“Let’s not lose our composure over a few hundred million dollars.” —Sherman McCoy
Today’s quick review: The Bonfire of the Vanities. Sherman McCoy (Tom Hanks), a successful Wall Street broker, faces a catastrophe when his mistress Maria (Melanie Griffith) hits a man with his car. Washed-up reporter Peter Fallow (Bruce Willis) catches wind of the story and turns it into front-page news. Now the center of a media firestorm, Sherman tries to salvage what’s left of his wealth and reputation as he prepares for the trial of his life.
The Bonfire of the Vanities is a cultural satire based on the novel by Tom Wolfe. The Bonfire of the Vanities is about a politically charged trial that takes New York by storm. What begins as a single mistake turns into a fiasco as Sherman tries and fails to cover up the hit-and-run. The movie takes aim at nearly every stratum of society as lawyers, reporters, and preachers rush to get a piece of Sherman. How successful it is will come down to taste.
The Bonfire of the Vanities begins with a twisted situation and cranks it up to ludicrous extremes. Everyone in the movie has a severe moral failing, whether it’s hypocrisy, racism, vanity, or dishonesty. Sherman McCoy and Peter Fallow are no exceptions. The selfishness of its characters gives the movie ample opportunity to criticize the failings it sees in modern society. But in spite of its wit, the story comes across as a little too cynical.
The Bonfire of the Vanities will appeal to those with a taste for a certain kind of cultural commentary. The movie shoots from the hip, using surreal situations and exaggerated characters to get its points across. The movie succeeds in being clever and occasionally insightful, but its lack of subtlety makes it hard to take seriously. Those curious in the premise may want to give it a shot. Those hoping for something with more heart should steer clear.
For a more balanced drama about the corrupting influence of money, try Wall Street. For a much darker satire of high society, try American Psycho or High-Rise. For a drama about a media frenzy, try Mad City. For a more subdued high-society scandal, try Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. For similar commentary on modern society, try Being There.
5.6 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 for hit-or-miss satire with a star-studded cast.