These films capture our attention because they deal with the very real issues of honesty, competition, and self-worth prevalent in the sales profession.

   The Big Kahuna [1999]

    Anyone who has attended an industry convention will relate to this movie. Kevin Spacey and Danny DeVito just need to land the hot account and the company will be saved. Things become complicated when a greenhorn from HQ balks at using a personal connection to reel this one in. Some will find the movie slow (the entire film takes place in the company hospitality suite with those three characters), but the dialogue is clever and engaging. This movie shows how we are all selling something.

   The Boiler Room [2000]

    Proponents of cold calling are going to point to this film as proof that it works. The main character, played by Giovanni Ribisi, is pulled into a stockbroker firm that uses high-pressure sales tactics on its customers (and employees). Wall Street, a celebration of greed and ruthlessness, is considered a training film at this company.

   Death of a Salesman [1985]

    This Arthur Miller play is a classic in American theater. What we witness through this story is the destructive side of holding onto dreams—dreams for yourself and dreams for those around you. Dustin Hoffman plays the role of Willy Loman in this TV adaptation recorded after its Broadway run in 1984.

   Glengarry Glen Ross [1992]

    A masterpiece by David Mamet, this play is all about motivation and what happens when you take reward and punishment to the extreme. The corporate sales manager rolls into town and sets up the latest sales contest—the winner gets a Cadillac, the losers get fired. How’s that for motivation? The cast is peerless—Jack Lemmon, Al Pacino, Ed Harris, Alan Arkin, Kevin Spacey, and Alec Baldwin.

   Tin Men [1987]

    Danny DeVito and Richard Dreyfuss play competing aluminum siding salesmen—a profession whose days are numbered—in 1960s Baltimore. Their less-than-ethical sales tactics have caught the attention of the city. Neither of these characters have the bravado or charisma of those in the other films listed; they are just regular folks who you will recognize. We think it makes this movie the most believable.

Written by Todd Sattersten