A bit of a change this week. Often, when I’m watching a film, I think about what a good resource of sorts it would be, because it ties in so well to things I cover in the podcast and in this blog.
So I thought it would be fun to put a short list together of some great films that, if you’re a regular listener or reader, are really worth a watch! There are some undoubted classics in this list, but hopefully there are one or two that you’ve not come across yet.
Margin Call (2011)
“A financial company’s management division head working on a major analysis is fired. His protege attempts to complete the analysis and finds out the true reason behind their financial downfall.”
This is a cracking movie. Over the course of a day or so, we see an unnamed financial firm attempt to manoeuvre its way out of the early stages of the early 2008 crisis, where difficult decisions must be made that impact the livelihoods of others, and explores greed, recklessness, and moral compromise in the financial world.
It’s a bit of a hidden gem, and I really enjoyed watching the situation play out, and trying to work out which characters would succeed, and who would end up as collateral damage.
The Big Short (2015)
“In the mid-2000s, a few finance experts observe the instability in the US housing market and predict its collapse. Through their research, they discover the flaws and corruption in the system.”
Staying with the 2008 crisis, this comedy-drama centres on a group of investors who profit off the impending housing collapse that mid-level Wall Streeters fail to see coming.
It’s a darkly humorous look inside the world of high finance, showing the ulterior motives and risky behaviour beneath bankers’ professional veneer and shedding light on the crisis’s human impact.
I mean, don’t take it as a life lesson, guys, but it’s a good watch.
Draft Day (2014)
“Sonny Weaver, the Cleveland Browns general manager, is stuck in a dilemma at the NFL draft when he has to choose between a prolific quarterback and a player his father, a senior coach, advised him to.”
Now, you might be wondering why I’ve included a film about American Football in my list, but this is a great movie. We get a behind-the-scenes look at the high-stakes negotiations and rapid strategising surrounding the NFL draft as teams scramble to land top talent.
Kevin Costner plays the troubled GM of the team, who has to battle mounting pressure to turn around his struggling franchise with impact draft picks and trades. The climax of the film is a masterclass in strategy and negotiation, and really highlights how important it is to stay cool, when everyone around you is losing their mind!
The Towering Inferno (1974)
“Doug Roberts, an architect, has designed the world’s tallest building; however, he is concerned that his wiring specifications may have not been followed, and fire breaks out in the building.”
Well, I couldn’t not include this! It’s the quintessential 1970s disaster film, a cautionary tale of what happens when you cut corners.
On its very first night, a gorgeous new San Francisco high-rise erupts into flames due to an electrical fire, trapping attendees of the structure’s glamourous opening night gala inside. As Steve McQueen and Paul Newman work desperately to evacuate partygoers and put out the flames, we find out just how much of a price needs to be paid for the greedy developer and contractors wanting to save money.
Rocky (1976)
“Rocky Balboa, a small-time boxer, gets a chance to fight heavyweight champion Apollo Creed. In a bid to earn respect and glory, Rocky jumps into the ring, unaware of the tough task ahead of him.”
Adriaaaaan! I’m sure you’ve heard of Rocky, but I’m often surprised that there are a lot of people who haven’t actually seen the film. It’s a classic underdog sports drama following the rags-to-riches story of small-time Philly boxer Rocky Balboa getting an unlikely shot at the world heavyweight title.
While on the face of it Rocky appears to be an underestimated long-shot, behind that initial impression we see the extreme resilience he develops through an immense training regimen and the unwavering support of trainer/mentor Mickey. Despite a lack of inherent talent and many obstacles along his path, Rocky stays fiercely determined to go the distance in what seems an impossible feat.
His journey captures the power of mental toughness and rising to challenges as underdog stories so often do, not to mention the deeper message around hard work, discipline, and the human capacity to push past perceived limitations and defy others’ doubts. Rocky’s against-all-odds triumph reminds audiences never to underestimate the underdog!
The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
“Introduced to life in the fast lane through stockbroking, Jordan Belfort takes a hit after a Wall Street crash. He teams up with Donnie Azoff, cheating his way to the top as his relationships slide.”
Another financial black comedy, this 3-hour epic follows a broker from his high-flying days scamming investors, fuelled by a toxic mix of greed, ego, and rampant drug use behind the luxury exterior. The story arc considers accountability for financial wrongdoing and the influence of Wall Street culture on ethics.
It might sounds pretty straight-laced, but it’s so funny. We’re meant to be shocked by how awful these people are (and they are awful), but they’re so entertaining it softens the blow of quite how shameless they are.
What would be on your Behind the Facade movie playlist? Is there something you’d especially recommend? Get in touch and let me know!