The Business School Film School

Is it possible to pick up valuable business tips from feature films? There are plenty of flicks set in the fast-paced world of big business.

High finance and high-powered players; power ties, power meetings and power breakfasts—it's no wonder the world of business is so often used as the stage for great drama. But are these films required course material or do they deserve a pink slip for lack of accuracy? And most importantly, is there anything in these movies you can use in a real life career in business and industry?

The answer, of course, is yes. And no. Drama arises from conflict, so in many cases the business lesson to be learned from a movie is a negative example: Don't do this. Maybe these titles will reveal "what they don't teach you in Harvard Business School," but they're no substitute for a real degree—the only MBA they'll get you is a "Movies are Better than Anything" degree. But if you think of these flicks as an elective course, not as homework, you'll be free to enjoy them. And maybe even pick up a tip or two.

Barbarians at the Gate (1993; R) - Based on the true story of the attempted buyout of RJR-Nabisco in the 1980s, this sharp satire pits James Garner as the corporation's loud-mouthed CEO against an icy investment banker (Jonathan Pryce) in a game of strategy, tactics and bluffing at the billion-dollar level. Lesson: Inflation can lead to depression, both in business and personally.

Wall Street (1987; R) - Oliver Stone directed this minor classic that encapsulates the corporate greed of the 1980s, as ambitious young stockbroker Charlie Sheen slavishly follows slick, charismatic corporate raider Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas), until he uncovers an insider trading conspiracy and must face his own conscience. Lesson: Business ethics are difficult—but essential.

Other People's Money (1991; R) - A corporate raider (Danny DeVito) will do anything to get his greedy, grubby hands on an undervalued family-owned business run by an old-timer with old-school values (Gregory Peck). Or will he? Part dark comedy, part romance, part searing satire on the cost of doing business without ethics. Lesson: Aim for the win-win scenario.

A Shock to the System (1990; R) - There are many routes to the top of the corporate ladder. Michael Caine discovers a new one in this satirical suspense flick: murdering your superiors. Lesson: Be a nicer boss, or the head of the corporation could become a head on a platter.

Trading Places (1983; R) - Two avaricious old stockbrokers switch the lives of their top flunky (Dan Aykroyd) and a streetwise hustler (Eddie Murphy) to settle a bet. But they discover that tables (and stocks) can be turned in both directions in director John Landis' cartoonish comedy. Lesson: Keep your business and personal lives separate.

The Hudsucker Proxy (1994; PG) - This quirky comedy from Joel and Ethan Coen (Fargo) poses the question: What's the best way for a corrupt board of directors to stage a sneaky takeover of their company? Why not hire the mailroom clerk (Tim Robbins) as CEO and wait for the stock to tank? Great idea—unless the clerk turns out to be a genuine genius. Lesson: Think outside the box.

9 to 5 (1980; PG) - When they've finally had enough of their sexist boss's humiliations, a trio of office workers (Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton) take matters, both business and personal, into their capable hands in this classic comedy. Lesson: An oppressive workplace stifles creativity.

Working Girl (1988; R) - When her best business idea is stolen by her self-centered boss (Sigourney Weaver), a hardworking secretary (Melanie Griffith) sets out to prove her business acumen in this romantic comedy co-starring Harrison Ford. Lesson: When opportunity calls, don't route it to voice mail.

Clockwatchers (1997; PG-13) - The backbiting, backstabbing, degrading and demeaning life of the temp worker (including Toni Collette and Parker Posey) is wittily explored in this savvy comedy. Lesson: Don't get stuck in a go-nowhere job. A degree can buy your freedom from a slavish workplace.

Office Space (1999; R) - Writer/director Mike Judge (creator of "Beavis and Butt-Head") summed up the state-of-the-art of bottom level corporate employment so precisely that this little flick has become the most popular cult movie of all time. So why don't you just go ahead and watch it; yeah, that'd be great. Lesson: Some people just don't have the flair for a career in business.