[…] Belfort dupes people for a living, but here he’s also the fool — never more so than in an inspired 10-minute scene where he takes a handful of quaaludes with Azoff, reducing Belfort to a primitive state. His face is contorted, he’s drooling, his legs have grown so limp that crossing the street he looks like a …read more […]

And this is why Jackie Chan was one of the biggest movie stars in the world. Physical comedy.

Absolutely, Bryan. Plus so inventive in fight scenes using whatever items are around as weapons. Every time I teach History of American Screenwriting, and we spend the first four weeks with silent movies, I am reminded of this fundamental fact: Movies are primarily a VISUAL medium. Writers who embrace that are aligned with the essence of this unique narrative form.

gosh, i didn't even consider Jackie Chan, but you're right... he's physically brilliant in that regard. i just watched W of WS for the first time last week and this scene definitely stuck out to me for its long take and the lengths Leo went for it. greatness!