The Gekko Lair

One of the most iconic film figures of the eighties, Gordon Gekko (brilliantly played by Michael Douglas) was the quintessential master of the universe in the original Wall Street, living in a world filled with power lunches, limos, money is no object and illegal insider trading. With his "greed is good" mantra, Gekko became the personification of an era run amok. And audiences loved it.

Shia LaBeouf, Josh Brolin, Michael Douglas

He's back this week in Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (Twentieth Century Fox) fresh from a twenty year stint in prison and facing an all too real collapse of the financial system. Gekko sets out to repair his relationship with his daughter (Carey Mulligan) while tutoring his protege who just happens to be her fiance (Shia LaBeouf).  I am seeing an advance director screening this week (opens in theaters on Friday)  and hope it lives up to the original.

As a design enthusiast, I enjoyed the original Wall Street as it was filled with all sorts of wonderful "deconstructionist chic" (a term coined by director Oliver Stone) that we saw in character Bud Fox's (Charlie Sheen) hi-rise apartment. Production designer Stephen Hendrickson (who is currently designing the hit show The Good Wife) employed coffee tables with jagged glass, faux brick with touches of gilt and contemporary artwork all selected by interior decorator Darien (Darryl Hannah) and ready for a House and Garden spread.

Eighties Deconstructionist Chic 

Hendrickson's designs for Gekko's Wall Street office

This time around we see Gordon Gekko's new Manhattan lair and it's quite wonderful, understated, modern, clean and non-pretentious.  Kristi Zea and Diane Lederman (production designer and set decorator respectively) used a neutral color palette of taupe and creme, accented with a few choice pieces of artwork and sculpture and still makes a power statement for Gekko. You have seen Kristi's work on such diverse films as Confessions of a Shopaholic, The Departed and Silence of the Lambs while Diane's sets grace the films Remember Me and When in Rome.

Mulligan and LaBeouf's apartment

Photo credits: Twentieth Century Fox, Stephen Hendrickson
Barry Wetcher photographer on Money Never Sleeps

For those of you who enjoyed my piece on Edith Head last week, be sure to catch Silver Screen Modiste this week as Edie will be celebrated in  the theater! Also check out my friend and design editor of Veranda Linda Sherbert's piece on Edith here.

On the Radar for Fall

I love this time of year as it signals the debut of a string of interesting movies. On my radar this fall will certainly be the following..

The Black Swan (Fox Searchlight, December lst)

Starring Natalie Portman, the film is a dark thriller about the the obsessive life of a New York Ballet ballerina, her stage door mother and the rivalry between two young dancers. The film debuted at the Venice Film Festival recently and already generating Oscar buzz for Portman.

Natalie Portman

The Romantics (Paramount, December 10th)

The film follows seven friends as they unit for a wedding and drama ensues as the bride and maid of honor play out their rivalry over the groom.  Based on the novel by Galt Niederhoffer, the romantic comedy  stars Katie Holmes, Anna Paquin, Josh Duhamel and Candice Bergen. Check out J. Crew's fashion spread on the film as well.

The cast in J Crew attire

Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (Twentieth Century Fox, September 24th)

Michael Douglas reprises his memorable role as Gordon Gekko who partners after his release from prison with a young trader (Shia LaBouf) as they face a faltering Wall Street and global economy. I doubt "Greed is Good" will be the mantra of this highly anticipated sequel. Directed by Oliver Stone, the film has garnered alot of behind the scenes publicity with Douglas's sad cancer announcement and his battles with  ex-wife Diandra over Wall Street "sequel" money. Hang in there Michael.

Michael Douglas as Gordon Gekko twenty years later

Shia LaBouef, Josh Brolin and Michael Douglas

Morning Glory (Paramount, November 12th)

Diane Keaton and Harrison Ford star as two feuding anchors on a Saturday morning news show and Rachel McAdams plays the television producer hired to revive their show. Great ensemble cast and something tells me they took this from real-life.

Rachel McAdams with Diane Keaton and Harrison Ford

Photo Credits: Paramount, Fox Searchlight, Twentieth Century Fox