Last night a group of friends went out for a long overdue get together.
We had initially talked about seeing The Wolf of Wall Street or American Hustle, and decided on dinner and drinks instead.
When referring to potential Oscar winners, I learned about the Wolf of Wall Street letter (here) and was surprised when I read its contents.
One friend said it made her think twice about going. Another said she now felt bad for enjoying the film so much. My husband said that he wants to see it to understand what she was referring to. I told him it’s probably best to read up on the history, learn the truth, and then watch the hollywood version so we can at least gauge how much of it is based on a true story. Is it 10% true? 20%? 50%?
No matter what we decide, I really feel for the woman who tells her story through her letter. I can’t imagine how she must have felt – all of her siblings – when her father abandoned them for his own self-serving desires. Imagine your parent using your identity to open up numerous credit card accounts without you evening knowing? And your mom emotionally giving up hope and, instead of being the strong parent, abandoning you and your siblings to fend for yourselves (I don’t know the real story and whether she had a nervous breakdown, or…)
Still. I can’t help but judge them both. Shame on them. As a parent, I struggle with finding time for myself and doing something for me! Clearly these folks didn’t have that problem.
But Leonardo’s response in his review (and there are several if you google it) reinforces that Belfort’s lifestyle and behavior was not condoned by Scorsese. His intent was not to glorify him, but to show how low he could go.
What do you think? Boycott it and stand with a victim, or watch it and be amused by Scorsese’s storytelling?
Although the letter really gets to me, it also inadvertantly promotes the movie. Because I don’t know the story, I want to see it with my own eyes…
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