The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) – Film Review

Director: Martin Scorsese
Writers: Terence Winter (screenplay), Jordan Belfort (book)
Actors: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Matthew McConaughey, Margot Robbie
Runtime: 180 min
Rating: R

The Wolf of Wall Street, directed by Martin Scorsese and based on the memoir by real-life fraudster Jordan Belfort of the same name, claims to depict true events. Said events are so crazy and excessive, however, that one is left wondering if the depiction is of occurrences the way they were remembered by Belfort, as opposed to the way they most likely occurred in reality. A wild ride of nonstop debauchery, profanity, sex, and drug abuse, this film very effectively depicts the world from the eyes of a man on a permanent high. Every exaggeration and over-the-top action, therefore, works to replicate the viewpoint of the protagonist, and by the film’s conclusion, an audience feels as though they have experienced all of the madness right along with him.

This film follows New York stockbroker Jordan Belfort as he navigates the hectic yet apparently glamorous world of Wall Street. Starting out as an innocent twenty-two-year-old working as a penny stockbroker, Belfort’s immense talent allowed him to quickly work his way up to founding and leading his own brokerage firm. Extreme wealth earned early in life rarely ends well in film, as one well knows, and it is not long before the FBI begins investigating Belfort due to his corrupt dealings. Full of confidence and drunk off of a never-ending diet of money, sex, and drugs, however, Belfort believes himself to be invincible, and it will take a lot to bring him down.

It is astonishing that a man in his forties can believably play a twenty-two-year-old, yet DiCaprio is stunning in his performance that spans Belfort’s career. It is fascinating to watch his progression from a wide-eyed and naïve assistant to the corrupt broker that he becomes, and DiCaprio is mesmerizing all the way. Constantly addressing the audience in a chatty and friendly manner, DiCaprio narrates events throughout, explaining everything from the complicated ways of Wall Street to the various drugs in which he indulges to an audience that may otherwise be left in the dark. This technique allows an audience to build a connection with Belfort, and one may actually find themselves liking this otherwise highly disagreeable individual. Matthew McConaughey makes a brief appearance as a theatrical and hilariously wacky successful stockbroker, and the interplay between him and DiCaprio in their main scene is electric. Note must also be made of Jonah Hill’s performance as Belfort’s friend and co-worker Donnie Azoff. Full of insanity and energy, it is difficult to tear one’s eyes off of this character, even though one may want to.  

The Wolf of Wall Street is a film wherein the form reflects the content. Abrasive and irreverent, this film is incessant in its action and loud in its presentation, just like the lives that it depicts. Scorsese’s direction is always top notch, and the grandness and detail of many scenes is impressive. Quick-cutting camerawork and a pounding, high-energy soundtrack work together to create an audience state which reflects that of the characters, and it is easy to feel swept up and, indeed, drowning in all of the madness. It may have a three-hour runtime, but this film is so fast-paced that by its whirlwind conclusion it feels as though little time has passed at all.

The Wolf of Wall Street is rude, crude, and profane, just like the characters and actions it presents. It is also uproariously funny and extremely entertaining. The film may at times feel like a three-hour drug trip, which, essentially, it is. Here is a representation of complete madness and total debauchery; yet, one is left wondering if the life Belfort led was truly this glamorous, or if it only appeared as such due to him due to his constantly drug-addled state. This piece offers a depiction of events as he remembers them, not necessarily as they occurred, and it is entirely possible that it is therefore highly exaggerated in style and substance. Either way, the result is a wild ride, but hold on tight to your seat and your sanity.