NEWS
EVENTS
The Wolf of Wall Street
Other | Wednesday 23rd April 2014 | Nathan
The Wolf of Wall Street, directed by Martin Scorsese, retells the story of Jordan Belfort’s rise to power through the narration of Leonardo DiCaprio, who portrays the New York stockbroker.
Jordan is a product of his upbringing. His love for money derived from the people that raised him, two middle class accountants.
His career commenced as a 22-year-old youth hungry to succeed. Upon learning the ropes, he quickly realised what it was like to be a stockbroker, grasping the hostile working environment that comprised of abusive and aggressive employees. It was an atmosphere he embraced with a pleasant smile, realising it suited him.
Jordan’s instant breakthrough occurs after impressing senior stockbroker Mark Hanna (Mathew McConaughey) during his job interview, by pitching a stock. From Hanna’s perspective, Belfort was someone who had broken the mould and stood out from every other employee. The senior stockbroker was so impressed that he invited him to lunch.
The film’s most significant moment was the conversation between Mark and Jordan during lunch where the experienced stockbroker educates him, feeding him tips and keys to being a successful stock seller. The advice included the necessities required to cope with the ‘hectic’ job role.
The turning point was Jordan losing his job, forcing him to take his talents and experience elsewhere. His pursuit for a similar role led him to another firm that turned out to be the opposite of his previous workplace. The first sign was the building adjacent (from left to right) to a hair wig, and Taekwondo/Karate store. When Jordan Belfort reached the door, he looked around, as if thinking, ‘Am I at the right place?’ He entered, immediately feeling out of place, as the only person in a suit, while they all wore casual clothing. Nobody looked like a businessperson. The abusive language used by the employees was the only familiar feature.
The firm embarrassed him, partly because they invested in ‘penny stocks’, sold to ‘ordinary people’ like ‘postmen’ and ‘plumper’s. During the interview, John (the interviewer) even forgets Jordan’s name. In summary, the company’s standards were too low for his expectations. This becomes apparent after the New York stockbroker effortlessly sold their’ penny stock’ to a customer named John. Although he perceived the sale as child’s play, it deemed as something spectacular in the eyes of every employee in the room – including the boss. They are ignorant to the fact that there are many others like Jordan, capable of selling ‘penny stocks’ with ease.
He was a small fish in a big pond at his previous workplace, whereas the only big fish in a small pond at John’s company.
Jordan Belfort’s instant success transformed him into a hero. His reputation quickly spread, inspiring people like Donnie Azoff – with no stockbroker experience, to be like him, experience his dream.
The New York native revealed his talent as a mentor by passing the skills he gained from Mark Hanna, to a team of retailers specialised in the selling of goods like meat and tires, shaping them into stockbrokers. In essence, he transformed a group of cubs into a pride of lions.
The success of his organization highlights the importance of teamwork. Jordan’s dream would not have come to fruition alone. He needed a combined effort from every employee for the business to prosper.
His incarceration symbolises that nothing lasts forever; good things can end instantly. Within the blink of an eye, Jordan lost his fortune, and more importantly, his family, whom separated from him.
Contrary to Jordan’s abrupt termination of power and wealth, he was able to leave a lasting legacy. He is still admired for achieving the American dream; therefore is an inspiration unto people who strive to transform from ‘nobodies into somebodies’, live the flashy life he lived, remembered for doing something successful in life, leave a mark on this earth and for those who want their name etched into history like Jordan Belfort.
Jordan Belfort will be performing live in London 28th May. Get your tickets here www.wolfofwallstreetuk.com
