The Wolf of Wall Street trailer
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie
Director: Martin Scorsese
IMDB Rating: 8.6/10
My Rating: 9/10
Runtime: 3hrs
Synopsis: The Wolf of Wall St. is based on the true story of Jordan Belfort, a New York stockbroker who will do anything to make another million. Set in the early 1990s, Belfort lives a life of ludicrous excess and debauchery however the FBI are keeping a close eye on his escapades.
I went to see Wolf of Wall St. on the night of it’s theatrical release - four cinemas were sold out but we managed to get tickets in the abandoned shopping centre of Point Village, where, three escalators up, the Odeon cinema lies. Quite fitting really as one can’t help but reflect on the senseless spending that went on in Ireland during the ‘property boom’ as you gaze at the white, empty walls of ‘what could have been’. Nevertheless there was a buzz about town, an anticipation, a sense that we were about to see something great... and I for one, wasn’t at all disappointed.
Scorsese is seventy one years old and still directing films that, even by today’s standards, would be considered both edgy and bold. The film is full of sex, drugs and foul language, so much so that, by the end of it, you’re left feeling somewhat drained. As you become immersed in Belfort’s relentless greed you’re left with no choice but to rout for him, even to sympathise with him? Scorsese tactfully places the viewer amongst Belfort’s army of salesmen, shouting and cursing down the telephones. By doing this, we are made to feel like one of them - wired and out of control. This feeling of pure investment in the story has been misinterpreted by many as glorifying the crimes of Belfort. In my opinion, the film serves to trick you into identifying with a crook and leaves you feeling dirty for doing so.
Moral or immoral, the film is hilarious and exciting throughout. Leonardo DiCaprio will surely pick up an Oscar for his exceptional performance but the support cast were just as impressive. It’s Jonah Hill’s best film to date, Matthew McConaughey’s cameo is hilarious and Margot Robbie, the twenty three year old Australian actress is one to watch for the future. I’d urge everyone to watch this on the big screen because it’s more than worth the ticket price. This is a Scorsese classic, Wall St. x 10 and even more drugs than Charlie Sheen could handle. Why the hell wouldn’t you like it?
- by Gavin Fitzgerald
