We just can't escape Wall Street

One cannot walk down the street without a reminder of recession. Whether it be a "for rent" sign, a going-out-of-business sale or empty tables at a once-crowded restaurant during lunchtime. The financial news is saturated with analysis of the economic state and news of debt, bankruptcy, and large-scale layoffs of employees. It only seems logical that people would look for an escape from all the vivid reminders of hardship.

Last week, the sequel to the popular movie, "Wall Street," which won Michael Douglas an Oscar, began filming in NYC. Serendipitously, I wandered onto the set today while in Chelsea following a story lead. I watched the "action" along with a few other onlookers and of course, the paparazzi hoping to catch a glimpse of the stars. Many people would stop by the area and inquire about what was happening. A few people seemed interested in watching the filming, excited about the cast, but that was not the case for most. Two young professional females asked me what was being filmed, but when I said "Wall Street 2" they turned around and went back to work. One of the girls said, "I was hopping that it was 'Sex and the City.' They are filming today too."

With an obvious interest in business and economics, I will likely see the movie, but can the same thing be said for the majority of the population? The New York Times (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/08/movies/08stone.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=oliver%20stone&st=cse) lauds Oliver Stone's new script, and Michael Douglas said that the financial crisis was the main influence for his reprise role in the movie. However, I am skeptical about this movie's success - not because of the script or the acting or the cinematography, but simply for the basic storyline. Movies are meant to entertain, hence their position in the "entertainment industry," whether by making us laugh, cry, or scream. However, this movie may hit a little too close to home right now when it comes to echoing economic failures. Maybe I could be wrong and a little acerbic satire is just what we need to ease our minds about Wall Street. I guess I will just have to wait and see.