Wall Street 1987
Directed by
Oliver Stone
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Wall Street (1987). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
In 1985, aspiring stockbroker Bud Fox (Charlie Sheen) is determined to climb the corporate ladder at Jackson Steinem & Co. He aspires to connect with his idol, the infamous corporate raider Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas), a cunning and brutal figure on Wall Street. Their values stand in stark contrast; while Bud’s father, Carl Fox, represents the old-school work ethic as a blue-collar maintenance foreman and union leader at Bluestar Airlines, Gekko embodies a worldview where success is measured by wealth accumulated through speculation.
On Gekko’s birthday, Bud boldly seeks an audience with him to present stock pitches, but his efforts are met with disappointment as Gekko shows little interest. In a desperate attempt to win Gekko over, Bud divulges insider information regarding Bluestar that he overheard from his father. Gekko considers the tip, and soon after, he begins trading Bluestar stock while enlisting Bud’s services. However, Bud’s initial cautious investments lead to losses, prompting Gekko to take Bud under his wing, guiding him toward extracting information by any means necessary.
As Bud delves deeper into Gekko’s world, he is tasked to spy on British tycoon Sir Lawrence Wildman ([Terence Stamp]) to learn about his upcoming corporate maneuvers. By leveraging this information, Gekko profits immensely, forcing Wildman to acquire Gekko’s shares to complete a takeover bid for a steel company.
With newfound wealth, Bud revels in Gekko’s lavish lifestyle, moving into a luxurious penthouse and dating the glamorous interior decorator Darien ([Daryl Hannah]). His success at trading earns him a significant promotion and a coveted office view, but unbeknownst to him, his actions are drawing the scrutiny of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Bud proposes a bold plan to acquire Bluestar Airlines using union funds and intends to rise to the presidency. He persuades Carl to back him, despite his father’s disdain for Gekko. Everything turns upside down when Bud discovers Gekko’s true intentions—he plans to dismantle Bluestar and pocket the assets from its over-funded pension plan, which would mean layoffs for Carl and the entire workforce. Guilt-ridden over the betrayal, especially after Carl suffers a heart attack, Bud chooses to defy Gekko, opting to save Bluestar over personal gain.
Determined to fight back, he devises a scheme to artificially inflate Bluestar’s stock before bringing it down again. He collaborates secretly with union leaders and Wildman to sell shares at a discounted price. As Gekko’s investments falter, he is blindsided by the news of Wildman’s strategic buyout.
When Bud returns to work, his triumph is short-lived; he is arrested for insider trading by the SEC. In a tense confrontation with Gekko in Central Park, Bud faces harsh criticism for his part in the fallout. However, that exchange serves a greater purpose—recording Gekko incriminating himself. Bud hands over the tapes to the authorities, hoping for leniency in exchange for his cooperation against Gekko.
Eventually, as Bud’s parents drive him to court, Carl expresses pride in Bud’s decision to protect the airline, even as the prospect of prison looms ahead. The film culminates with Bud’s ascent up the courthouse steps, prepared to uphold justice for his actions, yet relieved to have a clear conscience after standing against corruption.
Timeline
Track the key events of Wall Street (1987) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Bud Fox's Aspiration
In 1985, Bud Fox, an aspiring stockbroker, is determined to climb the corporate ladder. His idol is Gordon Gekko, a notorious corporate raider known for his ruthless tactics on Wall Street, representing a contrast to Bud's father's old-school work ethic.
Meeting Gordon Gekko
On Gekko’s birthday, Bud takes a bold step to meet him, hoping to impress with stock pitches. However, Gekko dismisses Bud's efforts, leading him to make a desperate decision that changes everything.
Insider Information Revelation
Bud, in a bid to win over Gekko, shares insider information about Bluestar Airlines that he overheard from his father. This pivotal moment signals Bud's entry into the morally ambiguous world of insider trading.
Gekko Takes Bud Under His Wing
After Bud's initial investments lead to losses, Gekko decides to take him under his wing. He begins to guide Bud in extracting insider information by any means necessary, igniting a moral conflict within Bud.
Spying on Sir Lawrence Wildman
Bud is assigned to spy on British tycoon Sir Lawrence Wildman to gain insight into his corporate moves. This operation greatly benefits Gekko, who uses the information to profit and manipulate the stock market.
Bud's Lavish Lifestyle
As Bud's wealth grows from his associations with Gekko, he indulges in a luxurious lifestyle. He moves into a lavish penthouse and starts dating Darien, an attractive interior decorator, marking a drastic shift in his life.
Bold Acquisition Plan
Bud devises a bold plan to acquire Bluestar Airlines with union funds, aiming to ascend to the presidency of the company. He seeks his father's support, despite Carl's reservations regarding Gekko's influence.
Realization of Gekko's True Intentions
Bud's world shatters when he learns of Gekko's true intentions to dismantle Bluestar Airlines and exploit its pension plan. The revelation hits hard, especially after his father suffers a heart attack from the stress of the betrayal.
Bud's Rebellion Against Gekko
Motivated by guilt and a desire to protect his father and the factory workers, Bud decides to defy Gekko. He starts plotting to artificially inflate Bluestar's stock price with a plan to bring it down for personal gain.
Strategic Collaboration
Bud collaborates secretly with union leaders and Sir Lawrence Wildman to execute his plan against Gekko. Together, they aim to manipulate the stock market to their advantage, which leads to Gekko facing significant losses.
Arrest for Insider Trading
Despite his clever tactics, Bud is arrested by the Securities and Exchange Commission for insider trading. This moment reflects the consequences of his earlier choices and the corrupt environment he was entangled in.
Confrontation in Central Park
In Central Park, Bud confronts Gekko during a tense exchange where accusations fly. This confrontation is pivotal as Bud secretly records Gekko incriminating himself, turning the tables in a morally gray game.
Turning Evidence Against Gekko
Bud decides to hand the incriminating tape to the authorities in exchange for leniency. This act highlights his ultimate choice to align with justice and accountability, despite the threat of prison time hanging over him.
Pride in Doing the Right Thing
As Bud’s parents drive him to court for sentencing, Carl expresses pride in Bud’s decision to protect Bluestar Airlines. This moment solidifies Bud's moral redemption despite the looming consequences of his actions.
Bud's Journey to Uphold Justice
The film culminates with Bud approaching the courthouse steps, illustrating his commitment to integrity over greed. His journey symbolizes a complicated battle between ambition and moral resolution.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Wall Street (1987) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Bud Fox (Charlie Sheen)
Bud Fox is an ambitious young stockbroker eager to climb the corporate ladder. Initially naive, he seeks validation and success at any cost, becoming entangled in Gekko's unscrupulous methods. His journey of self-discovery and moral awakening prompts him to ultimately challenge corruption.
Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas)
Gordon Gekko is a charismatic and merciless corporate raider who embodies the ethos of greed is good. He serves as both a mentor and antagonist to Bud, manipulating him for his personal gain. Gekko's lack of ethics highlights the film's critique of corporate capitalism.
Carl Fox
Carl Fox is Bud’s father and a blue-collar maintenance foreman who represents traditional values and hard work. His opposition to Gekko’s unethical practices creates a moral conflict within Bud, emphasizing the generation gap in values and ethics.
Darien (Daryl Hannah)
Darien is Bud's glamorous girlfriend who enjoys the trappings of wealth that come with his newfound success. Her character illustrates the seductive allure of the high life and its impact on personal relationships within the corporate world.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Wall Street (1987), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
1985
The mid-1980s marked a significant turning point in American finance, characterized by deregulation and rampant speculation. This period saw the rise of corporate raiders and hostile takeovers, creating tensions between traditional corporate values and the aggressive pursuit of wealth. This context provides the backdrop for Bud Fox's journey and moral dilemmas.
Location
Wall Street, New York City, Bluestar Airlines
Wall Street is known as the financial district in New York City, bustling with stock trading and corporate ambition. Bluestar Airlines represents the American airline industry, symbolizing the struggles between labor and corporate greed. Together, these locations set the stage for the intense conflict between personal integrity and the pursuit of wealth.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Wall Street (1987). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Greed
Greed is a central theme in 'Wall Street', showcasing how the insatiable desire for wealth can corrupt individuals. Gordon Gekko epitomizes this through his ruthless tactics and exploitation of the financial system. Bud’s initial ambition aligns with this theme, though he ultimately comes to recognize the danger of losing his moral compass.
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Justice
The pursuit of justice emerges as a poignant theme, especially through Bud's transformation. Initially willing to compromise his values, he ultimately chooses to expose Gekko's corruption, signaling a rejection of unethical practices. The film illustrates the struggle between self-interest and the greater good, culminating in Bud's fight for accountability.
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Family
Family dynamics play a crucial role in 'Wall Street', particularly in Bud's relationship with his father, Carl Fox. The conflict between Bud's ambition and Carl's traditional values highlights the impact of familial expectations and ethics. As Bud’s actions lead to both personal gain and familial strife, the theme underscores the importance of loyalty and moral choice.
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