Imagining Wall Street

37 Pages Posted: 2 Aug 2005

See all articles by Larry E. Ribstein

Larry E. Ribstein

University of Illinois College of Law (deceased); PERC - Property and Environment Research Center

Abstract

The 1987 film Wall Street is one of the most popular films dealing with business, and for many people provides an enduring image of capitalism. The film is therefore a good illustration of filmmakers' portrayal of business, and how this portrayal can influence public perceptions and misconceptions. This is important as public misconceptions of business, in turn, can contribute to the regulatory environment. This article discusses the view of business presented in the film, contrasts this view with an alternative, and more realistic, narrative, and shows how the film may have influenced subsequent regulation.

Keywords: Film, business regulation, corporate social responsibility

JEL Classification: G38, K20, K22, L21, L51

Suggested Citation

Ribstein, Larry Edward, Imagining Wall Street. Virginia Law and Business Review, Vol. 1, p. 165, 2006, U Illinois Law & Economics Research Paper No. LE05-017, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=771724

Larry Edward Ribstein (Contact Author)

University of Illinois College of Law (deceased)

PERC - Property and Environment Research Center

2048 Analysis Drive
Suite A
Bozeman, MT 59718
United States

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