If you're fascinated by the darker side of human nature, where greed and power intertwine to create tales of extortion, then this collection of biopics is for you. These films delve into the lives of individuals who've used manipulation and coercion to gain wealth or control, offering a thrilling, albeit unsettling, look into the minds of extortionists. From historical dramas to modern-day thrillers, each film provides a unique perspective on the consequences and motivations behind such nefarious acts.
The Insider (1999)
Description: This film tells the story of Jeffrey Wigand, who exposed the tobacco industry's practices, including how they extorted the public's health for profit.
Fact: Wigand's revelations led to a landmark lawsuit against tobacco companies.
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Catch Me If You Can (2002)
Description: While not strictly about extortion, Frank Abagnale Jr.'s story of impersonation and fraud includes elements of extortion through his manipulation of people and systems. His cons were a form of psychological extortion.
Fact: Abagnale claims to have posed as a Pan Am pilot, a doctor, and a lawyer, all before turning
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American Gangster (2007)
Description: Frank Lucas, portrayed by Denzel Washington, was a notorious drug lord who used his connections to extort and control the heroin trade in Harlem, New York, through intimidation and violence.
Fact: The film was inspired by a New York Magazine article, and Lucas was known for his "Blue Magic" brand of heroin.
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The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Description: This film chronicles the rise and fall of Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker who engaged in pump-and-dump schemes, essentially extorting money from investors. It's a wild ride through excess, corruption, and the consequences of unchecked ambition.
Fact: The film was based on Belfort's memoir, and Leonardo DiCaprio gained 30 pounds for his role to portray Belfort's indulgent lifestyle.
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The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Description: This film chronicles the rise and fall of Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker who engaged in pump-and-dump schemes, essentially extorting money from investors. It's a wild ride through excess, corruption, and the consequences of unchecked ambition.
Fact: The film was based on Belfort's memoir, and Leonardo DiCaprio gained 30 pounds for his role to portray Belfort's indulgent lifestyle.
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The Smartest Guys in the Room (2005)
Description: A documentary that delves into the Enron scandal, where executives engaged in accounting fraud and extortion to inflate stock prices and enrich themselves.
Fact: The film uses real audio recordings from Enron executives to illustrate their hubris and deceit.
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The Informant! (2009)
Description: Mark Whitacre, an executive at Archer Daniels Midland, engaged in price-fixing and then turned informant, revealing a web of corporate extortion and deceit.
Fact: The film is based on the true story of Whitacre, who was later convicted of embezzlement.
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The Big Short (2015)
Description: This film explores the financial crisis of 2007-2008, where some individuals bet against the housing market, essentially extorting the system through their understanding of its flaws.
Fact: The film uses celebrity cameos to explain complex financial terms in an accessible way.
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The Founder (2016)
Description: Ray Kroc's story of turning McDonald's into a global empire involves a form of corporate extortion, where he manipulates and eventually ousts the original founders from their own business.
Fact: Kroc's aggressive business tactics led to a lawsuit from the McDonald brothers, which he won.
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The Bank (2001)
Description: This Australian film explores a mathematician's battle against a bank that uses complex financial instruments to extort money from unsuspecting investors.
Fact: The film was inspired by real events involving the manipulation of financial markets.
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