CFO at the Movies 2022: Celebrating the Best Finance Moments on the Silver Screen
From classic tales of struggle and redemption to modern stories of ambition and betrayal, these films captivate audiences with their finance-themed narratives.
As we bid farewell to 2023, it’s time to reflect on some of the most memorable business-themed films that graced the silver screen. In this edition of CFO at the Movies, we take a closer look at four movies that showcase the intricacies of finance and its impact on people’s lives. From the heartwarming tale of George Bailey in “It’s a Wonderful Life” to the gripping drama of Mark Zuckerberg in “The Social Network,” these films offer a unique perspective on the world of business. So, grab your popcorn and join us as we delve into the captivating world of finance on the big screen.
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946):
Movie Summary:
Set in pre-World War II upstate New York during Christmas time, “It’s a Wonderful Life” follows the story of George Bailey, the owner of a struggling bank. Facing financial ruin and contemplating suicide, George’s despair is interrupted by his guardian angel, Clarence. Through a series of events, Clarence shows George the positive impact he has had on his community, leading to a community effort to save his bank.
Best Finance-Related Scene:
The bank run scene humorously and informatively portrays the challenges of a bank run, shedding light on the intricacies of fractional reserve banking.
The Social Network (2010):
Movie Summary:
“The Social Network” tells the story of Mark Zuckerberg, the creator of Facebook, and the rise of the social media giant. The film explores Zuckerberg’s journey from a Harvard student starting a social website to becoming a billionaire. It delves into the complexities of business partnerships, intellectual property issues, and the clash between personal ambition and friendship.
Best Finance-Related Scene:
The scene where Eduardo Saverin, portrayed by Andrew Garfield, discovers his ownership stake in the company has been drastically reduced is a pivotal moment that highlights the challenges faced by CFOs and the consequences of strategic misalignment.
The Devil Wears Prada (2006):
Movie Summary:
“The Devil Wears Prada” follows the story of Andrea Sachs, an aspiring journalist who lands a job as the second assistant to the demanding fashion magazine editor, Miranda Priestly. As Andy navigates the cutthroat fashion industry, she learns valuable lessons about the business of high fashion and the sacrifices required to succeed.
Best Finance-Related Scene:
Miranda Priestly’s explanation of how business decisions are made in the fashion industry provides insight into the financial aspects of high fashion and the influence of couture runway successes on the entire fashion pipeline.
Air (2023):
Movie Summary:
“Air” takes us back to 1984 when Nike marketing executive Sonny Vaccaro recognizes the potential of a young basketball player named Michael Jordan. Vaccaro must convince his colleagues and Jordan’s mother that Nike is the best partner for Jordan’s future empire. The film explores the pivotal role finance plays in shaping historic business moments.
Best Finance-Related Scene:
When Sonny Vaccaro realizes the potential of sponsoring Michael Jordan and proposes the idea of giving Jordan a percentage of the revenue associated with every piece of clothing bearing his name, it showcases the foresight and resolve required to seize a transformative business opportunity.
Conclusion:
From the heartwarming tale of George Bailey in “It’s a Wonderful Life” to the gripping drama of Mark Zuckerberg in “The Social Network,” these films offer a unique perspective on the world of finance. They remind us of the complexities and challenges faced by those in the business world while captivating us with their compelling narratives. As we look forward to the cinematic finance moments that await us in 2024, let us appreciate the power of storytelling to shed light on the intricacies of finance and inspire us to navigate the world of business with resilience and determination.