As someone who was born right smack dab in the heart of the ’80s yuppie culture, I can tell you that these movies sure do bring back some memories! It seems like everyone wanted to get their hands on as much material wealth as possible, no matter what the cost.
Oh, the 1980s! Known for its outstanding music, distinctive style, but above all, its extraordinary ambition and extravagance. Yuppies dominated society’s landscape. The peace-loving generation from the 60s matured into the me-centric generation. Needless to say, films from that era, as well as those produced since, have delved deeply into understanding the young urban professional culture. Here is our curated collection of some standout examples portraying the best, worst, and mostly unsavory aspects of yuppie culture.
Less Than Zero (1987)
Bret Easton Ellis, an author, might have been one of the best at dissecting and explaining yuppie culture. His book “Less Than Zero“, made into a movie in 1987, vividly portrayed the despair and rot within the culture more effectively than most others, particularly during that time. The film, directed by Marek Kanievska, features stars like Andrew McCarthy, James Spader, and Robert Downey Jr., who helped shape the generation’s image.
Wall Street (1987)
Materialism Prevailed” or “Decade of Financial Ambition” could be potential ways to paraphrase the idea that greed was a defining characteristic of the 1980s, while still maintaining a natural and easy-to-read language. These phrases encapsulate the spirit of the ’80s, where material success and financial ambition were highly valued, as depicted in the movie “Wall Street.
The Secret Of My Success (1987)
1987 marked a significant milestone for the portrayal of yuppie lifestyle on screen, including comedies. For instance, “The Secret Of My Success,” featuring Michael J. Fox, showcases an ambitious young man striving to build his fortune in New York City. While it’s undoubtedly humorous, the critique of yuppie culture is still evident, albeit subtly.
Working Girl (1988)
One positive outcome of yuppie culture was the increase of women in the workforce, as depicted in the movie “Working Girl” where Melanie Griffith plays a determined woman striving to succeed in a male-dominated corporate world. Despite the harsh business politics portrayed, her character manages to stay focused and ultimately emerges victorious.
Something Wild (1986)
The film titled “Something Wild” portrays a counteraction towards society. In this movie, Jeff Daniels takes on the role of a conventional businessman who experiences an unexpected shift from his usual routine at the hands of a free-spirited woman, played by Melanie Griffith. Instead of serving as a criticism of the culture, it essentially outlines a guide for living independently from it.
Bonfire Of The Vanities (1990)
There are numerous aspects to take issue with in this less-than-satisfying film adaptation of Tom Wolfe’s masterpiece, “The Bonfire of the Vanities.” Regrettably, the movie doesn’t convey the biting satire of 1980s greed and excess as effectively as the book does. However, it merits a mention because readers would greatly benefit from experiencing the superb critique of yuppie culture that the novel offers.
The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
The film, produced well past the 1980s, is remarkably effective in portraying the profound moral decay characteristic of most films from any era. Martin Scorsese’s acclaimed, award-winning account of stockbroker Jordan Belfort (played by Leonardo DiCaprio), titled The Wolf Of Wall Street, is a unique blend of humor and horror.
White Palace (1990)
If a film is from the 1980s and stars James Spader, it’s quite probable that it delves into the culture of young urban professionals (yuppies). The movie “White Palace” certainly touches upon themes that resonate in any era, such as class distinctions and their impact on relationships. However, its critique is particularly sharp when viewed through the lens of yuppie society, where one’s social standing was frequently determined by financial prosperity.
Pretty Woman (1990)
The movie “Pretty Woman” primarily falls under the genre of romantic comedy. It’s actually one of the best romantic comedies ever produced. The narrative, featuring Richard Gere as a prosperous takeover specialist and Julia Roberts as his hired companion, remains quite representative of its era. The time-strapped businessman who finds love in an unconventional manner is the central theme.
St. Elmo’s Fire (1985)
St. Elmo’s Fire could be considered the quintessential film of the so-called “Brat Pack,” skillfully capturing the struggles faced by young adults in their twenties during the 1980s, as they dealt with the extravagances and ambitious spirit of that era, while also grappling with the realities of growing up.
Baby Boom (1987)
The film titled “Baby Boom” presents an unusual scenario: A career-driven professional (Diane Keaton) unexpectedly acquires a baby following the demise of a distant relative. Despite its implausibility, it offers an intriguing perspective on the evolving societal norms of the 1980s, particularly the rise of women in corporate roles and the tension between career success and family life.
The Big Chill (1983)
It’s accurate: The Baby Boomer Generation significantly shaped the yuppie culture of the 1980s, and there is no clearer illustration of the Boomers moving from the peace-loving generation to the self-centered generation than the film The Big Chill. A group of individuals in their thirties come together after many years apart for a reunion, reflecting on their lives and what they still aspire to achieve.
Strictly Business (1991)
In a unique blend of the corporate lifestyle of the ’80s yuppies and the African-American culture of that era, Strictly Business unfolds. The narrative skillfully pokes fun at the aspirations of a young Black man who’s committed to climbing the corporate ladder by adhering to the rules. However, in his quest for success, he gradually detaches himself from his own cultural roots until he experiences love.
American Psycho (2000)
Among the films listed here, none quite captured and mocked 1980s yuppie culture like “American Psycho.” In essence, this film, adapted from a Bret Easton Ellis book, offers an exceptional critique of that decade’s flaws and indulgences. Christian Bale delivers an outstanding performance as Patrick Bateman, the psychotic investment banker who moonlights as a murderer.
Boomerang (1992)
In the ’80s, the world was undergoing significant changes, yet some individuals were reluctant to adapt. This is exemplified by Eddie Murphy’s character in the movie Boomerang, who embodies an African-American yuppie struggling with outdated perspectives as he navigates his search for love or casual relationships amidst the evolving landscape of dating dynamics.
Bright Lights, Big City (1988)
Michael J. Fox gained fame for his comedic roles in the 1980s, however, “Bright Lights, Big City” presents a stark contrast as it’s a somber drama that explores the dangerous side of the yuppie lifestyle during that era. In this film, Fox plays a young man struggling with addiction, immersed in the extravagance of the 80s. Phoebe Cates portrays his high-fashion wife who is also ensnared in the same culture but reaches her breaking point due to his addiction issues.
Bad Influence (1990)
In a gripping, dark thriller, James Spader, known for his roles in yuppie films, partners with Rob Lowe. The story revolves around a cautious yuppie character played by Spader who, under the sway of an enigmatic outsider (Lowe), begins to shed his reservations in a chilling manner that involves some extremely disturbing scenarios.
National Lampoon Christmas Vacation
Alright, alright, I’ll concede that National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation isn’t strictly a yuppie flick, but more about the quirky and complex Griswold family, with Clark (Chevy Chase) at the helm. However, their neighbors Todd and Margo, portrayed by Nicholas Guest and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, are the embodiment of annoying yuppies. Needless to say, they can’t stand our goofy clan one bit.
The Last Days Of Disco (1998)
1998’s “The Last Days of Disco” offers an insightful portrayal of the waning ’70s and the emergence of the 1980s, capturing the essence of the social indulgences, materialism, and professional stresses that would become synonymous with this period. Remarkably, this film was produced nearly two decades after the events it depicts, yet it stands as a powerful symbol of disco’s twilight and the rise of yuppie culture. As a gamer, I find myself immersed in its vivid portrayal of that transitional era, much like how I navigate through different levels or eras in my favorite video games.
After Hours (1985)
Martin Scorsese, who is more recognized for his dramatic films, ventured into a different genre with “After Hours“, starring Griffin Dunne and Rosanna Arquette. Similar to many romantic movies of the 80s, this film is set against the materialistic backdrop of the ’80s and the distinct pressure experienced by individuals striving for acceptance and success in New York’s high society.
Cocktail (1988)
The lively social scene of young professionals is prominently featured in the movie “Cocktail,” headlined by Tom Cruise, Bryan Brown, and Elisabeth Shue. Cruise plays a bartender yearning for a career in banking and business, but finds himself struggling to make it. Instead, he lands a job as a bartender while attending business school, eventually coming to the realization that chasing after the Joneses isn’t necessary to find happiness.
Vampire’s Kiss (1988)
As a fervent admirer, let me share my take on one of Nicolas Cage’s less recognized roles: he stars as a yuppie who believes he’s transforming into a vampire. This dark comedy cleverly employs its narrative to skewer the relentless ambition and ludicrous aspects of yuppie culture. True to form, Cage delivers an exuberant performance that, quite frankly, fits the film like a glove.
Other People’s Money (1991)
In the 1980s, figures like Carl Icahn and Paul Bilzerian were renowned, often admired by young professionals (yuppies). They were frequently depicted in films, with characters resembling them portrayed as ruthless financiers who didn’t hesitate to dismantle businesses for financial gain. One such movie was the less-acknowledged “Other People’s Money,” where Danny DeVito played an investor embodying this very persona.
Pacific Heights (1990)
In the 1980s, there was constant pressure to appear successful. The less recognized film “Pacific Heights,” starring Michael Keaton, capitalizes on this theme when a character portrayed by Keaton deceives new landlords into renting their apartment to him. As events unravel, the story takes a dark turn, with the vibrant 1980s San Francisco serving as a foreboding backdrop throughout.
Scrooged (1988)
There’s no question that the movie “Scrooged” stands among the greatest Christmas films ever made. It serves as a striking critique of materialism and career-driven attitudes prevalent in the ’80s yuppie society, with Bill Murray portraying a ruthless TV executive who sacrifices everything for success and wealth. His personal life takes a backseat to his job, leaving him detached from family and other aspects of life. Essentially, it’s a modern retelling of “A Christmas Carol,” set against the vibrant backdrop of the 1980s.
Ruthless People (1986)
Danny DeVito’s character in “Ruthless People” may have showcased no more compelling – or ominous – evidence of the moral depravity and callousness of some men during the 1980s. His character is so fixated on his financial wellbeing that he’s indifferent towards settling the ransom for his wife’s kidnapping. As they asserted in “Wall Street” from the same era, greed was indeed considered good.
Big Business (1988)
In a modernized version of a classic Tinseltown concept from the 1980s, Bette Midler and Lily Tomlin portray twin sisters who were separated at birth in “Big Business.” While one pair is raised with wealth and a strong emphasis on material possessions, the other experiences a more grounded upbringing. The story takes an entertaining turn as their lives intertwine, teaching us valuable lessons about the dangers of greed and obsession with materialism.
Trading Places (1983)
In the movie “Trading Places,” Dan Aykroyd portrays a wealthy, old-money businessman who experiences a dramatic reversal of fortune when his powerful employers manipulate their positions to swap his life with a streetwise petty criminal played by Eddie Murphy. Although ’80s yuppie culture is not the film’s primary focus, it offers a vivid snapshot of that self-centered mentality that was prevalent in society at the time.
The Firm (1993)
In the early 90s backdrop, The Firm portrays individuals’ relentless pursuit for success, demonstrating extreme measures taken to realize the supposed ideal career. Tom Cruise’s persona is ready to overhaul his entire life and join a questionable Memphis law firm if they offer him an enticing package including a luxurious home, stylish car, and lucrative income. It mirrors our aspirations from the ’80s era.
The War Of The Roses (1989)
One of the most grimly humorous films from the 1980s was undeniably “The War Of The Roses,” where Kathleen Turner, Michael Douglas, and Danny DeVito teamed up once more following the success of “Romancing The Stone” and its follow-up “The Jewel Of The Nile.” In contrast to their previous comedies, “The War Of The Roses” presents a unique brand of comedy that delves into the dark aspects of wealth and greed. As Douglas and Turner engage in an intensely bitter divorce, they mercilessly pursue each other, offering a chilling glimpse at the ugly side of material possessions.
For Love Or Money (1993)
In the 1980s yuppie culture, money held immense importance. Despite the release of “For The Love Of Money,” a film starring Michael J. Fox in the early ’90s, it maintained an ’80s vibe of unchecked greed and a relentless pursuit of wealth regardless of the cost. This was often at the detriment of one’s personal and romantic relationships, as the movie emphasized.
She’s Having A Baby (1988)
In contrast to popular belief that the ’80s were solely driven by unbridled ambition and materialism, films like “She’s Having A Baby” portrayed another side – young couples grappling with the challenges of starting a family while juggling work and personal life. While there was still a desire to succeed and maintain a certain social status, it also added the stress of fulfilling familial and societal expectations. Essentially, this movie offers a genuine depiction of life and love in the 1980s.
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-10-24 16:38