The business of money

MANILA, Philippines - 1987’s emblematic film on the era of excess Wall Street by director Oliver Stone continues in Wall Street 2: Money Never Sleeps wherein Gordon Gekko (played by Michael Douglas) is seen being freed from prison whose mementos to take home are his personal pocket items and a first generation handheld phone.

Set against the backdrop of the financial collapse that began with the fall of Bear Stearns, the sequel revolves around young trader Jake Moore (Shia LaBeouf) and how he needs Gekko’s (Douglas) help as he performs his job. Director Oliver briefly introduces us to the film’s web of conflicts and thrills:

What is in store for Michael Douglas’ (Gekko) character in the sequel?

 “When Gekko comes out of prison at the start of the movie, he basically has to redefine himself, redefine his character. He’s looking for that second chance.”

How do you think this film will influence would-be traders?

 “I can’t tell you how many young people have come up to me in these years and said, ‘I went to Wall Street because of that (first) movie.’ I think the movie was misunderstood by some because it was about a horrible thing. It was about on how people will worship money at all costs.”

Why didn’t the sequel come at an earlier time?

 “I resisted sequel for years, I didn’t want to glorify people who were greedy to begin with. I would never have made a second version if it didn’t appear that the system and high finance had finally been brought to its knees. We wouldn’t have done this in 2006. Things were too loose. I didn’t want to glorify pigs.”

Wall Street 2: Money Never Sleeps opens soon in theaters.