Monday, September 27, 2010

Gordon Gekko, Superstar


This is the second terrific performance I've seen by Michael Douglas in two months (the first being Solitary Man). One of the things I've found interesting about his work lately is that he's exploring the lives of men over 60. Given his current health problems, it's especially poignant to watch his characters face their own mortality. And, in the case of Gordon Gekko, you want to scream every time he lights a cigar. In the movie, it's a sign of privilege, in real-life, it's simply dangerous and stupid. Also, he has a monologue about Gekko's son, Rudy, and drug addiction. Again, the way art imitates life is chilling. I'm also reminded that Michael Douglas is great at delivering monologues. It could be what he does best. Whether it's "Greed is good," from the original Wall Street, or "I am the President" from The American President, he's good at talking to the camera, and us, effortlessly holding our attention all by himself.

This Wall Street sequel is a very well made movie. Visually it's high-tech and glam. The performances (Douglas, Shia LeBeouf, Frank Langella and Josh Brolin) are uniformly solid and engaging.

I did have a problem with the script/plot. It was so Byzantine that I got lost in who was scamming who and what was happening with this or that deal and what the ef is Susan Sarandon doing in this film, anyway? So I just kinda gave up and enjoyed the ride.

4 comments:

  1. So it is good then? I was annoyed that they couldn't leave well enough alone and had to take an awesome movie and make a sequel. But he can carry the day, can't he?

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  2. I thought Michael Douglas looked & sounded great in the TV commercials for the movie. I hoped Douglas was good throughout the movie so it's nice to know he is a strong & engaging character in the entire movie. I'm glad to know you enjoyed the movie, too, despite the confusing plot. I find it strange that all these years later a sequel is made & was skeptical as a result. I also wasn't sure about Shia LaBeof (sp?). But now I'm looking forward to seeing the movie!

    Thank you!
    ~ Amy

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  3. I wondered about the plot. Sounds complicated. But it also sounds good! And Susan Sarandon??

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  4. Anonymous3:06 PM

    My husband wants to see this one but I've been dragging by swollen, pregnant feet. Maybe it's not so bad after all?

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