Martin Scorsese has established a legacy through his collaborations with a select group of actors, with Robert De Niro being a notable frequent collaborator over the years. However, Leonardo DiCaprio has also become a significant figure in Scorsese’s career. Their journey together began with the film Gangs of New York in 2002, and since then, they have collaborated on multiple highly acclaimed projects.
Following their initial partnership, DiCaprio and Scorsese teamed up for The Aviator in 2004 and then went on to create the Academy Award-winning The Departed in 2006, which holds the distinction of being Scorsese’s only Best Picture winner. The duo continued their collaboration with the psychological thriller Shutter Island in 2010 and recently released the much-anticipated Killers of the Flower Moon, further solidifying their reputation as a successful collaboration.
Throughout their partnership, DiCaprio and Scorsese have ventured into various genres, capturing audiences with their unique storytelling style. One notable project among their works is the darkly comedic docudrama The Wolf of Wall Street, released in 2013. This film chronicles the true story of Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker whose incredible rise on Wall Street is marred by his engaging yet illegal activities. Despite its elements of extravagance, the film has been recognized for its realistic portrayal of Wall Street culture.
Former Wall Street trader Jared Dillian has remarked on the film’s authenticity, giving The Wolf of Wall Street a respectable grade for realism, despite some exaggerated moments. Dillian analyzes how the film portrays the lavish parties characteristic of the 1980s and 1990s on Wall Street, admitting that these events were indeed exciting before the financial crisis of 2008 curtailed such festivities. He explains that while the film exaggerates certain details, especially regarding excesses, its portrayal succeeds in capturing the overall atmosphere of that era.
Dillian explains, “There’s a lot of people who watch The Wolf of Wall Street and they think that’s what Wall Street is when it’s really the wolf of strip malls in Long Island.” This statement highlights the difference between the film’s bold depiction and the everyday realities faced by most Wall Street professionals. He further notes the drastic decline of extravagant holiday parties in the financial sector following the crisis, reflecting a transformation in corporate culture towards more modest celebrations.
However, the film’s escapades, featuring extravagant depictions such as strippers and wild parties, were still on point according to Dillian, specifically in the context of a penny stock brokerage like Stratton Oakmont, which Belfort led. He assigns a realism score of 7.5 out of 10, emphasizing that despite his personal dislike for the film, its portrayal of that niche of Wall Street during a specific period was strikingly accurate.
In addition to its artistic merit, The Wolf of Wall Street proved to be a considerable financial success, grossing approximately $407 million worldwide against a production budget of around $100 million. Reviews were generally favorable, with the film achieving a critics’ score of 79% and an audience score of 83% on Rotten Tomatoes. This commercial triumph, combined with the critical acclaim, marks it as a standout entry in Scorsese and DiCaprio’s partnership.
Though there was a lengthy hiatus of ten years before their next collaboration, audiences can rejoice knowing that the wait for more cinematic magic between Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese is nearing its end. After Killers of the Flower Moon, the filmmaker and actor are poised to work together again, adapting the gripping tale of The Devil in the White City. This upcoming project promises to excite fans and critics alike, proving once again that Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese’s collaboration continues to be a force in the cinematic landscape.
As they embark on this new journey, the anticipation surrounding their partnership only grows, signaling the potential for another successful venture that could further enhance their acclaimed legacy in film history.
