In a recent examination of how the media portrays Wall Street, a group of 25 young professionals under the age of 35 offered their insights on which TV shows, movies, and books come closest to depicting their work environments. While often exaggerated for dramatic effect, some productions manage to capture certain elements of financial life.
The TV show “Industry,” which focuses on junior bankers at a fictional elite institution in London, came up frequently among the rising stars of Wall Street. Justin Elliott, a vice president at Bank of America, finds some truth in the exaggerated depictions, highlighting the thrill of closing a trade. However, he suggests the show amplifies the reality for entertainment purposes.
Erica Wilson, a vice president at Blue Owl, expressed her fondness for “Industry” despite it being over-the-top. She believes it provides a fun, albeit embellished, portrayal of Wall Street life. Meanwhile, “Succession,” though not centered on banking, resonated with Daniela Cardona of RBC Capital Markets, who noted its portrayal of high-stress situations in corporate environments.
Ben Carper, managing director at Jefferies, pointed to “Scrubs,” a medical comedy, as a better representation of their work environment. He likens its mix of pressure and humor to the financial world.
Movies like “Margin Call,” which dives into the early stages of the 2008 financial crisis, are seen as capturing the cadence of working at a large bank. Austin Anton from Apollo Global Management sees it as reflective of their working rhythm. “The Wolf of Wall Street,” known for its portrayal of excess and debauchery, strikes a chord with Matt Gilbert from Thoma Bravo, who sees some truth in the absurdity depicted in the film. He emphasizes that finance, while influential, is not always as critical or glamorous as portrayed, and humor plays a crucial role in maintaining balance.
Chi Chen of BlackRock appreciates “The Big Short” for its insight into the 2008 housing crisis, although it doesn’t fully reflect daily financial life. Similarly, Patrick Lenihan from JPMorgan draws parallels between “The Internship” and the value of teamwork and diversity in finance.
In literature, the “Market Wizards” series is recommended by Chen for understanding market volatility through time, while “Free Food for Millionaires” gives Justin Elliott a humanistic view of Wall Street life, focusing on themes of belonging and identity.
Blake Cecil of Bridgewater finds resonance in the biography of Jim Simons, “The Man Who Solved the Market.” It highlights the uniqueness of financial problem-solving using algorithms. For Harrison DiGia of General Atlantic, “The Inner Game of Tennis” offers insights into mental preparation and intuition, essential for seizing financial opportunities.
Craig Kolwicz of Moelis sees parallels between “Unreasonable Hospitality” and the level of service expected in finance. The book’s depiction of exceptional service resonates with his experience of going above and beyond for clients.
While entertainment media often exaggerates the reality of financial careers, it can offer glimpses into the experiences and challenges faced by professionals on Wall Street. These portrayals highlight both the pressures and the camaraderie that define their industry, even if they occasionally stray far from the mundane realities of emails and meetings.
Source: BusinessInsider
