The Wolf Of Wall Street spawned a character that has since been turned into every meme about money, ever.
For underachievers, it suggested riches could come to anyone, as long as they took a few chances and greased a few palms. Given its popularity with me, you, and everyone we know, it's undoubtedly a movie for the lads.
It's been seared into public consciousness. However, it could soon be remembered for a very different reason, something that sounds like it was orchestrated by a young Jordan Belfort himself.
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According to the Wall Street Journal, the movie was allegedly financed by suspicious funds from Malaysia. After worried studios turned down the film because it was all about caning blow and throwing dwarfs across the room, Scorsese had to look elsewhere.
And so Red Granite Pictures came along. Originally thought to be a start-up Hollywood business with enormous Middle Eastern backing, the WSJ's investigation suggests the company is a front for another fund.
This fund, allegedly established by Malaysia's prime minister, was set-up to stimulate the Malaysian economy. In short, much of the money could be tainted.
WSJ had this to say:
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"The fund, 1Malaysia Development Bhd., or 1MDB, was set up seven years ago by the prime minister of Malaysia, Najib Razak. His stepson, Riza Aziz, is the chairman of Red Granite Pictures.
The 1MDB fund is now the focus of numerous investigations at home and abroad, which grew out of $11 billion of debt it ran up and questions raised in Malaysia about how some of its money was used."
Crucially, neither Leo nor Scorsese appear to have anything to do with this. Even so, it's one of the more incredible examples of art imitating life.
Words by Matthew Cooper
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Featured image: Paramount
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Leonardo DiCaprio