There's a pounding rhythm that rings throughout the beginning of the film - and I'm not talking about Matthew McConaughey's chest-beating. The opening scenes are abuzz with anticipation, and the build-up in tone lets you know the main protagonist is going to hit the ground running. There's no denying we're in for a ride and Director Martin Scorcese's signature is everywhere.
The story's adapted from a memoir written by a former stockbroker and trader, Jordan Belfort. In the book, Belfort basically lays out all his cards on the table - detailing how the brokerage house he helped create engaged in pump and dump schemes with penny stocks. If you don't know what that means, it's of little consequence. The important thing is that he was a money-hungry businessman looking for any way to make millions. Remember the movie Boiler Room? That was also based on Belfort. The biggest difference narrative-wise is this film has an arguably stronger story and plot. Its focus is a little more intimate and that's where Scorcese gets it right.
Thelma Schoonmaker's editing was only made easier by the fact that Scorsese, as he usually does, encouraged the cast to constantly improvise; creating unexpected moments that grounded the film. And that's essential when you consider the extreme, almost outlandish, moments littered throughout. The acting's superb. Leonardo DiCaprio and Margot Robbie lean into their roles heavily, never breaking character and almost always getting lost in the relationship on-screen. It seems like they were doing everything to please the source-material because everybody is obviously having a blast making it.
In fact, Jonah Hill was so stoked to work with Scorsese, he took a huge pay cut, agreeing to take the minimum $60,000 S.A.G. approved wage. Meanwhile, DiCaprio pulled in a cool $25 million and the film ended up grossing $392 million worldwide, becoming Scorsese's highest-earning of all time. It's not a gangster flick like Goodfellas or Casino, but there's a similar approach and sensibility here and just like the strong personalities in those stories, the main characters blunt approach to the world is what will stay with you long after the credits roll.
The story's adapted from a memoir written by a former stockbroker and trader, Jordan Belfort. In the book, Belfort basically lays out all his cards on the table - detailing how the brokerage house he helped create engaged in pump and dump schemes with penny stocks. If you don't know what that means, it's of little consequence. The important thing is that he was a money-hungry businessman looking for any way to make millions. Remember the movie Boiler Room? That was also based on Belfort. The biggest difference narrative-wise is this film has an arguably stronger story and plot. Its focus is a little more intimate and that's where Scorcese gets it right.
Thelma Schoonmaker's editing was only made easier by the fact that Scorsese, as he usually does, encouraged the cast to constantly improvise; creating unexpected moments that grounded the film. And that's essential when you consider the extreme, almost outlandish, moments littered throughout. The acting's superb. Leonardo DiCaprio and Margot Robbie lean into their roles heavily, never breaking character and almost always getting lost in the relationship on-screen. It seems like they were doing everything to please the source-material because everybody is obviously having a blast making it.
In fact, Jonah Hill was so stoked to work with Scorsese, he took a huge pay cut, agreeing to take the minimum $60,000 S.A.G. approved wage. Meanwhile, DiCaprio pulled in a cool $25 million and the film ended up grossing $392 million worldwide, becoming Scorsese's highest-earning of all time. It's not a gangster flick like Goodfellas or Casino, but there's a similar approach and sensibility here and just like the strong personalities in those stories, the main characters blunt approach to the world is what will stay with you long after the credits roll.
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