Bonfire of the Vanities

Why Bonfire of the Vanities Is De Palma’s Biggest Swing & Miss! Is Bonfire of the Vanities (1990) Brian De Palma’s most misunderstood film? Join The Goat: A Brian De Palma Fan Podcast as we dive into this infamous flop with guest Ryan to uncover its hidden gems, De Palma’s signature style, and the chaotic production behind it. It’s free to watch on YouTube, so don’t miss this wild ride! Despite its reputation as a box office disaster, Bonfire of the Vanities is packed with De Palma’s bold techniques—long takes, split screens, and sharp social commentary. We explore why this Tom Wolfe adaptation with Tom Hanks, Melanie Griffith, and Bruce Willis missed the mark, yet still entertains. From casting mishaps to production chaos, we unpack it all, including a standout split-screen scene!