The Wolf of Wall Street
Executive Summary
Pass/Consider/Recommend/Highly Recommend
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Overview
Genres: Drama, Comedy, Biography, Crime, Romance, Dark, Thriller
Setting: ,
Overview: The screenplay shows strong originality, engaging characters, and compelling conflicts, but could benefit from deeper emotional exploration and improved visual imagery.
Themes: The Corrupt World of Wall Street, The Hedonistic Lifestyle of Jordan Belfort, Betrayal and Consequences, The Pursuit of Happiness and Success, The Dangers of Drug Abuse
Conflict and Stakes:
Comparable Scripts:
Market Analysis
Budget Estimate:
Target Audience Demographics:
Marketability:
Profit Potential:
Scene Level Percentiles
Writer's Voice
Summary:The writer's original voice throughout the screenplay is characterized by fast-paced and energetic dialogue, graphic descriptions, dark humor, and a satirical tone that highlights the excesses and amorality of the characters. The narrative descriptions are vivid and detailed, capturing the frenzied atmosphere of the financial world and the characters' hedonistic lifestyle. The writer's direction is dynamic, with quick cuts and scene changes that add to the sense of chaos and urgency. Overall, the writer's voice contributes to the overall mood of the screenplay, emphasizing the themes of greed, excess, moral ambiguity, and the consequences of unethical behavior.
Best representation: Scene 4 - Jordan Belfort's First Day on the Job. This scene is the best representation because it showcases the writer's fast-paced and energetic dialogue, as well as the satirical tone and witty banter between the characters. The scene also demonstrates the writer's skill in capturing the constant sense of chaos and urgency in the characters' lives, contributing to the overall mood and depth of the screenplay.
Memorable Lines:
- Jordan: Money doesn’t just buy you a better life -- better food, better cars, better pussy -- it also makes you a better person. (Scene 2)
- Mark Hanna: Let’s fuck!! (Scene 3)
- Jordan: No one buys stock unless he thinks it’s going up and going up now. (Scene 8)
- Jordan: The life of your dreams is only a decision away (Scene 39)
- Jordan: Sell me this pen. (Scene 46)
Story Shape
Screenplay Insights:
Characters: 7.5, The screenplay demonstrates solid character development, creating relatable and engaging individuals who drive the narrative forward. However, enhancing the complexity of certain characters and refining their arcs could strengthen the screenplay's emotional impact and narrative depth. See More
Premise: 7.75, While the premise of the story exhibits originality and clarity by presenting an intriguing concept involving the rise and fall of a corrupt stockbroker, there are areas where the narrative's narrative elements could be refined to enhance its overall appeal and emotional depth. See More
Structure: 7.25, The screenplay showcases an engaging narrative structure that effectively portrays Jordan Belfort's rise and fall, capturing his ambition, hedonism, and consequences. However, the plot's pacing could be refined to enhance tension and better align with the intended character arcs. See More
Theme: 8.5, The screenplay effectively explores themes of ambition, greed, morality, and the consequences of unchecked power. It presents a cautionary tale about the dangers of prioritizing wealth and success at the expense of ethics and personal relationships. While the messages are clear and impactful, some aspects of the theme could be further refined to enhance the screenplay's thematic depth and audience engagement. See More
Visual Impact: 6.25, The screenplay relies heavily on dialogue and character interactions, with visual descriptions often taking a backseat. While there are moments of vivid imagery, overall, it lacks the depth and creativity to create a strong visual experience. See More
Emotional Impact: 7.5, The screenplay effectively captures the protagonist's journey of unchecked ambition and extreme hedonism, culminating in a dramatic downfall and eventual redemption. While it portrays intense and emotionally charged events, exploring the depths of the characters' struggles can further enhance its emotional impact, creating a more profound and resonant experience for the audience. See More
Conflict: 9.25, The screenplay effectively utilizes conflict and stakes to drive the narrative and engage the audience. The central conflict, Jordan's pursuit of wealth and excess while disregarding ethical and legal boundaries, creates a compelling tension that carries through the story. The screenplay also raises the stakes effectively by depicting the negative consequences of Jordan's actions on his relationships, career, and well-being. However, the resolution of the conflict could be further strengthened to provide a more satisfying and impactful conclusion. See More
Originality: 8.75, The screenplay exhibits a high level of originality and creativity in its depiction of the protagonist's journey through the world of finance. The narrative is characterized by a fast-paced and immersive style that effectively captures the thrill and excess associated with Wall Street culture. See More
Premise: 7.75, While the premise of the story exhibits originality and clarity by presenting an intriguing concept involving the rise and fall of a corrupt stockbroker, there are areas where the narrative's narrative elements could be refined to enhance its overall appeal and emotional depth. See More
Structure: 7.25, The screenplay showcases an engaging narrative structure that effectively portrays Jordan Belfort's rise and fall, capturing his ambition, hedonism, and consequences. However, the plot's pacing could be refined to enhance tension and better align with the intended character arcs. See More
Theme: 8.5, The screenplay effectively explores themes of ambition, greed, morality, and the consequences of unchecked power. It presents a cautionary tale about the dangers of prioritizing wealth and success at the expense of ethics and personal relationships. While the messages are clear and impactful, some aspects of the theme could be further refined to enhance the screenplay's thematic depth and audience engagement. See More
Visual Impact: 6.25, The screenplay relies heavily on dialogue and character interactions, with visual descriptions often taking a backseat. While there are moments of vivid imagery, overall, it lacks the depth and creativity to create a strong visual experience. See More
Emotional Impact: 7.5, The screenplay effectively captures the protagonist's journey of unchecked ambition and extreme hedonism, culminating in a dramatic downfall and eventual redemption. While it portrays intense and emotionally charged events, exploring the depths of the characters' struggles can further enhance its emotional impact, creating a more profound and resonant experience for the audience. See More
Conflict: 9.25, The screenplay effectively utilizes conflict and stakes to drive the narrative and engage the audience. The central conflict, Jordan's pursuit of wealth and excess while disregarding ethical and legal boundaries, creates a compelling tension that carries through the story. The screenplay also raises the stakes effectively by depicting the negative consequences of Jordan's actions on his relationships, career, and well-being. However, the resolution of the conflict could be further strengthened to provide a more satisfying and impactful conclusion. See More
Originality: 8.75, The screenplay exhibits a high level of originality and creativity in its depiction of the protagonist's journey through the world of finance. The narrative is characterized by a fast-paced and immersive style that effectively captures the thrill and excess associated with Wall Street culture. See More
Screenplay Story Analysis
Note: This is the overall critique. For scene by scene critique click here
Summaries
- Jordan Belfort, a former middle-class boy from Bayside, Queens, becomes the head of his own brokerage firm at 26, making him an incredibly wealthy man. He lives a lavish life with his wife Naomi and kids, owning several homes, a mansion, six cars, three horses, and a 170-foot yacht. He takes part in crazy antics, such as throwing dwarfs dressed in funny costumes at dartboards, while managing a team of drunk stockbrokers.
- Jordan Belfort indulges in sex, drugs, and reckless behavior, all while maintaining his powerful position as the head of a brokerage firm.
- Jordan Belfort starts his first day of work at LF Rothschild as a connector. He meets his co-worker Jerry Fogel and his senior broker, Mark Hanna. The scene shows Jordan's excitement at the fast-paced environment and sets up his character's drive for success.
- Jordan Belfort starts his job at LF Rothschild as a connector on Wall Street. He is introduced to senior broker Mark Hanna and instructed on how to pretend he knows what he’s doing while making money. The scene culminates in Jordan’s first day being the day of the 1987 stock market crash known as Black Monday.
- Jordan gets a job at Investor's Center, a penny stock brokerage, and works his way up the ranks with his fast-talking sales pitches. He made his first sale and impressed his colleagues.
- Jordan starts working at LF Rothschild as a connector, impressed with the fast-paced environment and his drive for success. He quickly moves up the ranks at Investor's Center with his fast-talking sales pitches and partners with Donnie Azoff, who he bonded with over drugs and unconventional life views. Together, they start their own firm out of an abandoned auto body shop.
- Jordan brings his friends from their previous careers as middling pot dealers to work at his own penny stock brokerage. He and Brad fail to recruit Brad to their fledgling firm, as he has become known as the Quaalude king of Bayside. Jordan looks back on how he made so much money from selling crappy penny stocks that he could afford to give Teresa a diamond tennis bracelet.
- Jordan teaches his brokers how to sell stocks to wealthy Americans by targeting them with blue chip stocks and creating urgency.
- Jordan teaches his brokers how to sell stocks to wealthy Americans by targeting them with blue chip stocks and creating urgency.
- Jordan boasts about his brokerage firm's success and rewards a sales assistant with $10,000 to have her head shaved and get breast implants. He becomes a celebrity after an article about him is published in Forbes and attracts many young job applicants. The workplace becomes a wild, frenzied environment filled with drugs, sex, and hedonism.
- Jordan's penny stock brokerage firm becomes a celebrity after an article in Forbes and attracts many young job applicants. The workplace becomes an environment filled with drugs, sex, and hedonism.
- Jordan addresses his brokers at his beach house, boasting about their success and future prospects. He encourages his staff to enjoy themselves, but to also be prepared for the future. The scene is filled with excitement and hedonism.
- Jordan hosts a wild, drug-filled party at his beach house where he discusses doing their own IPO's and getting rich. Jordan becomes infatuated with Naomi, the hottest woman at the party. The party ends with Jordan becoming hooked on obtaining Naomi.
- Jordan meets Naomi at a party, becomes infatuated with her, and ends up at her apartment where they have sex.
- Jordan becomes infatuated with Naomi and starts a passionate relationship, leading to the end of his marriage. He hosts extravagant parties and hires a decorator and a gay butler. However, their relationship is tested when Naomi discovers a gay orgy in his apartment and realizes her jewelry and cash have been stolen by one of the participants.
- Jordan confronts his butler, Nicholas, about stolen money and jewels and ultimately has him beaten up. He then gives the police money to take care of him. The scene ends with Jordan receiving profits from his shady dealings.
- Jordan and Manny discuss their illegal IPO and the SEC investigation, while Jordan shows off his power and lack of concern by bugging and freezing out the SEC attorneys. Later, Jordan's extravagant lifestyle becomes even more excessive as he gets engaged and married to Naomi.
- Jordan and Naomi continue their passionate relationship with Jordan showering her with expensive gifts and experiences. However, cracks start to show as Naomi suspects Jordan of infidelity.
- Jordan and Naomi argue about his infidelity, and Jordan has a morning ritual of steam showers and pills
- Jordan and Naomi engage in a seductive power play as Jordan shows Naomi a hidden camera recording of her masturbating, causing a heated argument. Jordan then goes to work where he discovers a broker not taking his job seriously on the day of an important IPO.
- Donnie intimidates a broker by eating his pet goldfish, and Jordan meets with shoe designer Steve Madden. Jordan shows off his power by intimidating Securities and Exchange Commission lawyers. Later, he and Naomi engage in a seductive power play, and Jordan discovers a broker not taking his job seriously on an important IPO day.
- Jordan gives a motivational speech to his brokers, encouraging them to sell Steve Madden stock aggressively. The brokers go on to make a lot of sales, and the stock price skyrockets.
- Jordan receives a call from his videographer and learns the FBI wants a copy of his wedding video. He meets with private investigator Bo Dietl to discuss his options.
- Jordan plans a trip to Switzerland to launder his money, takes a lot of ludes and gets arrested on the plane. However, the trip gets quashed by a Swiss banker with whom Jordan wants to launder his money, and Jordan is able to keep Agent Fuckface unaware of the trip.
- Jordan negotiates with Swiss bankers over bank secrecy laws and learns he needs a European passport to launder his money safely.
- Jordan plans to launder his money in Switzerland but faces complications. Meanwhile, he confides in his Aunt Emma about his drug and sex addiction.
- Jordan, Donnie, and Brad tape cash to Chantalle's body for smuggling purposes, while Jordan negotiates with Brad over moving Donnie's money. Brad confronts Donnie, and Aunt Emma smuggles $2 million on a plane to Switzerland.
- Brad and Donnie meet for a drug drop-off. Donnie antagonizes Brad, resulting in a fight and Brad attempting to flee. He is ultimately arrested by the police while Donnie watches on. Later, Donnie presents Jordan with a bottle of rare Quaaludes, but also admits to messing up the drug deal with Brad.
- Jordan receives a mysterious phone call from Bo Dietl, instructing him to leave the house and call back from a payphone.
- Jordan receives a warning from Bo Dietl about being under surveillance. He later attempts to drive home while heavily drugged and receives a panicked call from his wife about Donnie's actions.
- Jordan saves Donnie's life with CPR after he chokes on ham at Jordan's house. The police arrive to question Jordan about something, and his Lamborghini is totaled.
- Jordan narrowly avoided getting caught for reckless driving while drugged and Brad went to jail for not ratting out Donnie. Jordan considers a plea deal with the SEC and navigating his legal troubles, while also reflecting on his luck and contemplating his future.
- Jordan delivers a heartfelt speech to his employees announcing his departure, but changes his mind and decides to stay, leading to a party celebrating his decision.
- Jordan and Donnie are informed that Steve Madden is unloading shares which threatens Jordan's legal situation. They attempt to sell their shares as well and drive the price down. Meanwhile, Jordan receives news of his aunt's sudden death and mourning her passing.
- Jordan learns that his aunt has named him as a successor to her account but needs to co-sign within three days. He sets out with his team on a complicated journey involving forgery and travel to comply with the request. However, as they encounter turbulence and rough waters, their journey becomes a dangerous gamble.
- Jordan and his team set out on a dangerous journey to comply with a request from his deceased aunt to co-sign on a major account. However, they encounter turbulence and rough waters, putting their lives at risk.
- Jordan promotes his seminar and success to the audience through an infomercial
- Jordan is arraigned for an endless list of charges and set with a high bail. He discusses his situation with his attorney and Naomi.
- Jordan is comforted by his friend Donnie and learns about his friends' loyalty towards him. Later, he is faced with the strong possibility of getting a serious jail sentence and is asked to cooperate with the FBI in exchange for leniency.
- Jordan shares with Naomi the news that he may be able to cooperate with the FBI in exchange for leniency, but this would require him sharing information about his friends. Naomi is supportive but hesitant to engage in intimacy with Jordan.
- Jordan and Naomi have sex before Naomi drops the bomb that she wants a divorce and custody of their kids. Jordan is outraged and insists that she's not taking his kids. He snorts coke and slashes the couch out of frustration. Naomi tells him he's sick and going to jail for 20 years, and he becomes violent and takes their daughter, Skylar, with him as he leaves the room.
- Jordan is faced with the consequences of his actions when Naomi drops the bomb that she wants a divorce and custody of their kids. He snorts coke and becomes violent, taking their daughter with him as he leaves. Later, Jordan signs a cooperation agreement with the FBI, potentially putting his friends in danger, and begins to wear a wire for undercover work.
- Jordan is sentenced to prison for his crimes, works with the FBI, and ultimately ends up in jail, where he plays tennis and reflects on his life.
- Jordan's marriage falls apart, he turns to drugs and violence, and ultimately goes to jail but finds redemption in working with the FBI.
Characters in the screenplay, and their arcs:
| Character | Arc | Critique | Suggestions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jordan Belfort | Jordan begins as a newcomer, excited and driven to succeed. He then rises to power and reinvents Stratton Oakmont. However, his actions catch up to him and he faces legal troubles and a troubled past. He finally turns his life around and cooperates with the authorities, ultimately finding redemption. | While Jordan's arc is well-established, it follows a common trope of the rise and fall of a problematic protagonist. It may lack originality and depth. | To improve his character arc, Jordan should experience personal growth and reflection rather than only facing legal consequences. The story could focus on his internal struggles and the impact of his actions on his relationships and inner self. This could make his redemption more powerful and satisfying. |
| Naomi | Naomi's character arc begins as a sexually liberated former model seeking escape from her past through the lavish lifestyle provided by Jordan. She is initially swept away by his extravagant gestures and happy to be in his company. However, her suspicions of his infidelity and erratic behavior lead to a power play in their relationship. After discovering a hidden camera, tension builds between them, and Naomi becomes increasingly disappointed with his behavior. Her pregnancy adds another layer of concern, and she becomes skeptical and cautious about Jordan's decisions. Ultimately, she makes the difficult decision to divorce him for the sake of their children. | Naomi's character is complex, but her arc could benefit from more decisive acts of agency. While she is shown to be strong-willed and independent, some of her actions seem to be reactive rather than proactive. Additionally, her development seems to plateau as a wife and mother, and the potential for her to pursue her aspirations as a wine connoisseur and landscape architect is not fully explored. | To improve Naomi's character arc, there could be more scenes that showcase her agency and decision-making. This could involve solo moments where she pursues her own interests, such as wine-tasting or gardening, or moments where she takes the lead in resolving a conflict. Additionally, there could be a subplot where she reaches a personal or professional goal outside of her role as a wife and mother. This would add depth and dimension to her character, making her more relatable and inspiring. |
| Teresa | Teresa's character arc follows her journey from a supportive girlfriend to a disillusioned and morally conflicted individual. Initially, she is swept up in Jordan's glamorous lifestyle and enjoys the benefits that his wealth provides. However, as she becomes more aware of the illegal and unethical nature of his business practices, she begins to struggle with her own conscience and the impact that their actions may have on others. Her relationship with Jordan becomes strained as a result, culminating in a devastating betrayal that shatters her trust in him. Ultimately, Teresa finds the strength to stand up for her own values and moral principles, setting her own course separate from Jordan's destructive influence. | While Teresa's character is well-defined and sympathetic, her arc could be more fully developed to give her greater agency and impact in the story. She is largely relegated to a supporting role, and her journey is somewhat overshadowed by Jordan's own descent into criminality. There is potential for her to have a more active role in bringing about his downfall, or to take a more prominent stance against his actions earlier in the story. | To strengthen Teresa's arc, consider giving her more moments of conflict and resistance throughout the film. Perhaps she confronts Jordan earlier on about his business practices, or takes steps to distance herself from his actions. Alternatively, she could become more involved in investigating his activity and actively work against him. Giving her more agency and a stronger sense of purpose would make her a more dynamic and compelling character. |
| Jordan | Jordan's character arc is one of unchecked ambition and extreme hedonism followed by a dramatic downfall and eventual redemption through cooperation with the FBI. He starts out as a successful, selfish, and morally questionable stockbroker who is willing to take illegal risks to make a fortune. He indulges in drugs, sex, and money and uses his power to manipulate those around him. But as his legal troubles mount and his drug addiction worsens, Jordan becomes increasingly isolated from his friends and family. He faces the most significant challenge of his life as he struggles with the reality of his situation and whether to cooperate with the FBI or not. Ultimately, he decides to work with the FBI and face the consequences of his actions. Through this, he finds redemption and is able to move on from his past mistakes. | Overall, this is a solid character arc that effectively showcases both the highs and lows of Jordan's life. However, some sections could have been fleshed out more to create a more nuanced portrayal of the character. Additionally, Jordan's redemption arc feels a bit rushed and could have been given more time to fully develop. | To improve the character arc, there could be more emphasis on Jordan's relationships with his friends and family, particularly his troubled marriages. This would create a more complex character and provide additional conflicts for the storyline. Additionally, the redemption arc could be given more time to develop, with more emphasis on how Jordan is trying to make amends for his past mistakes. This could create a more satisfying conclusion to the story. |
| Brad | Brad's character arc is one of devolution. At the beginning of the movie, he is a successful drug dealer, content with his lifestyle. However, when Jordan introduces him to money laundering schemes, he becomes greedy and power-hungry. As the illegal activities become riskier, Brad's anxiety and stress escalate, eventually culminating in his untimely death. At the end of the movie, he dies an unhappy man, realizing that his pursuit of wealth has led to his downfall. | The character arc of Brad feels somewhat underdeveloped, as it becomes clear towards the end of the movie that he is becoming increasingly unstable and paranoid. Additionally, while his death is a pivotal moment in the story, it feels somewhat anticlimactic, as it occurs rather suddenly. | To improve the character arc of Brad, it would be helpful to further explore his motivations and desires. For example, why was he content with being a drug dealer at the beginning of the movie? What inspired him to become a businessman, and what made him so susceptible to Jordan's schemes? Additionally, the scene in which Brad dies could be expanded upon to make it more emotionally resonant and impactful. |
| Donnie | Donnie starts off as a reckless and troublemaking individual who is always ready to do whatever Jordan asks of him. However, as the legal pressure mounts and Jordan's loyalty comes into question, Donnie begins to feel conflicted. He ultimately faces a difficult decision when Jordan begins to cooperate with the FBI and must choose between his loyalty to his friend and his own safety. He ultimately makes the decision to turn on Jordan and cooperate with the authorities, leading to a bittersweet ending where Donnie is able to start fresh but also faces the consequences of his past actions. | While Donnie's character arc is compelling in terms of his loyalties and eventual betrayal, it feels somewhat cliché for a supporting character in a crime drama. Additionally, his background as a drug addict and violent enforcer feels underdeveloped and could benefit from further exploration in the screenplay. | To improve Donnie's character arc, the screenplay could delve deeper into his personal struggles with addiction and show how that impacts his relationship with Jordan and the illegal activities they engage in. Additionally, exploring the reasons behind his loyalty to Jordan and showing him wrestling with the decision to betray him could add more complexity to his character. Finally, adding a redemption arc for Donnie beyond just turning on Jordan could provide a more satisfying conclusion to his story. |
| Theme | Theme Details | Themee Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| The Corrupt World of Wall Street | Jordan entangles himself in the corrupt world of Wall Street, starting with his job at a penny stock brokerage and continuing with his success at Stratton Oakmont. | The screenplay highlights the corrupt and dangerous world of Wall Street, where the pursuit of wealth and success can lead to unethical and even illegal behavior. |
| The Hedonistic Lifestyle of Jordan Belfort | Jordan showcases his decadent and drug-fueled lifestyle, throwing wild parties filled with drugs, sex, and hedonism. | Jordan's hedonistic lifestyle is a major theme in the screenplay, showing the excesses and dangers of an unchecked pursuit of pleasure and wealth. |
| Betrayal and Consequences | Jordan's actions lead to consequences that affect both himself and those around him, including his marriage ending due to infidelity and his arrest and sentence to prison. | Betrayal and consequences are central to the screenplay, highlighting the dangerous path that Jordan takes and the price that he and others pay for his actions. |
| The Pursuit of Happiness and Success | Jordan is driven by a constant desire for wealth and success, going from a penny stock brokerage to the head of his own brokerage firm. | The pursuit of happiness and success is a key theme in the screenplay, showcasing both the allure and danger of an obsession with success and wealth. |
| The Dangers of Drug Abuse | Jordan's drug use leads to reckless behavior, including nearly crashing his car multiple times while under the influence and becoming violent when confronted by his wife about their divorce. | The dangers of drug abuse are a recurrent theme in the screenplay, showing how drug use can lead to dangerous and destructive behavior. |
Screenwriting Resources on Themes
Articles
| Site | Description |
|---|---|
| Studio Binder | Movie Themes: Examples of Common Themes for Screenwriters |
| Coverfly | Improving your Screenplay's theme |
| John August | Writing from Theme |
YouTube Videos
| Title | Description |
|---|---|
| Story, Plot, Genre, Theme - Screenwriting Basics | Screenwriting basics - beginner video |
| What is theme | Discussion on ways to layer theme into a screenplay. |
| Thematic Mistakes You're Making in Your Script | Common Theme mistakes and Philosophical Conflicts |
What's going on here? - Scenes are rated on many critreia. The goal isn't to try to maximize every number; \
It's to make you aware of what's happening in your scenes. You might have very good reasons to have character development but not advance the story, or have a scene without conflict. Obviously if your dialogue is really bad, you should probably look into that.
| Story Content | Character Development | Scene Elements | Audience Engagement | Technical Aspects | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Click for Full Analysis | Tone | Overall | Concept | Plot | Originality | Characters | Character Changes | Internal Goal | External Goal | Conflict | Opposition | High stakes | Story forward | Twist | Emotional Impact | Dialogue | Engagement | Pacing | Formatting | Structure | |
| 1 - The Wild Life of Jordan Belfort | "energetic" | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 3 | 8 | 8 | 5 | 0 | 7 | 8 | 0 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 7 | |
| 2 - Jordan's Addictions | "darkly humorous" | 8 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 4 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | |
| 3 - First day at work | "Humorous, fast-paced" | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 3 | 8 | 8 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 8 | 0 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | |
| 4 - Jordan Begins His Career on Wall Street | "Upbeat, Hedonistic, Fast-paced" | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 9 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 8 | 0 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | |
| 5 - Jordan Belfort's First Day on the Job | "confident" | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 0 | 6 | 8 | 0 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 10 | 9 | |
| 6 - Jordan Starts to Rise | "Fast-paced and exciting with a hint of danger" | 9 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 9 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 0 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 8 | 10 | 9 | |
| 7 - Jordan Recruits Friends for His Penny Stock Brokerage | "Humorous" | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 10 | 2 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 0 | 6 | 7 | 0 | 4 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | |
| 8 - Jordan's Sales Pitch Techniques | "Motivational" | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 3 | 8 | 10 | 5 | 0 | 6 | 7 | 0 | 4 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | |
| 9 - Sales Pitches | "Intense" | 9 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 0 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 7 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | |
| 10 - Jordan's rise to fame | "Excited" | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 6 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 8 | |
| 11 - Boastful and Wild Workplace | "Hedonistic and shocking" | 8 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 0 | 9 | 8 | 0 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 8 | |
| 12 - untitled | null | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 8 | |
| 13 - Jordan Addresses His Brokers | "Celebratory, Hedonistic" | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 9 | 5 | 9 | 8 | 4 | 0 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 8 | |
| 14 - A Beach House Party | "Hedonistic" | 8.5 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 9 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 6 | 7 | 0 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | |
| 15 - Jordan and Naomi's Seductive Encounter | "exciting" | 8 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 9 | 4 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 7 | 9 | 0 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 | |
| 16 - Jordan's Infatuation with Naomi | "Hedonistic, passionate, regretful" | 9 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 7 | 9 | 0 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 9 | |
| 17 - Confrontation and Retribution | "tense" | 10 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 10 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 10 | 0 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | |
| 18 - Bazooka Firing Under Their Noses | "Outrageous" | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 7 | 0 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 8 | |
| 19 - The High Life Continues | "Extravagant" | 9 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 0 | 6 | 8 | 0 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | |
| 20 - Jordan's morning routine | "tense" | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 0 | 7 | 6 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | |
| 21 - Jordan and Naomi's Morning Ritual | "Seductive, Manipulative" | 8 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 7 | 8 | 0 | 6 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | |
| 22 - Power Play and Inappropriate Behavior | "intense" | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | |
| 23 - Jordan Motivates the Brokers | "energetic" | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 5 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 0 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | |
| 24 - FBI Trouble | "intense" | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 0 | 9 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | |
| 25 - untitled | null | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 8 | |
| 26 - Swiss Cheese and Ludes | "humorous" | 7.5 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 4 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 0 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | |
| 27 - Negotiating Swiss Bank Secrecy Laws | "Tension-filled" | 9 | 8 | 9 | 3 | 8 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 8 | 0 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 7 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | |
| 28 - Swiss Banks and Family Affairs | "tense" | 8 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 0 | 9 | 8 | 0 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | |
| 29 - Taping Up Chantalle | "Humorous" | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 9 | 0 | 5 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | |
| 30 - The Drug Deal Goes Awry | "tense, comedic" | 8 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 0 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | |
| 31 - The Secret Phone Call | "suspenseful" | 8 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 2 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 0 | 6 | 7 | 0 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | |
| 32 - Jordan's Close Call | "Tense" | 8 | 7 | 9 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | |
| 33 - Jordan Saves Donnie | "Tense" | 8 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 10 | 8 | 0 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | |
| 34 - Jordan's Lucky Break | "tense" | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | |
| 35 - Jordan's Speech and Change of Heart | "upbeat" | 9 | 8 | 9 | 5 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 6 | 9 | 0 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | |
| 36 - Betrayal and Loss | "tense" | 8 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 6 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 9 | 8 | 0 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | |
| 37 - Navigating Turbulent Waters | "tense" | 8 | 9 | 9 | 2 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 10 | 8 | 0 | 8 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 8 | |
| 38 - Danger on the High Seas | "Intense" | 8 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 10 | 0 | 11 | 9 | 0 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | |
| 39 - Straight Line Persuasion Seminar | "Serious" | 9 | 8 | 9 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 6 | 0 | 7 | 8 | 0 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | |
| 40 - Legal Trouble and Tough Conversations | "serious" | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 9 | 8 | 0 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | |
| 41 - Loyalty and Betrayal | "Serious" | 8 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 9 | 7 | 0 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | |
| 42 - Jordan's Dilemma | "Tense" | 7 | 8 | 7 | 0 | 8 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 9 | 7 | 0 | 6 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 43 - Divorce and Custody Battle | "Intense" | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 0 | 11 | 9 | 0 | 10 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 9 | |
| 44 - Betrayal and Desperation | "tense" | 9 | 8 | 9 | 5 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 0 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 9 | |
| 45 - Jordan's Imprisonment | "Intense" | 10 | 9 | 10 | 8 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 10 | 0 | 10 | 8 | 0 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | |
| 46 - Jordan's Downfall | "Intense" | 9 | 8 | 9 | 4 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 10 | 0 | 10 | 9 | 0 | 10 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | |
Summary of Scene Level Analysis
Here are some things that came out of the scene level analysis.
This is a summary of the strengths, weaknesses, and suggestions found in each scene. Some things might appear in both strengths and weaknesses based on the variety of your scenes.
For summary of each criteria click in the top row on the criteria.
Scene Strengths
- Intense and emotional scene with strong character dynamics and high stakes.
- Compelling dialogue, high stakes, intense atmosphere
- Strong character development, intense conflict, emotionally impactful
- Intense conflict and high stakes keep the audience engaged throughout the scene. Characters work together to confront a difficult situation, showcasing their bravery and teamwork.
- The tension and conflict within the scene help to advance the plot, while also continuing to develop Jordan's character as he faces yet another obstacle.
Scene Weaknesses
- The scene may be too explicit and offensive for some viewers.
- The scene lacks significant conflict or emotional impact and does not move the story forward significantly.
- The scene is mostly exposition and lacks action or visual interest
- Dialogue could be stronger and more memorable
- The characters are presented in an unflinching, unapologetic way that may make them unsympathetic to some.
Suggestions
- Consider toning down the explicit content to avoid alienating some viewers.
- Focus on developing conflict and emotional impact in scenes to keep viewers engaged and move the story forward.
- Try to balance exposition with action and visual interest to create a more dynamic scene.
- Work on developing more memorable and impactful dialogue to make the characters and scenes more compelling.
- Consider adding more nuance and complexity to the characters to make them more relatable and sympathetic to viewers.
World Building
- Physical environment: The world depicted in the screenplay ranges from the fast-paced, high-stakes environment of Wall Street offices to luxurious mansions, beach houses, and yachts. There is a stark contrast between gritty and opulent settings, with an emphasis on excess and indulgence.
- Culture: The culture portrayed in the screenplay revolves around wealth, power, and greed. Characters engage in drug use, sexual promiscuity, and lavish parties. There is a cutthroat competition and a desire for material success and status.
- Society: The societal structure is one of class division, with an elite upper class living a life of luxury and indulgence. The characters navigate the world of finance and stockbroking, where greed and corruption are prevalent.
- Technology: The technological aspects depicted in the screenplay include the use of computers, phones, TV commercials, security cameras, and recording devices. These technologies are used for communication, manipulation, and surveillance.
- Characters influence: The unique physical environment, culture, society, and technology shape the characters' experiences and actions by creating high-pressure, fast-paced atmospheres. The characters are driven by ambition, greed, and the pursuit of wealth, leading them to engage in risky and immoral behavior.
- Narrative contribution: The world elements contribute to the narrative by illustrating the consequences of excessive indulgence and the corrupt nature of the finance industry. The physical environments and cultural elements create a visually and thematically rich backdrop for the characters' journeys.
- Thematic depth contribution: The world elements contribute to the thematic depth of the screenplay by exploring themes of greed, corruption, excess, and the destructive nature of unchecked ambition. The contrast between wealth and poverty, and the consequences of immoral actions, add depth and complexity to the story.
| Voice Analysis | |
|---|---|
| Summary: | The writer's original voice throughout the screenplay is characterized by fast-paced and energetic dialogue, graphic descriptions, dark humor, and a satirical tone that highlights the excesses and amorality of the characters. The narrative descriptions are vivid and detailed, capturing the frenzied atmosphere of the financial world and the characters' hedonistic lifestyle. The writer's direction is dynamic, with quick cuts and scene changes that add to the sense of chaos and urgency. Overall, the writer's voice contributes to the overall mood of the screenplay, emphasizing the themes of greed, excess, moral ambiguity, and the consequences of unethical behavior. |
| Voice Contribution | The writer's voice contributes to the script by creating a lively and engaging experience for the audience. The fast-paced dialogue adds energy and intensity to the scenes, while the graphic descriptions and dark humor highlight the decadent and amoral aspects of the characters' lives. The writer's satirical tone and sharp commentary provide a critical lens through which the audience can view the actions and motivations of the characters. The vivid narrative descriptions and dynamic direction enhance the visual and sensory experience, immersing the audience in the world of Wall Street and the characters' indulgent lifestyle. |
| Best Representation Scene | 4 - Jordan Begins His Career on Wall Street |
| Best Scene Explanation | This scene is the best representation because it showcases the writer's fast-paced and energetic dialogue, as well as the satirical tone and witty banter between the characters. The scene also demonstrates the writer's skill in capturing the constant sense of chaos and urgency in the characters' lives, contributing to the overall mood and depth of the screenplay. |
Top Correlations and patterns found in the scenes:
| Pattern | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Emotional Impact and Dialogue | Based on the scores, scenes with high emotional impact tend to have lower dialogue scores and vice versa. This could indicate a need to balance out emotional moments with more engaging dialogue. |
| Concept and Plot | There is a strong correlation between the concept and plot scores, implying that the overall success of the story heavily relies on the strength of the core concept. |
| Tone and High Stakes | Scenes with darker tones tend to have higher stakes, which can heighten the emotional impact and tension of the story. |
| Character Changes and Emotional Impact | There is a positive correlation between character changes and emotional impact, suggesting that moments of growth and transformation can create powerful emotional responses in the audience. |
| Conflict and Move Story Forward | The data suggests that scenes with more conflict tend to do a better job of moving the story forward, indicating that overcoming obstacles is key to propelling the story forward. |
Here are different Tropes found in the screenplay
| Trope | Trope Details | Trope Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Rags to Riches | Jordan rises from a lower-class background to become a successful stockbroker on Wall Street. | This trope involves a character starting from humble origins and achieving great success through hard work and determination. An example of this trope is the character of Tony Stark in the Iron Man franchise. He starts off as a wealthy but immature playboy but eventually becomes a powerful superhero and uses his resources to help others. |
| Corrupt Corporate Executive | Jordan becomes wrapped up in the corrupt world of Wall Street and engages in illegal activities to make money. | This trope involves a character who is in a position of power within a corporation and abuses that power for personal gain. An example of this trope is the character of Gordon Gekko in the movie Wall Street. He is a ruthless corporate raider who uses insider information and other unethical means to make millions of dollars. |
| Sex, Drugs, and Rock 'n' Roll | Jordan engages in a decadent lifestyle filled with drugs, sex, and hedonism. | This trope involves characters engaging in wild partying, drug use, and other hedonistic behavior. An example of this trope is the TV show Californication, which features a protagonist who is a writer and engages in a lot of wild behavior as he searches for meaning in his life. |
| Fallen Hero | Jordan's life falls apart as he becomes embroiled in legal troubles and loses his family. | This trope involves a character who was once respected and admired but falls from grace due to their own actions or circumstances beyond their control. An example of this trope is the character of Walter White in the TV show Breaking Bad. He starts off as a high school chemistry teacher but becomes a drug kingpin and loses everything as a result. |
Memorable lines in the script:
| Scene Number | Line |
|---|---|
| 2 | Jordan: Money doesn’t just buy you a better life -- better food, better cars, better pussy -- it also makes you a better person. |
| 3 | Mark Hanna: Let’s fuck!! |
| 8 | Jordan: No one buys stock unless he thinks it’s going up and going up now. |
| 39 | Jordan: The life of your dreams is only a decision away |
| 46 | Jordan: Sell me this pen. |
Some Loglines to consider:
Help & FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Start with the executive summary to get a bird's eye view.
After that, the high-level menu will offer insights into the story, themes, and characters.
The scene-by-scene analysis will demonstrate how each scene performs across various criteria, summarized in the column headings.
Click on any scene title to view the full analysis, including critiques and suggestions for improvement.
'Other Analyses' provides various insights into your writing and different perspectives, although it might not lead to significant rewrites of your script.
After that, the high-level menu will offer insights into the story, themes, and characters.
The scene-by-scene analysis will demonstrate how each scene performs across various criteria, summarized in the column headings.
Click on any scene title to view the full analysis, including critiques and suggestions for improvement.
'Other Analyses' provides various insights into your writing and different perspectives, although it might not lead to significant rewrites of your script.
Click on the Print Analysis link in the left menu. You can then print to PDF or save it as PDF.
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