demonstrating how even the most successful businesspeople can be brought down by their recklessness and ambition. Ultimately, Gordon Gekko and Wall Street have provided an important lesson about the importance of ethics and responsibility in business.
