Brit Marling’s Brief Foray into Investment Banking

Before captivating audiences with her thought-provoking roles and intricate storytelling, actress and screenwriter Brit Marling took a detour through the world of investment banking. A graduate of Georgetown University with degrees in economics and studio art, Marling initially pursued a career path that seemed far removed from the artistic realm she would eventually dominate.

Following graduation, Marling worked for Goldman Sachs as an investment banking analyst. This experience offered her a glimpse into the high-pressure, financially driven culture of Wall Street. The long hours, intense competition, and focus on maximizing profits stood in stark contrast to the creative and intellectual pursuits she truly yearned for. While the job undoubtedly provided valuable insights into the inner workings of the financial industry and honed her analytical skills, it also proved to be ultimately unfulfilling.

Marling’s time at Goldman Sachs, though brief, had a profound impact on her perspective. She witnessed firsthand the complexities of the financial system and the motivations that drive individuals within it. These observations, coupled with her inherent artistic sensibilities, likely contributed to the nuanced and socially conscious themes that permeate her later work.

Instead of pursuing a long-term career in finance, Marling chose to abandon the perceived security of investment banking to pursue her passion for acting and filmmaking. This decision was a bold and significant turning point in her life. She moved to Los Angeles and began collaborating with Mike Cahill, a fellow Georgetown graduate, on independent film projects.

While she doesn’t frequently dwell on her time in investment banking, it’s clear that the experience influenced her perspective. It provided her with a contrasting backdrop against which to explore themes of ambition, societal pressures, and the search for meaning in a complex world. The discipline and analytical thinking honed during her time on Wall Street may have also contributed to her meticulous approach to crafting intricate and intellectually stimulating narratives.

Ultimately, Brit Marling’s detour into investment banking serves as a testament to the power of pursuing one’s true calling. While the experience may not have defined her career, it undeniably shaped her perspective and provided a unique lens through which she approaches her art. Her decision to leave the financial world and embrace her creative passions has resulted in a body of work that continues to challenge, inspire, and captivate audiences worldwide.