Corporate greed undeniably plays a significant role in America’s history. It has largely impacted not only the economy but it has forced people to make morally questionable decisions. More often than not corporate greed- and capitalism in itself- will rely on stepping on the backs of the people so the ‘big man’ can maximize corporate and self-serving profit.
America’s obsession with capitalism and corporate greed has been a significant reason why audiences love movies and TV shows like Martin Scorsese’s “The Wolf of Wall Street,” HBO hit series “Succession” and USA Network’s series “Suits.”
Don’t get me wrong, I too am a big fan, but considering both of these examples are considered to be “satirical” media, I wonder if are we, as the audience, missing the point?
It is safe to say that young men, especially college boys, have had a serious obsession with “The Wolf of Wall Street” and Jordan Belfort since the movie first came out in 2013.
The film is based on the true story of former Wall Street stockbroker and trader, Jordan Belfort, whose success and ultimate downfall resulted in his conviction for money laundering and securities fraud.
The film’s success was apparent through its whopping $406.9 million at the box office and its pop culture relevance. Although certain aspects of the film were embellished for dramatic effect, it still allowed its audience to get a glamourized glimpse of the lives of the elite, power itself, and success.
This glamorized or dramatized take was meant to support the satirical aspect that the message of the film strived to attain. Ultimately, audiences saw this version and had mixed interpretations of the film. Mainly, audiences saw this corporate greed and initial success that was displayed and idolized Belfort and the power and money he received as a result.
Other entertainment works like the hit series “Suits” had a similar reaction from their audience, showcasing success and power as a result of corporate greed.
“Suits” skyrocketed the careers of Megan Markle, Patrick J. Adams, and Gabriel Macht! They depicted the fictional story of a brilliant college dropout, Mike Ross, who gets taken under the wing of a top Harvard-educated corporate lawyer, Harvey Specter. Together they work to handle cut-throat legal cases while hiding Ross’ big secret– that not only is he not a Harvard graduate but that he isn’t a lawyer at all.
Although the series does a great job showing the dark side of fraudulence and power, in later seasons. Its success largely had to do with the display of the “underdog” for even attaining such power.
This display of corporate America and success generally, while created to challenge audiences and the extent to which morality and ethics can be compromised in order to attain such money and success. It is evident that instead, audiences have become more fascinated with the glitz and glamour rather than the darker consequences that come as a result of it.
It is hard to decide whether audiences are missing the point, or if it is just a manifestation of our society’s ideals when it comes to capitalism and power.
What are your thoughts on shows like “Suits”? Tag us @VALLEYmag to let us know how you feel.
