The Wolf of Wall Street

A kaleidoscopic of drugs, sex, and stock market manipulation, Martin Scorsese’s black comedy tells the true tale of criminal money man Jordan Belfort. Based on Belfort’s memoirs, it takes the audience on a fast, furious and foul-mouthed trip through a circus of excess.

DiCaprio’s once-boyish looks have acquired a haggard edge, making him the perfect choice to portray Belfort’s mix of charm and oiliness. His lust for wealth is completely over the top, as is Scorsese’s direction. Cameras swoop as sales are celebrated by topless marching bands, lingering slow motion shots capture the crazed energy of Belford’s televangelist-esque speeches. A witty score adds to the tremendous energy.

The film is infectious, energetic and hilarious – but should it be? It doesn’t seem to take seriously the grave crimes Belfort committed, which resulted in the finanical ruination of innocents. Perhaps that’s why Wolf Of Wall Street lacks the tension and emotional punch of, say, Goodfellas. Furthermore, Belfort’s close involvement with the film negates its objectivity. It’s hard to be the punchline of a joke when you’re the one telling it.