‘Becoming Warren Buffett’ focuses on the personal sacrifices the legendary investor made while building his business empire

HBO’s “Becoming Warren Buffett,” which airs January 30, tells the story of the legendary investor and philanthropist mostly in his own words. The movie focuses on Mr. Buffett’s family relationships, particularly with his first wife and his father, and the personal sacrifices he made while building his business empire.

Close Buffett watchers will find little to learn. Biographies and articles have retold Mr. Buffett’s life story in detail. And the film doesn’t devote much time to Mr. Buffett’s investment decisions as Chair and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, one of the largest companies in the U.S.

But the film introduces watchers who are unfamiliar with the “Oracle of Omaha” to Mr. Buffett and many members of his inner circle, including his 3 children, Berkshire Vice Chair Charlie Munger and philanthropists Bill and Melinda Gates.

The movie weaves together home videos and photos, news footage, dramatic re-enactments and animation. Interviews with Mr. Buffett in his office and a talk given at an Omaha high school provide most of the narration.

The 86-year-old Mr. Buffett says his understanding of human nature has grown throughout his life. “I’m wiser in that respect than I was 40 or 50 years ago, even though I can’t rattle off numbers the same way I used to be able to,” he says.

 

He says he doesn’t fear death and continues to love his work, before describing himself in characteristic financial jargon: “Physically, I’m pretty well depreciated,” he jokes. “I’m getting down to salvage value.”