Is 'The Wolf of Wall Street' the Best Movie of All Time?

Film enthusiasts often debate the question of the best movie of all time. Given the subjective nature of such a concept, it's hard to come to a definitive answer. However, one thing is certain: Wolf of Wall Street will never be at the top of any objective list of the greatest movies ever made.

Subjectivity and Criteria

The title of the 'best movie of all time' is highly subjective and based on multiple criteria such as the plot, writing, acting, cinematography, and more. Different viewers prioritize these elements differently. Two movies that usually top these rankings are Citizen Kane and Vertigo. However, even the ranks of the highest-regarded films can be debated.

Scorsese's Eponymous Film: A Step Back?

The Wolf of Wall Street, directed by Martin Scorsese, is a testament to the director's ability to create captivating films. However, it is far from being his best. Scorsese has crafted numerous masterpieces throughout his career, such as Taxi Driver, Goodfellas, Raging Bull, and The Departed. For me, the top five Scorsese films are Taxi Driver, Goodfellas, Raging Bull, and The Departed, with The Irishman and Casino as honorable mentions.

Entertainment Value and Critique

The Wolf of Wall Street is a well-made and entertaining film. It features DiCaprio's iconic performance, a killer soundtrack, and Scorsese's signature quirky camera work. The dialogue, while quotable, falls short in comparison to his other work. DiCaprio's performance, while praised, is not his best, matching performances like those in Catch Me If You Can and The Revenant. The soundtrack, despite being great, is not as iconic as that of Goodfellas or Casino. The camera work is interesting but nothing groundbreaking.

Despite these qualities, The Wolf of Wall Street falls short in terms of substance. The film doesn't delve deeply into meaningful themes until the final scene. Unlike the complex characters in Scorsese's Taxi Driver or Goodfellas, Jordan Belfort is not a character worthy of in-depth analysis. His lifestyle and antics, while entertaining, overshadow the film's moral message, which aims to condemn excess and the lifestyle of financially successful criminals. Instead, the film risks glorifying this lifestyle by focusing on the lavish parties and excesses.

Thematic Weaknesses and Overlooked Messages

The film's main strength, its entertainment value, becomes its thematic weakness. In the same vein as Brian de Palmas' Scarface, The Wolf of Wall Street risks repeating the same mistake: glorifying the character's lifestyle. Unlike Scarface, which was criticized for doing so, The Wolf of Wall Street may have aimed to highlight the futility and tragic nature of Jordan Belfort's life. However, this message may have been lost in the excessive vortex of wealth and success portrayed in the film.

Conclusion

While The Wolf of Wall Street is a well-made and fun film with a talented cast and interesting performances, it cannot be considered the best movie ever made. It is a valuable entry in Scorsese's filmography, but it pales in comparison to his other works, such as Taxi Driver and Goodfellas. It's entertainment value and cult status are undeniable, but its focus on style over substance ultimately keeps it from reaching the highest echelons of film greatness.