The Big Picture The 25 Best Movies of the Century: No. 11 - 'The Wolf of Wall Street’
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Sep 24, 2025 The hosts dive into Martin Scorsese's 'The Wolf of Wall Street,' exploring its chaotic celebration of excess and morality. They debate whether the film glorifies its distorted characters or critiques them, while also highlighting Leonardo DiCaprio’s standout performance. The discussion covers its unique visual style, impactful soundtrack, and connection to American ambition. They examine the film's complex portrayal of relationships and societal commentary, questioning its place among Scorsese's late masterpieces and its relevance in post-2008 America.
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Scorsese's Late-Career Apotheosis
- The Wolf of Wall Street is Scorsese's late-career apotheosis mixing hyperkinetic style with his enduring obsessions.
- The film functions as a culmination of themes like masculinity, addiction, and excess in modern America.
Excess As Moral Mirror
- The film's excessive nudity and debauchery are deliberate, meant to grotesquely amplify its themes.
- Amanda Dobbins and Sean argue the excess is purposeful to show moral rot rather than to celebrate it.
Mythmaking And Sudden Consequences
- Belfort's voiceover alternates mythmaking with moments that break character to reveal consequences.
- The script inserts brief, brutal consequences to remind viewers of the real toll behind the spectacle.
