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2019 | OriginalPaper | Chapter

4. Financial Machinations and Ethical Perspectives

Author : Jadranka Skorin-Kapov

Published in: Professional and Business Ethics Through Film

Publisher: Springer International Publishing

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Abstract

The first part considers business greed and the case of Enron collapse in 2001. Since greed often involves manipulation infringing on human rights, discussions involve films provoking thoughts on manipulating people, including Equity (2016), Arbitrage (2012), Trading Places (1983), and Hudsucker Proxy (1994). In relation to business fraud, we look at the RJR Nabisco 1988 Leveraged Buyout (LBO) which was adopted for the screen in Barbarians at the Gate (1993). We also look at the 1995 collapse of Barings Bank, adapted for the screen in Rogue Trader (1999). Other films discussed include Wall Street (1987) and Other People’s Money (1991). Greedy view of profit comes in contrast with social responsibility and led to the subprime mortgage crisis of 2007–2008. Case discussion considers the Lehman Brothers 2008 collapse. Financial practices widening the gap between profit and responsibility are illustrated through films Margin Call (2011) and The Big Short (2015).

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previous chapter Mythical Structure of Narration, Cinematic Elements, Film Genres

next chapter Workplace Harassment, Violence, Inequity, and Inequality

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Title: Financial Machinations and Ethical Perspectives
Author: Jadranka Skorin-Kapov
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Book: Professional and Business Ethics Through Film
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-89332-7

Electronic ISBN: 978-3-319-89333-4

Copyright Year: 2019
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-89333-4_4

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