The Bonfire of the Vanities is a 1990 film directed by Brian De Palma. The movie is based on the 1987 novel of the same name by Tom Wolfe. The film stars Tom Hanks, Bruce Willis, Melanie Griffith, and Morgan Freeman.
The story is set in New York City in the late 1980s. Tom Hanks plays the role of Sherman McCoy, a wealthy Wall Street bond trader. One night, while driving with his mistress Maria Ruskin (Melanie Griffith), they accidentally hit and severely injure a young black teenager in the Bronx. In an effort to avoid getting into trouble, they flee the scene.
As the story unfolds, Sherman's life starts to unravel in the spotlight of the media. He becomes the focus of a racially charged criminal investigation and a high-profile court case. The incident divides the city, with tension escalating between the wealthy white residents and the poor black and Hispanic communities.
Meanwhile, a down-and-out British journalist named Peter Fallow (played by Bruce Willis) sees an opportunity to revive his career by reporting on the case. He befriends Sherman and Maria, using them as his sources to write sensationalized articles that paint Sherman as a villain.
The film's climax takes place in the courtroom, where tensions between the various parties involved come to a head. Morgan Freeman plays the role of judge Leonard White, who tries to keep the proceedings fair and just.
The Bonfire of the Vanities received mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics praising its performances and direction, while others criticized its portrayal of the racial tensions in New York City. However, it has since become a cult classic and is regarded as a snapshot of the excesses and inequalities of the 1980s.