Greed is (Still?) Good: Reflecting on Wall Street (1987)

Okay, film fanatics! Priya here, back with another dive into the cinematic world. Lately, I've been rewatching some '80s classics, and 'Wall Street' (1987) came up. I always forget who directed it (Oliver Stone!), but the premise just grabs you, right? Young Bud Fox, hungry as hell, gets sucked into the orbit of Gordon Gekko, the ultimate 'greed is good' poster boy. I've been thinking about Gekko's famous speech, and how it resonates even now. My theory is that the movie, beyond just being a cautionary tale about insider trading, actually romanticizes Gekko a little bit. I mean, Charlie Sheen's character is supposed to be the moral compass, but he's honestly kind of a wet blanket, isn't he? Gekko, on the other hand, is charismatic, powerful, and brutally honest (in his own warped way). That scene where Bud finally rejects Gekko and the lifestyle... its feels less triumphant and more like Bud is giving up on his dreams. I think that's why 'Wall Street' still hits home. It's not just about the illegality of insider trading, but about the seductive power of wealth and success, even at the cost of your soul. It kind of makes you wonder how much the characters changed, or if they stayed the same. I wonder if a modern remake would even try to make the 'villain' likeable, or truly show the corrupt man. Anyway, just some food for thought. What are your hot takes about Gekko and the movie's message? Let me know in the comments!