Bret Dorman’s review published on Letterboxd:
The Wolf of Wall St
Worth Watching? Yes.
Story: Sleazy salesman becomes filthy rich and blows all his money on hookers and drugs.
One Good Thing:
"There is no nobility in being poor."
This line comes right after a speech Jordan Belfort's business 'partner' and fashion guru Guy Madden tries to make. While Madden is boo-ed off the mic, Belfort rouses the crowd. The difference between the two is like an expert at a town meeting try to explain a new ordinance and a professional wrestler commanding a stadium full of his cronies. Belfort exudes more and more alpha male dominance the more powerful he gets.
While giving a standard pep rally "go get 'em gang" speech, Belfort does manage to hint at his most cynical nature. "There is no nobility in being poor." He tells his staff it's not good enough to be successful, you must also be rich. Filthy, stinking, rich.
And what does Belfort do with his money? Does he use it for "noble" causes? Hell. No. He spends it on as many drugs and hookers as he can, which turns out, is a lot. Here we see the dark nature of this otherwise absurdly over-the-top comedy.
Belfort wastes his power and status on immediate and carnal pleasures. Yet, the way he sees it, he has more money than you. So not only can he do whatever he wants; He is better than you. Plain and simple. He's more successful. He's richer. And he's in charge. And he's going to make sure that he has a grand ol' time at the top.