Big on Decadence, But Light on Meaning

Rating: 7/10 (5 May 2014)

An unapologetic celebration of mean-spirited excess and the depths of human greed. It's entertaining as hell, wildly indulgent and more off-the-wall than the craziest Jackass movie, but at the end of the day there really isn't much more to it than that. Leo DiCaprio is effective as the drug-powered, decadent master of ceremonies, even showing us a glimmer of internal conflict behind the hazy fog of those unfocused eyes, but his rare moments of shame are quickly washed away with all manner of intoxicants. The film's purpose is puzzling. Are we to pull for this loathsome figure, the very embodiment of the ugly American 1-percent stereotype? Shall we root for his comeuppance at the hands of the law? Merely observe, jealous but just, as he squanders our relatives' retirement funds on a perpetual hunt for fleeting ecstasy? In any case, we're in for disappointment. After an hour, the novelty of this lewd dash of A-list voyeurism begins to wear thin. At two, it's long overstayed its welcome. Thirty minutes later, it begins to deal with repercussions, but those too are impermanent and flimsy. I'm torn. On the one hand, it's a savory experience, looking over the shoulder of giants as they splurge on a lustful life of luxury. On the other... did we really do more than spin our wheels? A glittery, contemplative experience that misses its shot at excellence, I've decided, and one that really doesn't need to be half as long as it is.