Each business day HedgeCo.Net keeps you informed with the top hedge fund industry news, opinion and insight from around the globe. From the latest hedge fund launches, to the impact of regulation, competition, and investor activism - we track the topics and people that make a difference to you.
New York Times Blogs – Actor Javier Bardem has turned down a role in the sequel to Oliver Stone’s seminal 1980s treatise on greed, “Wall Street.” The Oscar winner was to have played the world’s villain du jour: a hedge fund manager. Forbes reported that the actor’s publicist said he turned down the role due to scheduling conflicts.
It was reported in June that Mr. Bardem was circling the project although he was not yet officially cast. Starring in the film are Michael Douglas, who will reprise his role as Gordon Gekko, and Shia LaBeouf. Shooting is expected to start next month.
Reuters – Flashiness is out and subdued celebration is in among wealthy Americans on Valentine’s Day.
As the economic crisis spreads and conspicuous consumption loses its luster, hedge fund millionaires and oil barons are shunning eye-catching items like yellow, red and blue diamonds in favor of lower-key gifts, luxury industry watchers say.
In Hollywood, it is easier to book reservations at marquee restaurants than last year for the romantic day on Feb. 14, a restaurant publicist said, noting entertainment big shots now tend to favor eateries that have cut their entree prices.
Globe Gazette – Kevin Bacon and wife Kyra Sedgwick are among the many victims of the massive Ponzi scheme run by the disgraced New York money manager.
Bacon’s publicist, Allen Eichhorn, confirmed Tuesday that the couple had investments with Madoff. He wouldn’t say how much money Bacon, whose most recent film is “Frost/Nixon,” and “The Closer” star Sedgwick might have lost.
Madoff told federal investigators that his investment business was “a lie” that lost as much as $50 billion.
Other Hollywood victims have included a charity linked to director Steven Spielberg and his DreamWorks partner Jeffrey Katzenberg, and screenwriter Eric Roth, whose credits include “Forrest Gump” and “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.”
