"The Wolf of Wall Street," directed by Martin Scorsese, features a compelling portrayal of high-stakes ambition and moral decay within the financial sector. Central to the story is Leonardo DiCaprio, who delivers an electrifying performance as Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker who rises to incredible heights in the world of finance. Alongside him is Jonah Hill, who plays Donnie Azoff, Belfort's loyal but reckless associate. Together, they embody the reckless excesses and hedonism that characterized Wall Street in the late 1980s and early 1990s, rising amidst a landscape of greed, corruption, and criminality.
The film intricately details Belfort’s refusal to cooperate in a major securities fraud investigation that digs into the corruption infecting Wall Street and corporate banking. As he builds his brokerage firm, Stratton Oakmont, Belfort becomes embroiled in a whirlwind of shady practices, including market manipulation and money laundering. With a cast of eccentric characters and high-energy storytelling, "The Wolf of Wall Street" brilliantly captures the allure of wealth and the moral lapses that often accompany it. The juxtaposition of Belfort's lavish lifestyle with the eventual consequences of his actions serves as a stark reminder of the pitfalls of unbridled ambition and the darker side of the American Dream.
Based on Jordan Belfort's autobiography, the film not only explores the glitz and glamour of Belfort's life but also delves into the shocking reality of his downfall, garnering both critical acclaim and controversy for its unflinching examination of a morally ambiguous world. The storytelling is punctuated with Scorsese's signature style, characterized by vibrant visuals and sharp dialogue, making it a captivating look at how quickly success can turn into a disastrous fall from grace. As audiences follow Belfort’s journey, they are left to grapple with the profound implications of his choices, blurring the lines between success, failure, and the price of greed.
Main Cast of The Wolf of Wall Street
Leonardo DiCaprio
Jordan Belfort
Leonardo DiCaprio delivered a tour-de-force performance as Jordan Belfort in Martin Scorsese's "The Wolf of Wall Street," a film that chronicles the rise and fall of the notorious stockbroker. DiCaprio's portrayal was both electrifying and nuanced, capturing the charismatic and manipulative essence of Belfort with a frenetic energy that mirrored the excesses of Wall Street in the 1990s. His performance was characterized by a relentless drive and an intoxicating lust for wealth and power, which was vividly depicted in Belfort's passionate speeches to his army of brokers and in his unraveling personal life. DiCaprio's ability to humanize such a morally bankrupt character, while still conveying the depth of Belfort's addiction to greed and drugs, was a testament to his skill as an actor. His dynamic range was on full display as he navigated through the highs of Belfort's stratospheric success to the lows of his eventual downfall, earning him widespread critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
Jonah Hill
Donnie Azoff
Jonah Hill delivered a transformative and riveting performance as Donnie Azoff in Martin Scorsese's "The Wolf of Wall Street." His portrayal of the hard-partying, morally dubious partner to Leonardo DiCaprio's Jordan Belfort was both outrageously comedic and unsettlingly dark. Hill's commitment to the role was evident in his physical transformation, adopting a set of prosthetic teeth and a distinct accent to fully embody the character. His performance was a masterclass in scene-stealing, as he brought an unpredictable energy to every frame, often serving as the chaotic foil to DiCaprio's calculated protagonist. Hill's Azoff was the embodiment of excess and debauchery, perfectly capturing the unhinged spirit of the film's depiction of 1990s Wall Street decadence. His ability to oscillate between crass humor and deep-seated insecurity provided a layered complexity to the character, earning him critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Hill's work in "The Wolf of Wall Street" marked a significant milestone in his career, showcasing his versatility and depth as a character actor.
Margot Robbie
Naomi Lapaglia
Margot Robbie's portrayal of Naomi Lapaglia in Martin Scorsese's "The Wolf of Wall Street" is a riveting blend of charm, intelligence, and calculated ambition. As the film's fiery femme fatale, Robbie commands the screen with a magnetic presence, holding her own against Leonardo DiCaprio's flamboyant Jordan Belfort. Her performance is a study in contrasts; she exudes a raw sexuality while also revealing Naomi's street-smart intuition and emotional depth. Robbie brings a compelling complexity to the role, morphing from the object of Belfort's desire into a formidable partner-in-crime, and eventually, a woman fiercely determined to protect her family. Her nuanced portrayal elevates Naomi beyond a mere supporting character, crafting a memorable arc that showcases her range as an actress and solidifies her as a standout talent in a film filled with powerhouse performances.
Matthew McConaughey
Mark Hanna
Matthew McConaughey delivers a scene-stealing performance as Mark Hanna in Martin Scorsese's "The Wolf of Wall Street." Despite his limited screen time, McConaughey's portrayal of the eccentric stockbroker leaves an indelible mark on the film. His character, who becomes a mentor to Leonardo DiCaprio's Jordan Belfort, is introduced in a memorable lunch scene where he imparts his philosophy on the nature of the business, emphasizing the importance of making money and the mantra of "sell sell sell." McConaughey's Hanna is charismatic yet deeply cynical, setting the tone for the excess and moral ambiguity that pervade the film. His distinctive chest-thumping rhythm, which he explains as a method to keep in tune with the heartbeat of the financial markets, becomes a symbol of the primal energy and greed inherent in the world of Wall Street. McConaughey's performance is a masterclass in scene-setting and character development, providing a compelling blueprint for the ruthless ambition that drives the narrative forward. His work in "The Wolf of Wall Street" is often cited as a pivotal moment in his career, showcasing his range and helping to propel him toward more complex and nuanced roles.
Kyle Chandler
Agent Patrick Denham
Kyle Chandler delivered a commendable performance as Agent Patrick Denham in Martin Scorsese's "The Wolf of Wall Street," a film that delves into the excessive and corrupt world of stockbroker Jordan Belfort. Chandler's portrayal of the dogged FBI agent stands out as a beacon of integrity in a narrative rife with moral turpitude. With a quiet strength and an unwavering gaze, Chandler's Denham serves as the moral compass of the film, persistently pursuing Belfort with a methodical and restrained approach that starkly contrasts with the flamboyance and debauchery of the world he investigates. His performance is marked by a stoic intensity, and through his nuanced portrayal, Chandler brings depth to the role, illustrating the agent's determination and frustration as he navigates the complex web of financial fraud. His climactic confrontation with Belfort on the yacht is a standout moment, where the tension between the two characters becomes palpable, highlighting Chandler's ability to hold his own against Leonardo DiCaprio's larger-than-life portrayal of Belfort. Kyle Chandler's Agent Denham is the embodiment of tenacity and righteousness, offering a compelling counterpoint to the film's exuberant display of greed and excess.
Rob Reiner
Max Belfort
In Martin Scorsese's "The Wolf of Wall Street," Rob Reiner delivers a memorable performance as Max Belfort, the father of the film's protagonist, Jordan Belfort, portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio. Reiner's Max is a grounded, no-nonsense figure who serves as a moral compass in the reckless and extravagant world of Jordan's penny stock brokerage firm, Stratton Oakmont. Max's scenes with Jordan are laced with a combination of love, frustration, and disappointment, as he struggles to instill a sense of ethics and responsibility in his wayward son. Reiner's portrayal is both stern and endearing, capturing the essence of a parent's concern for their child's path, even as that child spirals into a world of greed and excess. His performance is a highlight of the film, providing both comedic relief through his impeccable timing and delivery, as well as poignant moments that underscore the deeper emotional stakes of Jordan's journey. Reiner'sMax Belfort is a testament to his versatility as an actor, adeptly navigating the complex dynamics of a strained father-son relationship amidst the backdrop of financial debauchery and the eventual comeuppance that follows.
Jon Bernthal
Brad
Jon Favreau
Manny Riskin
Jean Dujardin
Jean Jacques Saurel
Joanna Lumley
Aunt Emma
Cristin Milioti
Teresa Petrillo
Christine Ebersole
Leah Belfort
Shea Whigham
Captain Ted Beecham
Katarina Čas
Chantalle
P.J. Byrne
Nicky Koskoff ("Rugrat")
Kenneth Choi
Chester Ming
Brian Sacca
Robbie Feinberg ("Pinhead")
Henry Zebrowski
Alden Kupferberg ("Sea Otter")
Ethan Suplee
Toby Welch
Crew of The Wolf of Wall Street
Full backstage crew list →