The Bonfire of the Vanities 1990
"Take one Wall Street tycoon, his Fifth Avenue mistress, a reporter hungry for fame, and make the wrong turn in The Bronx...then sit back and watch the sparks fly."
Brian De Palma's sharp 1990 satire *The Bonfire of the Vanities* plunges viewers into New York City's cutthroat world of wealth, power, and scandal.
Director: Brian De Palma
Cast
Tom Hanks
Sherman McCoy
Bruce Willis
Peter Fallow
Melanie Griffith
Maria Ruskin
Kim Cattrall
Judy McCoy
Saul Rubinek
Jed Kramer
Morgan Freeman
Judge Leonard White
John Hancock
Reverend Bacon
Kevin Dunn
Tom Killian
Clifton James
Albert Fox
Louis Giambalvo
Ray Andruitti
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Bonfire of the Vanities (1990) about?
The film centers on Sherman McCoy, a wealthy Wall Street broker whose life unravels after his mistress hits a Black teenager in the Bronx. As the story becomes a media sensation, opportunists rush to exploit the scandal, turning justice into a spectacle.
Who directed The Bonfire of the Vanities?
Brian De Palma directed the film, known for his stylish visuals and genre-defining thrillers like *Scarface* and *The Untouchables*.
Who stars in The Bonfire of the Vanities?
The leading roles are played by Tom Hanks as Sherman McCoy, Bruce Willis as a tabloid reporter, and Melanie Griffith as his mistress.
Is The Bonfire of the Vanities (1990) worth watching?
While not a critical darling, *The Bonfire of the Vanities* offers a fascinating snapshot of 1990s New York and De Palma's signature flair. Fans of satirical dramas will appreciate its bold, if uneven, take on power and morality.
How long is The Bonfire of the Vanities?
The runtime of *The Bonfire of the Vanities* is 125 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About The Bonfire of the Vanities (1990) — A Wall Street titan's fall from grace in De Palma's biting satire
Brian De Palma's sharp 1990 satire *The Bonfire of the Vanities* plunges viewers into New York City's cutthroat world of wealth, power, and scandal. The film follows Sherman McCoy, a high-flying Wall Street broker whose life spirals into chaos after his mistress accidentally strikes a young Black teenager in the Bronx. As the incident explodes into a media frenzy, a desperate journalist and a pack of opportunists circle, each wielding the story like a weapon. With its biting critique of social hierarchies, racial tensions, and the destructive allure of fame, the movie captures the electric tension of a city on the brink.
Bathed in the neon glow of De Palma's direction and anchored by powerhouse performances from Tom Hanks, Bruce Willis, and Melanie Griffith, the film blends dark comedy with raw drama. The story's themes—privilege, justice, and the fragility of reputation—feel as relevant today as they did three decades ago, making *The Bonfire of the Vanities* a timeless exploration of ambition and consequences.
