Tags:
Journalism of Courage
Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps is that rare cinematic occurrence,not only does the sequel come 23 years after its original; but it is the first time that director Oliver Stone delves into a sequel. However,it is all with a purpose. Money Never Sleeps not only advances a story but also has something new to say.
A reformed Gordon Gecko is out from behind bars,has authored Is Greed Good? and lectures business students. At first he seems to be the standard repentant sinner,but Gordon Gecko is still just as smart,just as crafty,still with cards up his sleeve,older,somewhat wiser,keenly feeling his estrangement from his daughter. Then he meets a young trader named Jake Moore and finds himself edging back into play. Jake wants to marry Geckos estranged daughter,Winnie. He works for an old Wall Street house named Keller Zabel, headed by his mentor and father figure Louis Zabel. Arch rival Bretton James spreads rumours about its instability. Zabel is forced to sell out for a pittance. The next morning,he rises,has his soft-boiled egg and throws himself under a subway train. His mentors death spurs Jake for revenge on Bretton. Seeking revenge,he asks Gecko for help.
Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps is a smart,glossy,beautifully photographed film. Director Oliver Stone is smartly complemented in all other departments. Rodrigo Prieto sweeps the camera around Manhattan. The multiple screens,graphics and digital tricks makes one feel that they are watching a business channel. The slick editing by David Brenner and Julie Monroe complement Oliver Stones astute direction and is also sprinkled with a bit of humour Geckos release has a touch of wit when referring to the cellphone,which looks like a weapon. Michael Douglas returns in the iconic award winning role. An actor rarely gets the opportunity to revive a breakthrough role and Douglas plays Gordon Gecko once again and does so brilliantly.
Shia LaBeouf falls in step beside Douglas,offering the veteran co-actor a tight challenge as he balances his characters idealism with steely determination. Frank Langella has little screen time as Zabel,but the character is crucial,and he is flawless in it.
Carey Mulligan as Winnie,Geckos daughter is the welcome fresh talent of the film and amidst the seasoned co-actors her face and talent stand out. The other veterans Eli Wallach and Susan Sarandon leave vivid impressions with their screen time.
Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps makes the 23-year wait worth the while.
RATING: One for direction. One for performances. One for overall production values.
