Wolf of Wall Street

Wolf of Wall Street

This picture exceeded my expectations. The movie trailers give the impression that the financial crisis is trivialized by a bunch of self centered unethical egotists. These guys are in the movie, but the film is more than mere shallowness and greed. It is a story of self destruction and stupidly of ambitious people. Martin Scorsese directed a great ensemble of actors for this entertaining movie. 

Leonardo DiCaprio is outstanding. Wolf’s character is a rollercoaster of emotion. He is the consummate salesman searching for next hustle and his next high. He is a cocaine addict, an alcoholic and an indiscriminate fornicator. Animal House has nothing on the Wolf. The level of debauchery depicted in this movie would make an Etruscan blush. DiCaprio’s characterization of Wolf is the polar opposite of his performance of the Great Gatsby. This is the mark of a great actor.

The company he started is basically a boiler room with high pressure salesmen churning commissions.  He is the leader of this frat house where morality is checked at the door. The manic highs eventually give way to crushing lows and paranoia when the good times cease. DiCaprio plays the bad equally well with the good. There are some scenes played unintentionally funny. If you re offended by sex scenes you will be very offended.

Margot Robbie is wife number two. Her stunning beauty is complemented by a delightful Brooklyn accent that some men find sexy (not bad for an Aussie). Their marriage tumbles from hot sex to bellicose fights. Her beauty belies tenacity and toughness to the chagrin of Wolf.

Jonah Hill basically disappoints. He is the co-founder of the company run by DiCaprio. He does not do much until the end of the movie. Hill plays the same character in all his movies. He plays the winey chubby under achiever who gets trounced reaching for an uncertain goals. Jonah Hill did not leave a mark on this movie.

It was a treat  seeing Rob Reiner in an acting role. He is now a famous director, but in the day he was the lovable Meat Head from the sit com All in the Family. His comic talents have not diminished.  Eventhough his role was brief he provided some laughs as the Wolf’s father. 

Jean Dujardin (silent film The Artist) played the role of a sleazy Swiss Banker (French Swiss). He was very funny and funnier when he spoke only French. If he continues appearing in American movies he can be our modern Maurice Chevalier.

Is The Wolf of Wall Street a microcosm of the financial crisis of 2007? Maybe. Wolf’s people are the bottom of a crowded scum barrel.  They eviscerated customers for the commission. Would it be nice to say in the end Wolf got what he deserved? See the movie and find out.

p.s.- Bathroom alert, the movie is one minute short of three hours.