Pro-Capitalism Films/DVDs?

My friend Eric asked me recently if there are any good films or DVDs available that are "pro-capitalism". Sadly, I can't think of any that aren't classroom-type ponderous blather. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Comments

[Tom Hanna]

The Fountainhead (1948) with Gary Cooper isn't explicitly about capitalism, but it's definitely pro-capitalist. And it's much better than the book.

[Craig M. Newmark]

I'll immodestly offer two of my posts. (Though if the *entire* movie must be "pro-capitalist," that's a tall order.)

http://newmarksdoor.typepad.com/mainblog/2007/03/devitos_speech_.html Transcript of Danny DeVito's speech from Other People's Money. Like Michael Douglas's speech in Wall Street, but even more stunning because it follows Gregory Peck's ringing attack on the market.

http://newmarksdoor.typepad.com/mainblog/2008/06/another-fine-ex.html Courtesy of Mark Steckbeck, another fine speech from the 1951 movie--I don't know if it's on DVD--Home Town Story. This link also has to links to resources for "movie scenes in economics" that might be helpful.

Cheers,
Craig

[Ironman]

I'll second Craig's vote for Other People's Money:

http://politicalcalculations.blogspot.com/2008/06/now-thats-speech.html

Home Town Story sounds interesting, but it appears that it may be difficult to find on DVD, except perhaps in used-condition:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0043651/

http://www.amazon.com/Home-Town-Story-Jeffrey-Lynn/dp/6305417296

[Gabriel]

Capitalism is not glamorous...

I still say that Free to Choose, the documentaries, is a pretty good idea, blather aside.

[Rondi]

Like Tom, I thought of the Fountainhead.

[Rebekah K]

IIRC, the made-for-tv "Pirates of Silicon Valley" was a fairly reasonable look at the development of Apple/Microsoft from garage to world powerhouses. It may have been a bit lightweight, and may have fiddled around with personalities, but it drew a pretty good picture of what it takes to make a business succeed (and, on the down side, a little of how to make business theft look ethical).

Of course, my memory has been known to play tricks on me.

[Scoop]

I am surprised no one has mentioned that essential EclectEcon teaching tool "Market Street." Alas it is unavailable on DVD.

I will suggest The Incredibles, which is a great cinematic argument in favour of the individual and excellence. Better Ayn Rand than even the Fountainhead.

[Andrew L]

Tucker: The Man and His Dream (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096316/) has always been a favorite of mine. In addition to presenting an entrepreneur as heroic and likable, it emphasizes the damage caused by collusion between government and industry.

There are also numerous 'rebel' films out there that have strong pro-individualism and/or anti-government themes that could be interpreted as libertarianism. Cool Hand Luke, V for Vendetta and Serenity come to mind. Unfortunately, most of these sorts of films could just as easily be interpreted as pro-anarchy instead of pro-liberty, so they may not really be what you're looking for.

[Andrew L]

read this:

http://www.mskousen.com/Books/Articles/shrugged.html

for some more suggestions. I haven't seen all the films mentioned there, so I can't say for sure if they're what you want, but it's a good read anyway.