Money, Power and Wall Street (2012)
The documentary series Money, Power and Wall Street” delves into the intricate web of financial systems, decisions, and consequences that shaped the global economy during and after the 2008 financial crisis.
In this four-hour investigation, FRONTLINE takes viewers behind the scenes to witness the struggles, missed opportunities, and uneasy alliances between government leaders and financial titans. The series unfolds in four parts, each shedding light on critical moments and key players:
- Episodes 1 and 2: The Rise and Fall
- Hour One: The story begins with the rise of modern finance. A rowdy team from J. P. Morgan pioneers a new marketplace for trading risk at a luxury hotel in Boca Raton, Florida. Financial engineering on Wall Street leads to a global economic collapse, affecting millions worldwide.
- Hour Two: FRONTLINE investigates how leaders failed to prevent the crisis and ended up initiating the largest government bailout in history. Inside accounts from Washington and Wall Street reveal the decision-making process during this tumultuous period.
- Episodes 3 and 4: Crisis Management and Ongoing Challenges
- Hour Three: Barack Obama assumes office amid the worst economic crisis in 80 years. Surprisingly, he adopts a strategy to rescue the very Wall Street firms responsible for the chaos. The debate over this approach unfolds within the White House, and the question remains: Did they choose the right course?
- Hour Four: FRONTLINE delves into the Wall Street culture that continues to prioritize risky trades. Bankers leave a trail of deals spanning from small American cities to European capitals. Regulators grapple with conflicts of interest, excessive risk-taking, and incentives to cheat. New rules are being written, but can they prevent the next crisis?
The documentary reveals the uneasy partnership between government and finance, exploring how decisions made in boardrooms and corridors of power impact the fortunes of ordinary people worldwide. From the epic rise of modern finance to the ongoing challenges of regulating a complex industry, Money, Power and Wall Street provides a gripping account of a pivotal moment in economic history.
