The Great Fratsby: Analysis of Two Films

Overview

• Comparison of The Wolf of Wall Street and The Great Gatsby, both starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
• Both films explore themes of wealth, greed, and self-delusion in American capitalism.
• DiCaprio's role in both films highlights similarities and contrasts.

Themes and Context

• Common Themes:
  • Both films address the epic of American capitalism and greed.
  • They are morality plays about the consequences of excess and self-delusion.
• Contrast:
  • The Great Gatsby: Centers on romantic tragedy and the pursuit of an unrequited love.
  • The Wolf of Wall Street: Focuses on depravity and the pursuit of wealth for the sake of indulgence.

Film Analysis

The Great Gatsby

• Directed by Baz Luhrmann.
• Based on F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, considered superior source material.
• Conveys a sense of loss and longing symbolized by the green light.
• Gatsby's parties are a means to an end, a lure for love.
• Reflects the tragedy of loving something unattainable.

The Wolf of Wall Street

• Directed by Martin Scorsese.
• Belfort as a character lacks depth compared to Gatsby.
• Focuses on indulgence without consequence until later stages.
• Belfort's parties are the end game rather than a means.
• No true victimization shown, reflects callousness and greed.

Characters and Motivations

• Jay Gatsby (The Great Gatsby):
  • Driven by the love for Daisy Buchanan.
  • Wealth is a means to win Daisy back.
  • Represents tragic idealism.
• Jordan Belfort (The Wolf of Wall Street):
  • Driven by wealth and indulgence with no deeper purpose.
  • Represents rampant capitalist greed.
  • Self-invention and excess are central.

Critical Reception and Themes

• The Great Gatsby:
  • Captures the tension between wealth and morality.
  • Timeless commentary on the American Dream.
• The Wolf of Wall Street:
  • Criticized for perceived glorification of excess.
  • Intended as satire but risks being misinterpreted.
• Audience Reaction:
  • Wall Street screenings received cheers, indicating issues with viewer interpretation of satire.

Conclusion

• Luhrmann's Gatsby is vibrant and emotionally resonant but lacks the depth of the novel.
• Scorsese's Wolf serves as a dark reflection of capitalism without romantic themes, showcasing the dangers of unchecked greed.
• Questions raised about the role of cinema in reflecting societal values and the responsibility of filmmakers in shaping audience perception.

Additional Notes

• Cultural Impact:
  • The films reflect changing societal attitudes towards wealth and morality.
  • References to other gangster films and the broader impact on popular culture.