Show Me the Money

So the other day I was watching Jerry Maguire and I love this movie for a lot of reasons but when were talking about morals, ethics, cheating and money I made the connection between Madame Bovary and Jerry Maguire. I think the connection lies in value of money and lifestyle and Emma desires and the business world that Jerry dedicated his life to. I also think that Jerry represents Emma’s desperation when he is fired from his Job. He so badly want to hold on to his career and does not want to feel like a failure. 

When Dorothy decided to go with him and Rod remains as his only client he holds on what he has left. I think that Jerry’s need to hold on to his success can be related to Emma’s need to hold on to what every type of love she can find. Although her affair with Leon is desperately and her marriage is in shambles she knows desperately tries to hold on. Both Jerry and Dorothy share the lack of a stable or fulfilling relationship before they meet each other and fall in love. Jerry’s fiancé broke up with him and before Dorothy’s husband died their marriage was less than perfect.

When Jerry is managing his only client, Rod Tidwell who is unable to get a contract he tell him that he does not play football with his heart. Rod only cares about the money and his contract. This is where the famous line “Show me the Money Comes from.” Emma and Rod are consumed by money and wealth. Jerry tells Rod that if he wants a contract he should play football for the love of the game, rather than the love of money. Emma should take advise from Jerry about her spending and love for money.

I love this movie because it is the there is two parts of the story, Jerry’s career and his relationship with Dorothy. He wants to be passionate and committed to both like any person. This film shows the raw and real human emotions. Although Jerry and Dorothy do not cheat or go into debt, they do share with Emma Bovary the desire to find happiness and love, which is a natural human desire.