_Leonardo DiCaprio
-
Exclusive interview with the green Hollywood icon
If there is one actor who is making an effort when it comes to the environment, it is Leonardo DiCaprio. Ever since he realised that his fame could help promote the green cause, the star of Titanic has had only one ambition : to save the planet.
While we wait to see him as the vengeful fur trapper in Alejandro G. Iñárritu The Revenant, the star hits out at those who pollute the environment.By Franck Rousseau in Los Angeles
-
-
There is no doubt you are drawn to tortured roles. Why do you feel such a strong attraction to characters who are “borderline”?
I don’t choose a movie or a role, saying: “Look! Last time I did a science ction movie, this time I need to do a biopic or a romantic comedy!”.
I’m not a “planner”. The only thing that interests me is the psychological pro le of the character that I am asked to portray. What’s in the guts, in the heart and in the head. The more complicated these characters are the more I have to struggle to identify with them, the more I feel the need to shine a light on their darker aspects. Whether it’s J. Edgar Hoover, the Great Gatsby or Howard Hughes revisited by Scorsese, all these larger- than-life personalities raised a lot of questions that I wanted answered. And frankly, I do this job to challenge myself.
There is no doubt you are drawn to tortured roles. Why do you feel such a strong attraction to characters who are “borderline”?
I don’t choose a movie or a role, saying: “Look! Last time I did a science ction movie, this time I need to do a biopic or a romantic comedy!”. I’m not a “planner”. The only thing that interests me is the psychological pro le of the character that I am asked to portray. What’s in the guts, in the heart and in the head. The more complicated these characters are the more I have to struggle to identify with them, the more I feel the need to shine a light on their darker aspects. Whether it’s J. Edgar Hoover, the Great Gatsby or Howard Hughes revisited by Scorsese, all these larger- than-life personalities raised a lot of questions that I wanted answered. And frankly, I do this job to challenge myself.
Looking back, how would you describe the Leo before and after Titanic?
If someone had predicted that I’d end up as a Barbie doll or with my face printed on t-shirts and commemorative plates, I would never have believed it (laughs). Never in my life would I have imagined becoming a consumer product. It was both unexpected and very destabilising! Whatever I do and wherever I go, there is never a time or place where people don’t talk about Jack Dawson. Even in the remotest places on Earth.
howdoyoudoit-evenifitisjustanillusion- how do you get a woman to fall for your charms? Does it involve wining and dining, parties galore,
showering them with diamonds, and sending thousands of roses... etc?!
It’s nothing special! I just try to be myself because I don’t think that women care about these kind of crass displays of materialism. Men spend a lot of time wondering how to win over women but once again I think that a woman with the quali- ties of a real romantic couldn’t care less about the size of your bank account! Throwing your money around is not the way to go.gatsby, Fitzgerald’s hero, is also an inveterate party animal. Do you recognise this “burning the candle at both ends” in yourself? In short what do you think are Leo DiCaprio’s vices?
I smoke a cigar now and again. Nothing too bad. I have the occasional drink. I say occa- sional because I don’t want to cause controversy! And when I have a headache, I say perhaps my halo is too tight! (laughs)
What is your ultimate luxury?
It is having the time and being able to choose the projects that interest me. Today I am in a very comfortable position. I have the freedom to work with people I admire. I no longer have to obey the diktats of the studios. I no longer need to jump on this or that project to ll the fridge and pay the rent. This does not mean that I have solid gold taps at home and a marble bath on each oor. Luxury is also being able to eat at the best restaurants, sample the dishes and the exceptional wines.
-
-
There is no doubt you are drawn to tortured roles. Why do you feel such a strong attraction to characters who are “borderline”?
I don’t choose a movie or a role, saying: “Look! Last time I did a science ction movie, this time I need to do a biopic or a romantic comedy!”. I’m not a “planner”. The only thing that interests me is the psychological pro le of the character that I am asked to portray. What’s in the guts, in the heart and in the head. The more complicated these characters are the more I have to struggle to identify with them, the more I feel the need to shine a light on their darker aspects. Whether it’s J. Edgar Hoover, the Great Gatsby or Howard Hughes revisited by Scorsese, all these larger- than-life personalities raised a lot of questions that I wanted answered. And frankly, I do this job to challenge myself.
Looking back, how would you describe the Leo before and after Titanic?
If someone had predicted that I’d end up as a Barbie doll or with my face printed on t-shirts and commemorative plates, I would never have believed it (laughs). Never in my life would I have imagined becoming a consumer product. It was both unexpected and very destabilising! Whatever I do and wherever I go, there is never a time or place where people don’t talk about Jack Dawson. Even in the remotest places on Earth.
howdoyoudoit-evenifitisjustanillusion- how do you get a woman to fall for your charms? Does it involve wining and dining, parties galore,
showering them with diamonds, and sending thousands of roses... etc?!
It’s nothing special! I just try to be myself because I don’t think that women care about these kind of crass displays of materialism. Men spend a lot of time wondering how to win over women but once again I think that a woman with the quali- ties of a real romantic couldn’t care less about the size of your bank account! Throwing your money around is not the way to go.
gatsby, Fitzgerald’s hero, is also an inveterate party animal. Do you recognise this “burning the candle at both ends” in yourself? In short what do you think are Leo DiCaprio’s vices?
I smoke a cigar now and again. Nothing too bad. I have the occasional drink. I say occa- sional because I don’t want to cause controversy! And when I have a headache, I say perhaps my halo is too tight! (laughs)
What is your ultimate luxury?
It is having the time and being able to choose the projects that interest me. Today I am in a very comfortable position. I have the freedom to work with people I admire. I no longer have to obey the diktats of the studios. I no longer need to jump on this or that project to ll the fridge and pay the rent. This does not mean that I have solid gold taps at home and a marble bath on each oor. Luxury is also being able to eat at the best restaurants, sample the dishes and the exceptional wines.