Martin Scorsese’s The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) is a fast-paced, captivating and intriguing film starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Jonah Hill. This moving and extravagant depiction of a money-crazed Wall Street broker’s pursuit of fortune has not gone unnoticed during this year’s red carpet season, with the film garnering several Oscar nominations.
DiCaprio plays Jordan Belfort, an aspiring Wall Street broker. When the market crashes, Belfort is out of work so he joins forces with Donnie Azoff (Hill). With the help of sales-savvy friends, they create a very successful company. As Belfort’s fortune grows, so does his passion for sex, drugs, and money, but his desires expand to the point where he loses control of his seemingly fabulous life. In the pursuit of even greater riches, he endangers his family and friends and his illegal activities attract the relentless attention of the FBI. Belfort’s addiction to money ultimately determines his fate, forcing him to tackle problems that money can’t solve.
DiCaprio’s character makes this film appealing and entertaining. Belfort, a.k.a. Wolfie, starts out as an enthusiastic kid mesmerized by the lure of financial success on Wall Street. After the crash, he assumes responsibility for his financial wellbeing and builds an empire of his own on his passion for making money. He is generous to the friends and co-workers who have supported him and he remains committed to them despite the illegal activity that sparks the FBI’s interest. Belfort’s dedication to his friends and co-workers endures until the government shuts him down. His belief in people and willingness to give them a chance contribute to his likable nature, but once he falls victim to sex and drug abuse, he becomes a much less appealing character.
The Wolf of Wall Street examines some of society’s biggest moral issues – character, integrity and ethics. Until the film’s closing minutes, Belfort’s wealth and generosity enable him to help many people which makes for an exciting and engaging story. However, once he loses control of his life, his methods and morals are questioned to the point where the film’s conclusion is rather disappointing. The film is intriguing until the action plummets into serious, realistic subject matter which dampens its positive tone. Belfort’s enthusiasm is extinguished by the consequences of his actions to the point where his rapid rise to success is undermined by the costs of his extravagant lifestyle.
DiCaprio delivers an effortless yet impassioned portrayal of Belfort’s rise to riches. This film may be his ticket to winning the Oscar for Best Actor in March. The Wolf of Wall Street also is nominated for Best Picture.
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