Stars defend the movie, The Wolf of Wall Street.
You may have already read this
article on the Internet recently, however I have a few comments to add of my own at the end
of the portions I have copied:
“In The Wolf of Wall Street,
out-of-control stock broker Jordan Belfort is initially furious when a Forbes
magazine profile turns out to be a hatchet job labeling him a "twisted
Robin Hood who takes from the rich and gives to himself and his merry band of
brokers"...
The reaction to Martin Scorsese's
portrait of Wall Street excess has been comically similar. It's been judged by
some critics and moviegoers as a glorification of unchecked greed.
But the movie's bad reputation as an
orgy of drugs, sex and money (not to mention a reportedly record-setting 506
F-bombs) has also drawn eager crowds. In two weeks, the film has made $63.3
million at the box office in the US, and will likely become if not an outright
hit, one of Scorsese's highest-grossing pictures…
Nearly every film critic and
countless moviegoers have weighed in on the morality of The Wolf of Wall
Street: whether the film enjoys Belfort's hedonistic high a little too
much, or if tapping into the thrill of self-indulgence is actually the point…
"He does it because he
can," Scorsese said. "If you can do anything because you can, what
are we as people? Can we easily fall into it? I think so."
The largest missive came when LA
Weekly published an open letter by Christina McDowell, the daughter of a
lawyer Belfort worked with, in which she described the hard realities of those
victimized by the shady penny stock dealings of Belfort.
"Your film is a reckless
attempt at continuing to pretend that these sorts of schemes are entertaining,
even as the country is reeling from yet another round of Wall Street
scandals," wrote McDowell.
To the critics of The Wolf of
Wall Street, the nearly three-hour film fails to sufficiently judge the
actions of its characters or depict the victims of Belfort's recklessness. The
Wall Street Journal's Joe Morgenstern called the film a "hollow
spectacle". It should be noted, though, that the Journal's
dismissal might be considered a badge of honor for any movie about Wall Street.
And since the movie is based on
Belfort's memoir, the former broker (who was convicted of fraud and served 22
months in prison) has profited from the making of the film. He also makes a brief
cameo.
The backlash, though, may be taking
indignation for Belfort (who received a relatively soft sentence after giving
evidence against his colleagues) and misplacing it on the movie. In an
interview, Leonardo DiCaprio called the film "a biography of a
scumbag"....
The ominous concluding image of the
film (spoiler alert) is of a rapt audience soaking up Belfort's motivational
speaking. More than anything, the film questions this innate allure of greed,
leaving moviegoers to question their own culpability in a system that rewards
Belfort's behavior.-AP
The Outcry
And the Lord said, “The outcry of Sodom and Gomorrah is indeed great, and their sin is exceedingly grave. I will go down now, and see if they have done entirely accordingly to its outcry, which has come to Me; and if not, I will know.“ (Genesis 18: 20)
Last week as I read this article for some reason, I was greatly grieved in my heart to see how far mankind has fallen, and asked God to forgive us. Even though the stars defend this movie, stating that it is staying true to the form based on his memoirs and the life style of the man’s character that he is depicting. But, why Hollywood feels it’s necessary to display all our dirty laundry to the world is appalling. Some critics think it should have been X-rated, because of it sex scenes and the ridiculous numbers of the F-word. (No mention of how many times God’s name is abused.)
Hollywood has propagated its filth in America and around the world for many decades, showing and influencing, and poisoning our minds with images, vulgarity, and blasphemy only shows how far we have fallen only to become worse than the past generation. They have reveled in every form of evil and sinful act and glorified it for the sole purpose of making more money. There must be an "outcry" for God help us! This is enough filth from this industry. believe this movie was rightly named. However, satan is the real “wolf,” and he continues to go about seeking whom he may hurt and devour. But his time is coming to an end and the Kingdom of God will and is being established.
We need to take back everything the enemy satan has stolen, mainly people souls; regardless of how long or difficult. As followers and Disciples of Christ, we are the salt of the earth, not Hollywood, nor the government, or Wall Street.
Our heavenly Father has give His children many abilities, gifts and talents, but to see them used and abused this way is a shame; not only on Hollywood, but also on America. It’s time for a change and change is coming. True there have been a number of anointed movies to grace the silver screen in recent years, such as The Passion, Saints and Soldiers, States of Grace, and Amazing Grace and a few others this past decade, but not enough. There have also been some faith based films. However, there needs to be some serious restoration to bring back true standards of righteous living along with true humility. Our hearts need softening to receive a word from the Lord, ears to hear, and minds that will act accordingly.
God is raising sons and daughters that will help restore the movie and entertainment industry. But, first there needs to be repentance which begins with the church, then with the hearts of people and those who are involved in the production of movies.
As sons of God our focus is on The King and His Kingdom, to see it establish on earth. Jesus Christ is the Kingdom of God. We are his temple and the portal in which the Holy Spirit will use to see that the Eternal Father’s will is done. “For all things were made for, by and through Him,” and that should included movies too. God has over the years put little nuggets of gold, in films that aren’t even considered religious; truths to ponder and inspire and even enjoy living in God’s awesome and wondrous grace.
God’s love, grace and mercy is what the world must see in us, and Jesus Christ is to be exalted, not satan nor the sins of fallen humanity. Many actors are only victims who have fallen prey to the enemy’s lies and deception; thus depicting a self-centerness ideology throughout the movie industry; and very other form of business, communication and entertainment.
“But that is going to stop, Babylon has fallen, says the Lord, a new day and year has begun.” We must declare the truth so that people’s minds and heart will be filled with praise and thanksgiving, and millions saved from their evil and sinful ways, giving glory to God alone; not man or the works of his hands.”
Everything belongs to the Lord, everything that has breath, all the silver and gold, and even every atom and molecule that makes up the things we have or use, even what is seen or unseen throughout the whole universe. His Kingdom begins in our heart and then expanse to others and to the next generation and again and again, until the whole earth is full of His glory.
