Martin Scorsese’s The Wolf of Wall Street, which opened on Christmas Day in 2013, is a wild, exhilarating, and often disturbing look at the life of Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker who amassed a fortune through fraud and deceit. The film, starring Leonardo DiCaprio in a career-defining role, is a darkly comedic satire that explores the excesses of Wall Street culture and the corrupting influence of wealth and power.
DiCaprio delivers a mesmerizing performance as Belfort, capturing his charisma, ambition, and descent into self-destruction with chilling accuracy.
The supporting cast led by Margot Robbie as his seductive and ambitious wife Naomi, shines in her first leading role.
Jonah Hill stars as Belfort’s neighbor as they partner up to start their own brokerage company and recruit Jordan’s childhood friends as their salesmen.
Matthew McConaughey stands out as Belfort’s mentor and former boss Mark Hanna from his start as a stockbroker for L.F. Rothschild.
Kyle, Chandler, Rob Reiner, Jon Bernthal, Jon Favreau, Shea Whigham and Joanna Lumley round out the impressive cast.
Scorsese‘s direction is masterful, capturing the film’s hedonistic atmosphere with a frenetic energy and a keen eye for detail. The film is a sensory overload, filled with extravagant parties, drug-fueled orgies, and moments of pure, unadulterated excess.
The film was initially rated NC-17 by the Motion Picture Association of America, but it was shortly appealed for and granted an R rating.
It set a Guinness World Record for the most instances of profanity in a film. Previous record holders include Scorsese’s films Goodfellas (1990) and Casino (1995).
Leonardo DiCaprio in The Wolf of Wall Street (Photo/Paramount Pictures)
Reception for The Wolf of Wall Street
The Wolf of Wall Street grossed $18.4 million, placing No. 5 in its opening weekend, trailing The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug ($29.03 million), Frozen ($28.6 million), Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues ($19.7 million) and American Hustle ($18.7 million).
The film would eventually gross $407.04 million in its theatrical release.
Peter Travers named the film No. 3 in his Best of 2013 list in Rolling Stone.
Lasting Legacy
While The Wolf of Wall Street is undeniably entertaining, it’s also a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and the importance of ethical behavior. The film’s unflinching portrayal of Belfort’s actions and their consequences serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of unchecked ambition.
Despite its controversial themes, The Wolf of Wall Street is a powerful and unforgettable cinematic experience. It’s a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll, prompting reflection on the nature of success, morality, and the pursuit of the American Dream.
