Terrence Winter Reveals 'The Wolf of Wall Street' Is Similar to 'Goodfellas'

Terrence Winter has revealed that Martin Scorsese's "The Wolf of Wall of Street" will be similar to "Goodfellas."

During an interview with HBO, the film's writer said the film has voiceovers and is very fast. He stated, "It is very much [in that vein]. It's sort of written in the same style, voice-overs, it's a very fast movie, it's really a wild roller coaster ride. I'm really proud of it and incredibly proud to be working with Marty and those guys."

He also said that the characters are charismatic and evil. "'The Wolf Of Wall Street' also has very charismatic evil doers doing some horrible things. Considering the Occupy Wall Street movement of recent years, will audiences cotton to these characters? Winter says the movie works in a similar way that 'Goodfellas' did: you're entranced, entertained and fascinated by the lives of magnetic criminals."

Winter also praised the performances. "Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, they're so entertaining, fun and seductive, that you kind of go along for the ride with them. They're so basically despicable in terms of the lifestyle they're leading, and what they're doing and the crimes they're perpetrating on innocent people. But because they're so wild and fun and you're living vicariously through their antics you find yourself forgetting that these people are horrible. They're robbing people and ruining people's futures. I think that's part of it: exploring those themes of money at the sake of everything else. We reward these guys because they're successful and you forget how they got that way," said Winter. 

He continued, "I think you'll find it's interesting how incredibly funny, charming and seductive Jonah and Leo are. Keep that in mind when you watch it and you go, 'Wow, it's easy to see why people fell for these guys,' they let them run wild."

"The Wolf of Wall Street" is based on the true story of Jordan Belfort, following his rise and fall from a wealthy stockbroker to a life of crime, corruption and sparring with the federal government. The film will be released by Paramount on Dec. 25.