The Wolf of Wall Street

Everyone is talking about how much swearing there is in The Wolf of Wall Street. Well beyond that there is a lot of nudity, drug use and illegal activity. But this is a Martin Scorsese movie. There is always something to annoy the censors. The film, like most of those in the Oscar conversation, is based on a true story. Leonardo DiCaprio plays Jordan Belfort, a powerful stockbroker, who navigates Wall Street with sex, drugs and corruption. Eventually it all catches up to him.

DiCaprio gives a strong performance that is on par with the year’s best. The character is so intense and full of negative traits, it’s a testament to DiCaprio that the audience still cares about him. Jonah Hill, who co-stars as DiCaprio’s right-hand man, shows his acting prowess as he builds his résumé outside of more standard comedy. But it must be said that the drug-fueled fight scene between DiCaprio and Hill is the most ridiculous (in a good way) scene either have been a part of. And remember, this is the guy from Superbad and 21 Jump Street we’re talking about. Margot Robbie, who plays DiCaprio’s wife, is the other standout in the film.

The movie is certainly a long one, running just under three hours. But that doesn’t mean it is slow moving. In fact, The Wolf of Wall Street has a pretty quick pace, even if there are a number of scenes that could be cut without sacrificing any plot development. At this point, it’s hard to pinpoint what works Martin Scorsese will be best remembered for. It probably won’t be this, but it is a well done film and one of the best collaborations between Scorsese and DiCaprio. Following up the child filled ode to film, Hugo with the drug-filled orgy that is The Wolf of Wall Street may seem like a strange choice. But one look through Scorsese’s filmography and it’s one that makes perfect sense.

Each film earns either zero, a half or a full arrow in five categories. The categories are Acting, Writing/Directing, Emotion, Innovation and Overall Impression. The arrows are added up to equal the full score.