The Secret of My Succe$s

The Secret of My Succe$s

Year: 1987

Runtime: 111 min

Language: English

Director: Herbert Ross

ComedyRomance

In this witty comedy, recent college grad Brantley Foster trades small-town Kansas for big-city New York, only to discover his dream job has vanished. Forced to navigate the corporate jungle under the guidance of his hapless Uncle Howard, Brantley concocts a plan to boost his career by pretending to be someone he's not - an executive with a flair for success.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Secret of My Succe$s (1987)
Explore the full timeline and setting of The Secret of My Succe$s (1987). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1980s

The 1980s was a period of significant economic expansion in the United States, marked by a rise in corporate power and influence. This era saw a shift toward materialism and consumerism, with an emphasis on success in business, which is reflected in Brantley's aspirations. The film captures the competitive nature of the job market during this time, highlighting challenges faced by young professionals.

Location

New York City, Manhattan, Litchfield

New York City serves as the bustling backdrop for Brantley's journey, known for its vibrant business districts and as a global financial hub. Manhattan, in particular, represents the fast-paced corporate world where Brantley begins his career. Litchfield, a suburban area, is depicted as an affluent escape, featuring the palatial estate of his boss, which symbolizes both temptation and the disparities of wealth.

🏙️ City 🏠 Home 🌆 Suburb

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:07

Main Characters – The Secret of My Succe$s (1987)
Meet the key characters of The Secret of My Succe$s (1987), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Brantley Foster (Michael J. Fox)

Brantley Foster is a determined recent college graduate with a strong desire to succeed in the competitive world of finance. His creativity and resourcefulness help him navigate corporate challenges, although often in ethically ambiguous ways. Brantley embodies the hopeful yet naïve spirit of young professionals eager to make their mark.

🎓 Graduate 💪 Determined 🕵️‍♂️ Resourceful

Howard Prescott (Richard Jordan)

Howard Prescott is the powerful CEO whose influence looms over Brantley's ambitions. While he initially appears as a potential mentor, his complexities reveal a man caught between personal desires and corporate responsibilities. Prescott's character illustrates the challenges faced by executives in balancing ambition with loyalty.

🏢 CEO 💼 Ambitious 🤔 Complicated

Christy Wells (Helen Slater)

Christy Wells is a strong-willed executive caught in a web of corporate politics and personal relationships. Initially dismissive of Brantley, she gradually recognizes his potential and becomes a crucial ally. Her evolving relationship with him adds depth to her character, showcasing her internal conflicts between ambition and attraction.

👩‍💼 Executive 💔 Conflicted 💡 Innovative

Fred Melrose (John Pankow)

Fred Melrose serves as Brantley’s mentor in the mailroom, introducing him to the inner workings of the corporate world. His laid-back demeanor contrasts sharply with Brantley’s ambitious nature, providing necessary comic relief. Fred represents the everyday worker whose insights and guidance help Brantley navigate his unconventional challenges.

📬 Mentor 😂 Humorous 👨‍💼 Supportive

Vera (Margaret Whitton)

Vera is a high-powered executive whose relationships reflect the complexities of power dynamics in the workplace. Initially appearing as a motherly figure to Brantley, her seduction complicates the narrative. As her character evolves, she embodies the struggles of women in business, balancing personal desires with professional ambitions.

👩‍⚖️ Powerful 💋 Seductive 🤷‍♀️ Complex

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:07

Major Themes – The Secret of My Succe$s (1987)
Explore the central themes of The Secret of My Succe$s (1987), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💼 Ambition

The theme of ambition is central to Brantley's character as he navigates the challenges of the corporate world. Despite facing repeated setbacks, his drive to succeed pushes him to take bold risks, including adopting a fake identity. This relentless pursuit of success also raises questions about ethics and integrity in the business realm.

❤️ Romance

Romance weaves through the narrative as Brantley develops relationships with two influential women in his life. His interactions with Vera and Christy explore themes of attraction, manipulation, and emotional entanglements that affect his career. Ultimately, his romantic choices influence not just his personal life but also his professional trajectory.

🤝 Deception

Deception plays a crucial role as Brantley adopts the alias Carlton Whitfield to navigate the corporate landscape. This theme illustrates the lengths to which he will go to prove his worth and succeed in a cutthroat environment. The film delves into the consequences of deceit and the blurred lines between ambition and morality.

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:07

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