There is so much that could be said about the powerhouse of talent that is Leonardo DiCaprio, and yet there needn’t be anything said at all besides his name. An actor, producer, and environmentalist, Leonardo DiCaprio turns 46 today! An Oscar winner, he began his career with television commercials till his first major role in 1993’s The Boy’s Life. From playing the romantic heartthrob in Titanic to the hardy law enforcement administrator in J. Edgar, Leonardo DiCaprio has left us in awe of him time and again and will continue to do so with his upcoming movies Akira, Don’t Look Up, and Killers of the Flower Moon in 2021. On his birthday, let’s look at 7 of his most iconic performances:
The Wolf of Wall Street (2013):
Jordan Belfort, a young man making his money as a Wall Street stockbroker who soon becomes The Wolf of Wall Street, running from the authorities. Leonardo DiCaprio had been desperate to play the role ever since he read the biography of the same name as the movie by Jordan Belfort. No one except Leonardo could do justice to this role, which was originally to be played by Brad Pitt. From the chest-thumping with Mathew McConaughey, improvised dialogues, and snorting crushed up Vitamin B tablets, The Wolf of Wall Street is one of DiCaprio’s most amazing performances.
Catch Me If You Can (2002):
A cat and mouse game between a cocky conman and a righteous but empathetic FBI agent is everyone’s favourite trope. The classic chemistry between the two was only enhanced by Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks’ performances. Leonardo DiCaprio’s performance as an expert check forger who was so good that the FBI later turns to him to help catch other check forgers will keep you at the edge of your seat.
Shutter Island (2010):
Another Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio collaboration, Shutter Island is absolutely a movie that will make you shudder. The psychological thriller is one of the only collaborations of the duo to not receive any Oscar nominations. There is so much to be said of the movie due to it’s meaningful yet uncomfortable silences and mind-bending storyline. Shutter Island is the movie to watch if you like to be left stunned, speechless, and pondering upon the innumerable possibilities a story offers.
Django Unchained (2012):
Here is what you need to know about Leonardo DiCaprio’s performance in the movie and his commitment to acting, when DiCaprio’s glass broke and made him bleed during a dinner scene, he stayed in character, continued his performance with a bleeding hand and nailed his role! Quentin Tarantino’s gore, a riveting story set in an enslaved America, and Leonardo DiCaprio’s beautiful performance along with Jamie Foxx makes Django Unchained one of the best movies to watch.
Once Upon a Time In Hollywood (2019):
It took Tarantino several years to develop Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. To collaborate with the famed director again, DiCaprio took a pay cut and did absolute justice to his role as Rick Dalton alongside Brad Pitt. This was the very first time Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio starred together in a movie despite the two being considered for a lot of the same movies and having such an impressive filmography behind them. A revisionist account of Charles Manson murders that shook America and Hollywood, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is a joy to watch for Tarantino fans, Brad Pitt fans, and Leonardo DiCaprio’s fans alike.
Inception (2010):
For Christopher Nolan’s Inception, Leonardo DiCaprio was the only choice for the role of Cobb, and we couldn’t agree more. The science action film that argues how ideas are the only truly indestructible weapon, left and continues to leave audiences dumbfounded. Mind-boggling special effects and Leonardo DiCaprio’s character that has obvious parallels to Christopher Nolan himself makes Inception a special movie that demands watching and rewatching.
The Revenant (2015):
The movie that finally won Leonardo DiCaprio the Oscar he long deserved. The Revenant is a western adventure where Hugh Glass, DiCaprio’s character fights the wilderness to help him and his group to survive with doubts, betrayals, and attacks from within. For his role and proper portrayal of the real Hugh Glass, Leonardo DiCaprio went in and out of frozen waters, battled constant hypothermia, ate a raw bison liver despite being a vegetarian, and slept inside animal carcasses.
We wish the ever-talented, and handsome actor a very happy birthday!
(Contributed by Sakshi Prabhu)