Ever since their first movie together “Gangs of New York”, whenever Director Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio work together the result never disappoints, and the same is true of their latest project, “The Wolf of Wall Street”.
Based on the bestselling memoir of Jordan Belfort, it recounts how, as a young New York stock broker, Belfort (DiCaprio) made a fortune selling worthless penny stocks before moving up from swindling the middle class, to the rich when he and his firm, Stratton Oakmont, made the leap to IPOs.
As his success grow Belfort indulges in every conceivable way, from sex to drugs. Belfort becomes a modern day Caligula, which eventually leads to his downfall as he loses his family, his firm, and his freedom after the FBI busts him.
Screenwriter Terence Winter captures the true essence of Jordan Belfort’s character in the movie. The movie never really diverts from the perspective of Belfort thematically, and the audience is given a look into the character of Jordan Belfort in a unique and interesting way. However, despite this insight and heavy tone, the movie manages to remain darkly comedic, allowing the audience to laugh at some of the character’s absurdity.
Along with the superb writing, the cast chemistry is amazing. Jonah Hill delivers great comedic relief as Belfort’s business partner Donnie Azoff (a fictitious character based on Belfort’s associate Danny Porush), and Matthew McConaughey delivers a hilarious performance in his short role as Mark Hanna, Belfort’s mentor.
In addition to Hill and McConaughey, Jon Bernthal of “The Walking Dead” fame is enjoyably sleazy in his role as Belfort’s money-laundering, drug dealer Brad, as Oscar winner Jean Dujardin shines in his role as a Swiss Banker.
However, “The Wolf of Wall Street” is stolen away by DiCaprio, as he gives by far the greatest performance of his career. DiCaprio is wonderful and simultaneously scummy and appealing in his portrayal, as well as being incredibly funny. DiCaprio embraces Belfort’s debauchery and greed in a way that sells the movie to the audience. It is unbelieveable how DiCaprio is able to portray a character who is loved despite the despicable actions he takes.
Tying these elements together is Martin Scorsese. Scorsese infuses the picture with energy and a zest for life that gives the film a youthful feel, a great feat for the 72-year-old director. The debauchery is portrayed in such a way that even in their lowest moments, the characters do not receive pity. Scorsese doesn’t encourage or discourage any of Belfort’s actions, but rather shows how fun the road to hell is for some.
“The Wolf of Wall Street” is one of the best films of the year. It is one of the few films that has managed to balance both humor and maintain a sense of character. From Scorsese to DiCaprio to Hill and McConaughey to the behind the scenes team, “The Wolf of Wall Street” is about as perfect as a movie can get, as excessive, absurd, and vulgar as Jordan Belfort.