The Wolf Of Wall Street *****
If the Devil were running a company, Stratton Oakmont, the dubious stocks-and-shares brokerage house founded by infamous (former) white-collar criminal Jordan Belfort would be it. In fact, Belfort was possibly Satan incarnated. The 80s/90s antics of the real-life character – now a respectable businessman who has a cameo at the very end – is pure screen adrenaline for a new Martin Scorsese film, and it’s one devilish, entertaining white-water ride.
Charismatic New York stockbroker Jordan Belfort starts up his own firm after repercussions of Black Monday in the late 80s and some career advice from then mentor Mark Hanna (Matthew McConaughey), determined to make money whatever the cost to his family life or health. Belfort’s easy success is followed by debauchery, excessive drug taking and total, unadulterated greed, co-run by partner-in-crime Donnie Azoff (Jonah Hill). When suspicions are raised over the company’s brokerage dealings, a federal investigation is launched, sparking Belfort to try removing the evidence – his money – to a safer haven abroad. But with so much money at stake and greedy people on the payroll, things begin spiralling out of control and the net is closing in.
With such a controversial subject matter displayed with hedonistic vigour and richly black humour on screen, there is bound to be accusations of ‘glorifying’ Belfort’s old ways. It’s ripe for the taking by Scorsese who does unflinching storylines like no other, and he doesn’t hold back for the faint-hearted. Indeed, to appreciate just how out of control and excessive things got, there has to be major visual shock value, with no editing, enough to make a present-day audience blush or giggle in disbelief.
The only ‘admiration’ you may take away from this is the ballsy, ‘will to win’ stance, which isn’t a bad thing necessarily. Belfort at the time was a tragic character and from the moment he’s snorting coke off a hooker’s backside, all his actions are despicable and predominantly selfish, but you do get caught up in the buzz, as much as anyone would with ultimate power at their fingertips, with the chance to opt out of life’s authoritative constraints. It’s pure escapism, Scorsese style.
Brought to life by the filmmaker’s muse, Leonardo DiCaprio – who is long overdue a big, impressive part like this, Belfort makes Gatsby look like an absolute beginner in the affluence stakes. DiCaprio injects as much brashness, narcissism and irresponsibility possible that he’s invigorating in the role, one of his most enjoyable in years. Only one actor steals his thunder initially, admittedly long before the rot sets in; McConaughey as equally narcissistic teacher Hanna triumphs in another memorable but brief role that precedes the release of the noteworthy Dallas Buyers Club.
Scorsese’s cast is a dream team like his Goodfellas days of glory, complete with Hill as toothy Azoff – supposedly based on real-life firm successor Danny Porush. Hill as Azoff finally shakes off his cuddly ‘best bud’ image that he’s best known for in lots of Apatow bromances. Those characters only dream of what Azoff has. Indeed, Hill has found a character to despise who is so repugnant that he deserves all he gets. It’s a career-redefining moment for Hill and a tonic to witness.
The Wolf of Wall Street is stuffed with humour as much as bank notes and coke that it becomes part of the film’s fabric, as we wait for Belfort and co’s own market crash. In the meantime, it has one of the funniest but most surprisingly desperate drug scenes in a film in a long time when Belfort is trying to get home that on face value seems to belittle addicts’ plight but actually reinforces the utter worthlessness. Scorsese offers a daring and great night out at the cinema for anyone needing a break from austere reality and wanting his or her money’s worth, or without paying through the nose for 3D. Do not miss the chance for a bit of chest thumping.
5/5 stars
By @FilmGazer
