Greedy Wolf

Rating: 9/10 (7 May 2019)

Arguably one of Scorsese's best to date. The film examines individuals consumed by the want of money and the richness it brings. In this case the richness that is depleted from humanity. DiCaprio portays the most narcissistic character this viewer has ever witnessed on the silver screen. It's astonishing that it's based on true events. The film tells the story of Jordan Belfort who starts his own brokerage firm and bilks his investors out of millions of dollars with an idea that started with penny stocks. He starts the firm with his cronies that follow him from his beginning and their loyalty is unflappable. This proves to be crucial when Belfort's rags to riches meteoric rise catches the eye of a dogged SEC agent. He is on to Belfort and is hell bent on taking him down. While Belfort's lifestyle of debauchery and belief of being untouchable continues the agent is closing in. There are so many memorable scenes and quotes in this film it is virtually impossible to pick a favorite. Excellent direction, screenplay, soundtrack, cinematography, costume, editing and acting. All of the artists involved deliver superlative performances. DiCaprio, Hill, Chandler and Robbie stand out. However it is DiCaprio who is commanding and mesmerizing. The plot is outrageous, uproarious, insightful, explorative, ingenious, sublime, intelligent, duplicitous, captivating, poetic and has a cathartic ending. To this day you'll hear fans of this film quote such famous lines as Belfort's, "Sell me this pen". This a a timeless masterpiece and remains one of the very best in it's genre.