University of Illinois Legal Working Paper Series

University of Illinois Law and Economics Working Papers

 

Imagining Wall Street

Larry E. Ribstein, University of Illinois

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.

Subject Area

Law and Economics

Recommended Citation

Larry E. Ribstein, "Imagining Wall Street" (June 2005). University of Illinois Legal Working Paper Series. University of Illinois Law and Economics Working Papers. Working Paper 31.
http://law.bepress.com/uiuclwps/papers/art31

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