Elias Bautista
Professor Csilla B. Korbl
Writing 2150
26 March 2024
“The Wolf of Wall Street” is a widely discussed film that showcases the glamorous yet controversial world of investment banking on Wall Street. Directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, it provides viewers with a captivating look into the high-stakes environment of finance, marked by lavish lifestyles, and unethical means. However, this portrayal of the industry is a biased view of Wall Street and its professionals. The film’s focus on luxury lifestyles and unethical behavior may lead viewers to believe that such behavior is not only common but also acceptable within the financial industry. This misrepresentation not only impacts public perceptions of Wall Street but also has consequences for those working within it. Investment bankers, in particular, may find themselves struggling with the psychological harm of unrealistic expectations and the pressure to imitate the characters depicted in the film. Additionally, the film’s glorification of illegal activities may weaken trust in financial institutions and damage the industry. As a result, “The Wolf of Wall Street” carries out harmful stereotypes and damages relationships within the finance industry. Therefore, the film’s portrayal of Wall Street affects investment bankers psychologically and students studying finance, economically, and in their relationships.
The misrepresentation of “The Wolf of Wall Street” can have psychological effects on both investment bankers and college students majoring in finance. For investment bankers, the film’s portrayal of excessive wealth, luxury lifestyles, and unethical behavior may create unrealistic expectations and pressure to imitate the idealized image of success. This pressure can lead to feelings of inadequacy, and stress, as professionals struggle to obtain the glorified lifestyle presented in the film with the realities of their own careers. As Jordan Belfort confidently said in the film, “I’ve been a poor man, and I’ve been a rich man. And I choose rich every f*cking time.” This quote demonstrates the attraction of wealth portrayed in the film, worsening the psychological pressures faced by investment bankers to achieve similar levels of success. Moreover, the glorification of unethical practices promotes moral conflicts, further worsening psychological distress. For college students majoring in finance, the film’s depiction of Wall Street may distort their perceptions of the industry and shape their career aspirations. Inspired by the characters portrayed in the film, students may be drawn to the attraction of high-paying jobs and luxurious lifestyles without fully understanding the ethical responsibilities and professional challenges in the financial industry. Consequently, the misrepresentation of “The Wolf of Wall Street” can carry on unrealistic expectations, worsen psychological pressures, and disregard the well-being of both current and aspiring finance professionals.
The misrepresentation of “The Wolf of Wall Street” can have significant economic implications for both investment bankers and college students majoring in finance. For investment bankers, the film’s portrayal of Wall Street as an industry of unethical behavior may contribute to negative perceptions of the financial industry among the public and authorities. As Jordan Belfort says in his book, “The name of the game, moving the money from the client’s pocket to your pocket.” This quote highlights the film’s depiction of Wall Street as a place where personal gain is often more important than ethical considerations. Moreover, the glorification of illegal activities may destroy trust in financial institutions, and discourage investors. For college students majoring in finance, the misrepresentation of Wall Street in the film may influence their career choices and investment decisions. Inspired by the characters portrayed in the movie, students may be drawn to careers that promise quick wealth and high status without considering the long-term economic consequences. This can result in a mismatch between students’ career aspirations and the realities of the financial industry, potentially leading to dissatisfaction, and underperformance. Overall, the misrepresentation of “The Wolf of Wall Street” can affect the financial industry’s economically harming investor confidence, and the career path of aspiring finance students.
The misrepresentation of “The Wolf of Wall Street” can impact the relationships of both investment bankers and college students majoring in finance. For investment bankers, the film’s portrayal of Wall Street culture as one characterized by manipulation, and disregard for ethical behavior may strain personal relationships within the industry. As Jordan Belfort mentors his protege, he states, “Act as if! Act as if you’re a wealthy man, rich already, and then you’ll surely become rich. Act as if you have unmatched confidence and then people will surely have confidence in you.” This demonstrates the pressure felt by investment bankers to prioritize personal success at any cost, potentially leading to a breakdown of trust. Moreover, the glamorization of materialism may further worsen, encouraging a competitive and cutthroat environment that weakens the development of genuine relationships. For college students majoring in finance, the misrepresentation of Wall Street in the film may influence their personal relationships and social interactions. Inspired by the characters portrayed in the movie, students may adopt attitudes and behaviors that prioritize wealth and status, potentially ignoring friends and family members who do not share the same values. Additionally, the glorification of unethical behavior, as depicted by Belfort’s manipulation of his colleagues, may create moral conflicts and strain relationships with peers and mentors who have ethical standards. Overall, the misrepresentation of “The Wolf of Wall Street” can have effects on the relationships of investment bankers and college students majoring in finance, encouraging trust,, and mutual respect within both professional and personal spheres.
In conclusion, the impact of “The Wolf of Wall Street” reaches further than its portrayal in the movie, affecting both investment bankers and finance students significantly. Through its glamorization of unethical behavior, the film carries out harmful stereotypes and encourages unrealistic expectations within the financial industry. This misrepresentation not only impacts individuals psychologically, leading to feelings of inadequacy, but also carries significant economic consequences, destroying trust in financial institutions and threatening market stability. Moreover, the portrayal of relationships in the film reinforces a culture of exploitation and manipulation, harming personal connections within both professional and personal spheres. Therefore, the film’s portrayal of Wall Street affects investment bankers psychologically and students studying finance, economically, and in their relationships.
Citation :
Scorsese , Martin. “The Wolf of Wall Street | ‘Not Leaving’ Clip | Paramount Movies.” YouTube, YouTube, 11 Nov. 2021, www.youtube.com/watch?v=g07Xxr20L9s.
Scorsese, Martin, et al. The Wolf of Wall Street. Universal Studios, 2014. Belfort, Jordan. The Wolf of Wall Street. Random House Publishing Group, 2007.