At some point we choose a side
The timeless airplane safety adage of “put the oxygen mask on yourself first” is definitely wisdom in action. But after that, there are countless points where we get to decide who we want to be and what kind of legacy we want to leave. When do we have “enough”? How much is ok and how much is selfish? What would compel us to inconvenience or deprive ourselves for the sake of another? That’s the contrast I wanted to explore.
One word that comes up when describing edgey and powerful movie characters is “Selfish”. So I engaged ChatGPT in a bit of an interview on that topic. What is the opposite of Selfish?
For starters, antonyms for selfish include:
- Selfless
- Generous
- Altruistic
- Compassionate
- Considerate
- Unselfish
- Charitable
- Kind-hearted
- Giving
- Sacrificial
Each of these words captures a different nuance of being the opposite of selfish, whether it’s prioritizing others, showing generosity, or acting with compassion.
A famous example of Selfish is The Wolf of Wallstreet
Who are some movie roles who are the opposite of Jordan Belfort in The Wolf of Wall Street?
1. George Bailey (It’s a Wonderful Life, 1946)
Why?
- Jordan Belfort is driven by greed, self-indulgence, and excess, prioritizing his own wealth and pleasure at the expense of others.
- George Bailey, on the other hand, is selfless, community-driven, and sacrifices his personal dreams to help others, putting his family and town before his own ambitions.
While Belfort manipulates people for personal gain, Bailey uplifts and supports those around him, even at great personal cost. He embodies generosity, integrity, and responsibility—the direct moral opposite of Belfort’s reckless pursuit of wealth.
2. Atticus Finch (To Kill a Mockingbird, 1962)
Why?
Atticus Finch is the embodiment of integrity, wisdom, and selflessness. Unlike Belfort, who exploits people for financial gain, Atticus stands for justice and fairness, defending the innocent even when it’s unpopular. He prioritizes doing what is right over personal success or wealth.
3. Chris Gardner (The Pursuit of Happyness, 2006)
Why?
Chris Gardner’s journey is about perseverance, responsibility, and providing for his son, even through immense hardship. Unlike Belfort, who chases wealth through unethical means, Gardner struggles with dignity, never compromising his principles, and ultimately earns success through hard work and resilience.
Both of these characters highlight moral courage, self-sacrifice, and genuine leadership—values that stand in stark contrast to Belfort’s reckless greed.
Give me some female movie roles who represent opposite of Jordan Belfort in the Wolf of Wallstreet
4. Marge Gunderson (Fargo, 1996)
Why?
- Moral Integrity – Marge is an honest, hardworking police chief who follows the law and seeks justice, unlike Belfort, who thrives on deception and fraud.
- Selflessness – She is dedicated to her job and her community, always putting others before personal gain.
- Contentment – While Belfort is obsessed with excess and material wealth, Marge is happy with her simple, meaningful life and loving relationship with her husband.
Her decency, humility, and sense of duty make her a powerful contrast to Belfort’s reckless, greedy ambition.
5. Maria von Trapp (The Sound of Music, 1965)
Why?
- Selfless and Compassionate – Maria dedicates herself to caring for the von Trapp children and later helps the family escape danger, prioritizing love and duty over personal ambition.
- Guided by Principle – While Belfort thrives on manipulation and excess, Maria follows her moral compass, leading with kindness and integrity.
- Values Over Wealth – She rejects materialism, finding fulfillment in music, family, and faith rather than financial success or power.
Maria’s authenticity, generosity, and unwavering ethics make her a striking contrast to Belfort’s greed and corruption.
6. Erin Brockovich (Erin Brockovich, 2000)
Why?
- Fights for Others – Unlike Belfort, who exploits people for his own wealth, Erin tirelessly fights for justice on behalf of communities harmed by corporate negligence.
- Driven by Purpose, Not Greed – While Belfort chases money through unethical means, Erin works relentlessly to expose corruption, even when she faces personal and financial struggles.
- Resilient and Ethical – Despite having no formal legal education, she refuses to be intimidated or take shortcuts, proving that success can be earned with integrity rather than deceit.
Her commitment to justice, perseverance, and selflessness make her a powerful contrast to Belfort’s self-serving, reckless ambition.
Give me some minority women movie roles who represent opposite of Jordan Belfort in the Wolf of Wallstreet
7. Aibileen Clark (The Help, 2011)
Why?
- Selfless and Compassionate – While Belfort exploits others for personal gain, Aibileen dedicates her life to caring for and nurturing children, despite facing systemic oppression.
- Integrity Over Greed – Unlike Belfort, who manipulates people for financial success, Aibileen stands firm in her values, speaking truth to power even when it costs her livelihood.
- Driven by Purpose, Not Excess – Instead of chasing luxury and status, Aibileen fights for dignity and justice, using her voice to uplift others rather than tear them down.
Her quiet strength, moral courage, and deep empathy make her a powerful contrast to Belfort’s reckless greed and selfish ambition.
8. Katherine Johnson (Hidden Figures, 2016)
Why?
Katherine Johnson, a brilliant mathematician at NASA, represents integrity, perseverance, and selflessness. While Belfort manipulates numbers for personal gain, she uses her intelligence to advance science and help put a man on the moon. She overcomes discrimination with grace and determination, proving that true success comes from hard work and purpose, not greed and deception.
9. Celie Johnson (The Color Purple, 1985)
Why?
Celie endures hardship and oppression but ultimately finds her strength through love, community, and self-respect. Unlike Belfort, who chases wealth at any cost, Celie’s journey is about inner growth, resilience, and the power of kindness. She builds a meaningful life based on connection and authenticity rather than material excess.
These characters embody perseverance, integrity, and a deep sense of purpose—making them stark contrasts to Belfort’s reckless self-interest.
Now, give me some younger generation movie roles that are opposite of Jordan Belfort in the Wolf of Wallstreet
10. Shuri (Black Panther, 2018)
Why?
Shuri is a genius inventor who uses her intelligence and resources to advance technology for the betterment of her people, rather than for personal wealth or status. Unlike Belfort, who exploits people for profit, she is selfless, innovative, and committed to making the world a better place.
11. Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games, 2012)
Why?
Katniss fights against a corrupt system, risking her life to protect others, while Belfort thrives within and manipulates a corrupt system for his own benefit. She values family, justice, and sacrifice over wealth and power, making her a stark contrast to Belfort’s greed and excess.
12. Rey (Star Wars: The Force Awakens, 2015)
Why?
Rey is resourceful, humble, and driven by a desire to help others and uncover the truth. She rises from obscurity through hard work and perseverance rather than privilege or manipulation. Unlike Belfort, who seeks control and indulgence, Rey seeks purpose and belonging.
Takeaways
Movies and movie characters are great indicators to what we value personally. The movies we watch multiple times and the characters we quote – line up with our core values. The movies that make us cringe or the villains we hate – violate our core values in some way. The exercise above was super helpful to me for fleshing out the nuances of the characters and why I resonated more with the opposites than the wolf.