Martin Scorsese’s “The Wolf of Wall Street” isn’t just a film about the outrageous excesses of Jordan Belfort, it’s a scathing indictment of wealth, greed, and the American dream gone sour. But amidst the dark humour and hedonism, the film delivers some quotable lines that stay with you long after the credits roll.
Here are some of the most memorable quotes from “The Wolf of Wall Street”:
On Wealth and Poverty:
“There’s no nobility in poverty. I’ve been a poor man, and I’ve been a rich man. And I choose rich every time.” – Jordan Belfort This quote captures the film’s core message about the allure of wealth, even if it’s ill-gotten.
The Sales Hustle:
“The name of the game, moving the money from the client’s pocket to your pocket.” – Mark Hanna Mark Hanna, Belfort’s mentor, lays bare the cynical truth about their brand of stockbroking.
“You gotta have the heart of a lion and the stomach of a cockroach to survive out here.” – Jordan Belfort This quote highlights the ruthlessness required to succeed on Wall Street, according to Belfort.
“Sell me this pen.” – Jordan Belfort -In one of the film’s most iconic scenes, Belfort challenges his colleagues with this simple yet demanding request. This quote encapsulates Belfort’s charismatic salesmanship and his ability to manipulate and persuade others to his will.
Motivation (of a Sorta Kind):
“It’s not about money, it’s about the game. It’s about winning!” – Jordan Belfort Belfort attempts to justify his actions by portraying them as a competitive pursuit, rather than pure greed.
“The easiest way to make money is to create something of such value that everybody wants it and go out and sell it. Money naturally follows value.” – Jordan Belfort Ironically, Belfort disregards this sound advice in his own pursuit of wealth.
The Wolf of Wall Street Lifestyle:
“I’m not an addict, I’m a high achiever!” – Jordan Belfort Belfort’s denial about his drug addiction is a darkly comedic moment that underscores his detachment from reality.
“You wanna know what money sounds like? Silence.” – Jordan Belfort This line offers a glimpse into the empty materialism that defines Belfort’s life.
These are just a few of the many quotable lines from “The Wolf of Wall Street.” While the film is certainly entertaining, these quotes serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the corrosive effects of wealth.