Anna Gunn James Purefoy Sarah Megan
Thomas Alysia
Reiner
It’s obvious that Equity was made primarily by women because it captures so
accurately women’s perceptions and our experience in the world—at least in the
sphere of business, and particularly on Wall Street, I presume. Unfortunately, no character comes
across as being particularly warm-hearted and generous. Even the main character, Naomi (Gunn),
is not always sympathetic, even when she is betrayed. I had to wonder whether if she were a bit more nurturing and soft (without being a pansy) people would be
more inclined to work for her rather
than against her. Her leadership
was actually not much different from that of a man, but women are not generally
forgiven for being as hard-nosed as men.
It could be that the filmmakers were more interested in painting a
picture of Wall Street than addressing women’s issues, however.
Naomi is a committed, hardworking banker with
aspirations to be a global leader.
She’s given feedback about why she’s not appointed to the position just
opening up, but it’s something like she irritates people or she wasn’t dressed
right on one occasion.
Unfortunately, other women in the film do get what they want by being
attractive, sexy, and using traditional feminine wiles. But the movie is fair on this
point—male characters likewise use flirtation and charm to get what they’re
after (primarily information).
Cache is a privacy firm that wants to get into
social networking and have a reputation for being the most secure. Naomi recognized from the start its
potential and has continually fostered its success. Now, it is almost time for Cache to go public, and there’s a
great deal of excitement around issuing their IPO. The film highlights how insider trading can sabotage such a
launch and we see how whispering and vindictiveness can wreak havoc personally
and professionally. It’s galling
to see how during such times, there are people who profit.
Two of the actors, Sarah Megan Thomas and
Alysia Reiner, collaborated with Amy Fox in writing the interesting story,
which is like watching a train wreck about to happen. We see the behind-the-scenes plots of determined people who
won’t let anything or anyone stand in their way. For all her ambition, and despite her ethics and
business-like manner, Naomi is vulnerable and doesn’t really recognize it. She’s smart and eventually figures out
the truth, but she doesn’t anticipate the lengths to which others will go.
Director Meera Menon does a good job in
presenting a view of the cutthroat financial world and its culture of
corruption and greed. The cast is
well chosen, with Gunn, Thomas, Reiner, and Purefoy appropriately
highlighted.
The world of Wall Street from a woman’s
point of view.
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