DiCaprio (1)

So this post ( part 1 and 2) is my tribute to an actor I love and admire so much : Leonardo DiCaprio . I mean most people would agree that he’s terrific and completely charming . The thing is , he’s not only that , his movie choices year after year and career  curve goes only up . Not once has he disappointed . Evey time he chooses more challenging and compelling character than the time before . And overtime his performances get better and mature even more . I’ll start with his very first big movie – discussing the movie and his character in it – until his very last one this year “2014” . I hope my passion and investment in him as an actor and an artist reaches you through words .

1. This Boy’s Life : “Toby”

So it was his first film ever gaining recognition. It wasn’t a high grossing  film or one that did great on the box office, but a great film nonetheless. Based on a true story with impeccable acting. I read once that De Niro and the rest of the casting team had to audition 400 kids before they got to Leonardo who stood out.  He thought he blew his audition , De Niro and the rest thought it was something to behold so they didn’t even let him finish the audition scene ”  the mustard jar” one . It was De Niro too , who suggested DiCaprio to ” Martin Scorsese ” for the first time , they both collaborated in 5 incredible movies .

The story of a kid with a broken family . Living with his indecisive, weak and immature mother. Who doesn’t make the best decisions for herself and her son. Moving from state to state whenever things don’t work out , chasing whatever it is , dating and getting into relationships with the wrong kind of men. Her son Toby is her best friend though . He doesn’t think of her as an adult or someone to look up to . She’s the immature , crazy , fun woman who just happens to be his mom .

So unknowingly , he’s lost . He skips school , gets called to the principal’s office every week or the other. And wanders the streets with his friends aimlessly , thinking he’s okay . What he hasn’t even realized yet , is that he’s not okay at all . What astonishes me , is that even as a kid , he had this command and maturity that’s exceptional . The way he emotes the psychology of a kid in all its innocence , spontaneity , wits , mischief , kindness , naivety and most of all loneliness and frustration with this brilliance , when he’s an actual young one himself … I mean !

It all begins when he meets De Niro’ character who starts dating his mom . He’s this very strict man who’s obviously very tough and egotistic and as it shows later very sexist with inferiority complex   . They’re total opposites and they dislike each other from the very first time they meet . Toby thinks of him as a pretentious man , while Dwight thinks of him as lost teenager in need of control and direction . Anyways he moves in with Dwight afterwards  in order to get direction , and the mother happens to be thinking about getting married to the man . And so Dwight smothers him with all these kind of chores and a job to instill in him what is it to be a man and a responsible , productive adult .

Is “Dwight” a good man though ? or the right one to deal with the situation ? Does he truly care for him ? when Toby as it shows  as the story goes on , a very bright and good kid who wants to be better and help his mom . Dwight and Toby’s mother get married after all , and she also adapts to the whole scenario as it’s the best option for them both . That’s the anatomy and the core of the story . I leave the rest of the details for those who haven’t watched it yet and would maybe do one day . It wasn’t the very first DiCaprio movie I watched , lol it has to be ” Titanic “ when I was 8 or 9 =D . ” Robert De Niro “  is ” ROBERT DE NIRO “ , but I have to say that the acting that stood out for me the  most  in this particular movie , was Dicaprio’s .

2. What’s Eating Gilbert Grape ? “Arnie Grape”

OMG! This movie! I’m genuinely, completely and forever in love with this one.

I love the beginning of the movie. Everything about it. The film score, Gilbert “ Johnny Depp”  introducing us to his world , his family , his town – where nothing much ever happens and nothing much ever will – and it’s that very first moment you tap into what’s eating him inside.
I remember it was the first “ Johnny Depp” movie I have ever watched and I was truly mesmerized by him. But it’s all about “ DiCaprio” and he’s with no doubt the heart and soul of this movie.

A family of 6: a mother, two sisters, two brothers , a father who passed away and another brother that got away. From the very start you realize that Gilbert’s ultimate dream is to get away too. He hated everything about his world and the fact that he was responsible for everything and the man of the house made it even worse ” Watching the campers is our yearly ritual. They’re doing the right thing just passing through”.

A brother who’s sick and mentally retarded ” Someday you want him to live , someday you don’t” ,  and a mother who got unbelievably obese and haven’t got out of the house for seven years after the father passed away . When back in the days she was one of the prettiest and most popular girls “We don’t really move. I mean, we’d like to, but… my mom is sort of attached to the house. Attached is, I guess, not the right word. She’s pretty much wedged in “.

Nineteen year old DiCaprio playing an 18 year old teenager who’s mentally retarded . Performance that granted him his first Oscar nomination. And it’s so well deserved. I read that he spent considerable time with kids with the same disorder to study and observe. He couldn’t have done it more real or believable. I read that the first time “Scorsese” watched the movie thought it was a documentary. I mean he’s right, the acting and the performances are so unbelievably truthful and genuine, especially DiCaprio’s. He is first and foremost sick but he’s also , funny, innocent, kind , vulnerable, and beyond. I don’t think there are that many actors that surpass his command in portraying the vulnerable, weaker characters. Like his role in “The Departed” which I’m gonna discuss when I get to it.

There are lots of A-list stars who are always at the top of their game when playing you know masculine, cold and strong characters . He on the other hand does it all, being a hateful racist , hopeless romantic Gatsby , victim of circumstances in “The Departed” , playful and cunning in “Catch Me If You Can” and the list goes on . In this movie he’s in the most vulnerable state ever. I imagine how hard it must’ve been to portray such character, not only technically- which he hundred percent excelled in .. body language and all – but emotionally too. To show yourself like this to people and to do it so brilliantly, it means that you’ve showed your whole soul, insecurities and parts we as human beings hide, to do such part so well. That’s courageous and it’s why I love acting. Because these actors get to show feelings and emotions that we usually run from.To show it all, is absolutely liberating.

I love many scenes : the beginning scene as I mentioned before , Arnie and Gilbert Bathroom scene , Arnie’s scenes in general !

3. The Basketball diaries : “Jim Carroll”

Good movie in the early beginnings of his career. An indicator of his versatile talent and potential. He’s a bad boy and an addict . True story of poet and musician “Jim Carroll” . His life , playing basketball and most of all his struggle with drugs ” heroin” with misguided friends. Living with his single mother , a student of an All Boys high school , best friends with boy who’s dying with leukemia. A predictable teenager with no direction whatsoever , escaping from the pressure of the game and of it all. He finds refuge in the streets , roaming with friends , skipping school right until the day he got introduced to “heroin” . From that day on , he started losing every good thing in his life , one after the other . The game , School , his mother and most of all himself and his potential.

It’s like what his mom said: ” Idle time is the devil’s plaything”. Sometimes I feel like it was writing that was actually his refuge . During all this time , the only thing that was constant were his writings . He kept taking his diary with him everywhere and just writing . It’s actually inspiring . I wish I get to write as much as I can , everywhere and at anytime .

So anyways , he becomes a serious addict. One who steals and would do anything to get his high. Then he meets “Reggie” –  he picked up a game with him onetime –  who then helps me get sober. That is until he visits his mom begging for money for drugs and she calls the police on him . He then gets admitted to prison for six months , where he gets sober for real this time and regains sanity . He spends his time reading his diaries , writing and resisting temptation .

His performance as an addict, I mean come on ! I still to this day recall the scene of him at the door of his apartment begging for his mom to let him in and give him money , and the scenes at Reggie’s house. Perfect example and well played scene , to show the behavior of an addict .I’ve never been around an addict in real life or been an addict myself thank god , but I think he did it quite well . The desperation , the weakness , the state of being completely lost and numb to the world around , living in this whole other dimension and feeling ecstatic most of the time. I think his performance equals performances of the movie ” Requiem For A Dream” . Which is like the Go-to movie – in my opinion – for addiction , in all of its sorts .

And I have to praise Mark Wahlberg‘s performance  lool or should I say ” Marky Mark” at the time . Many critics did too .

4. Romeo + Juliet : “Romeo”

So I don’t know how I’ve come to watch and enjoy this movie, when I haven’t read the actual genius play of ” Shakespeare” before . I know both are respected forms of art that can be enjoyed separately. It’s just that all the magic that is the movie is probably nothing compared to the original masterpiece and that’s what aches me. Anyways , I will get to reading it one day . So the movie is a modern version of the play , retaining the play’s original dialogue .

The movie starts in a very theatrical way . Actually the whole tone of the movie is theatrical and edgy, which completely makes sense . Directed by the amazing very theatrical himself ” Baz Luhrmann”.  Who’s a visionary for this kind of theatrical and artistic storytelling . In the fictional  ‘Verona Beach’ , there are the ‘the Capulets’ and ‘the Montagues’ . Two families who are rivals . Rivalry and hate that has been passed on through older generations to younger ones . Our love story or our core story begins when ‘Romeo’ attends a ‘Capulet’ party to meet ‘Rosalie’ , a girl he likes . So there he meets ‘Juliet’ , and they fall instantly in love . One of the ‘Capulets’ then learns that a ‘Montague’ has attended the party  – that is Romeo – uninvited and vows to kill him . Then ‘Juliet’ learns that ‘Romeo’ is a  ‘Montague’ himself . But they’ve already fallen in love and kissed.That’s the core , the beginning and kind of the end of the this tragic story .

I love the colors  and lighting in this movie . It’s so refreshing , abundant and strong. As if to give an edge to everything around . And the decoration is outstanding  “The place by the beach , Juliet’s house , and the final long scene in church ” .The performances, dialogues and dynamics are so electric , which is in the play’s nature I assume . It’s all colorful , happening so fast and a bit loud. So “Leo” is “Romeo” , what could be more magical ?!

He’s a teenager in love with the idea of love . Believes in love and its power against hate and all that is cruel in the world  . A hopeless romantic . I didn’t think he could pull it off , such an artsy , literary role. Once again at such a young age , he showed maturity , star quality , command and exceptional talent . He was romantic , optimistic , innocent , mischievous and a victim of blind hate . With all the right vibes that such characteris demand . I wouldn’t say it’s one of my top favorite performances , but he was great . Lastly , not my cup pf tea , so it’s definitely not a favorite but it’s a very good movie nonetheless .

5. Titanic :  Jack Dawson

A true event . A classic . A masterpiece . A love story . A worldwide smash hit . And much more than that !

The first time I watched it I was about 8 or 9 . I had no interest in movies back then. And the few I did watch were probably ones my older sisters watched on T.V . My taste and pattern was shaped by theirs at that time. It wasn’t just my two sisters who talked about this movie , it was the whole wide world. Jack and Rose were Romeo & Juliet of the nineties . Lol which is ironic , considering Leonardo starred in both movies. I can’t even recall how I felt about the story. All I know is that even as a kid I knew it in my heart , that this was something magical and extraordinary . Of course I came to connect and learn more from the movie as I matured . Now how many times have I watched it lool ?! do I even need to answer this question !

So skipping the researchers part and old Rose meeting them , right to when she actually goes back 48 years ago. The first time she saw and embarked the ” ship of dreams” “Titanic” with her fiance and  family. And Jack bought his way into that same ship in a bet .This is when the interesting and epic story begins to unravel before your eyes. Anyways , I’m not gonna go in detail about a story we all know by heart . I wouldn’t say it’s among my top “Dicaprio” performances , but it’s a great performance nonetheless , in an extraordinary movie that made history and that’s going to be remembered for many , many years to come . So there’s that !

“Kate Winslet” is exquisite. I feel like “Rose” is the heart of the story , while “Jack” the spirit and energy of it . His performance was real and his energy so sincere. Not a glimpse of pretense or over doing it . A carefree , light-spirited guy , an artist who fell in love.  As simple as that . I think the hero of this work of art is the story itself or the event that took place . It’s  what made this love story , class conflict ,connection and sympathy for characters as believable and as magical .

Favorite scenes : Right when the crash happens and all starts crumbling down , until the very end of it when the ship splits in half and sinks down. Perfect visual effects , perfect sound editing , perfect directing and perfect everything . Also the scene when jack is about to drown . What a moving scene and combined with the best film score everrrrr , you have  no choice but to reduce to tears. Last of all , the masterpiece  that is the original song written for the movie ” My Heart Will Go On” . “Leonardo DiCaprio” is a lucky genius . It wasn’t his very best acting by far , but given the exceptional talent and potential he has showed in previous projects and then being a part of this movie , I have to say it was like winning the lottery . One that paved the way for all his next outstanding movies and characters to come . Well deserved !

6. The Beach : Richard

I like this movie very much . I think it’s a thriller , adventure , drama and philosophy all in one . Many people praised the novel , you know the one the movie is based upon . Said that the movie isn’t half as good as the book . Well this novel must be phenomenal , cause the movie is crazy good , in my humble opinion . And it reminds me of one of my favorite shows “Lost” . Actually the movie is among other movies and literary works that inspired the show . So anyways , outstanding job at visuals and cinematography , very haunting film score . I sort of like “Danny Boyle” films . “127 hours” ,” Slumdog Millionaire”  come on ?! There’s this sort of visual flair and ethereal vibe embedded in his movies . And he always succeeds at choosing the perfect set of songs and film score for his scenes and movies . .

Ricard the American teenager decides to embark on a journey of discovery and soul search. He travels alone , light traveler with a heavy heart. Filled with excitement , hunger and passion for life. He goes to Bangkok , Thailand . He stays in this hotel , where he meets a French couple , and a crazy man . The crazy man sort of tells him about this secret island , heaven on earth as he describes . And one that is forbidden and hidden from the rest. Of course , Richard doesn’t take him seriously , that is until that man commits suicide and leaves that map to the island on his front door . The mentality and anatomy of the character being the search for something and the openness and curiosity  to whatever life throws , compels Richard to find the island . He decides to include the French couple , mainly because he fell with the girl .Anyone who’ve watched “Lost” before , can’t fail to see the similarities or the likeness of the philosophy and theme in both .

One of my favorite scenes, is when they get to the waterfall and they have to decide whether to jump or not , cool and hilarious . So after all they do reach the island and find its people , right when they jumped hence passing the test that validates them being a part of the community . It was what they have had in mind and beyond , the ultimate dream . People living in peace and wealth ,for all the fun and luxury that life can offer . Lazy and effortless days and nights pass by , with no worry in mind . No worry from city’s lifestyle pressure , common peoples’ greed , with one single condition that is to maintain peace and  truce with the farmers on the other side of the island .

Of course , human nature always wins.  So betrayal , lust , jealousy , insecurities and obsession surface.Then Richard gets shunned , and starts living on his own fighting for survival ” adapt or die” . At this point his character is completely transformed to this bohemian wild person who’s sole mission is survival . It’s at this very moment that  the crazy man talk starts to make sense. So then the plot and the core of the story pops the question: does true happiness exists ?  can we find paradise and redefine human nature in a more protected , censored world than what we have here ?

The answer is absolutely No. The essence of life is chaos , and no matter how perfect or how hard working you are , chaos remains. So stick to the moments that count and march on. I think Richard’s obsession with video games is a metaphor , of how programmed he is , with the mindset of the game. One of my favorite scenes too , is the ending when he receives the photo of all of them on the island , in one of their very last days of  mindless dreaming , numbness and make-believe happiness , the moment when they were all a part of something ,right before reality hit them hard

Old school Dicaprio , was compelling . As his character demands , he showed a boy who’s naturally afraid but then constantly trying to break free and accepts the challenge to get to something that he himself doesn’t know yet. Performance that shows the spirit of a learner ready to absorb all information and pleasure that life puts in his way . “Tilda Swinton” was pretty amazing too . I think it was an ending of an era and a beginning of a new one in his career .And what a solid one !

7. Gangs Of New York : Amsterdam Vallon

The new era of “Leonardo DiCaprio”. The beginning of a more refined and mature performances and characters . First “Martin Scorsese” collaboration , paving the way to the next 4 that would come later on. Arguably the weakest of them all . And the opportunity to work with “Daniel Day-lewis” , okay that’s a bonus .

A very intense first scene , that sets the tone for the rest of the movie . A very violent , electric and dark movie . Words that could describe most of  “Scorsese” movies . Starts In 1846 , New York city , then climaxes in the events that would take place seventeen years later .  When DiCaprio’s character  ,  returns to the place “Five points area”  to take revenge against the psychotic man “The Butcher” who murdered his father violently and shamelessly. In the name of protection from foreign invaders . In a time of civil war , slavery , tribal pride , political corruption an organized crime .
“In the second year of the great civil war, when the Irish brigades marched through the streets, New York was a city full of tribes. War chiefs, rich and poor. It wasn’t a city really, It was more a furnace where cities someday might be forged.”

The spirit of New York city was toxic at that time . Accepting only native citizens, killing in the name of  eligibility and taking pride in racism. Also , discouragement of “Abraham Lincoln” movement and more civilized , humane approaches. “The Butcher” , the incomparable “Daniel Day-Lewis” , who runs the five districts area “Mulberry Street and Worth… Cross and Orange… and Little Water. Each of the Five Points is a finger. When I close my hand it becomes a fist. And, if I wish, I can turn it against you. “

An obviously proud republican who must collaborate with the democratic society to do civic duties and create union . While he thinks only of the natives as deserving . An outraged “Amsterdam” with fixated heart and soul on revenge , hides under a calm surface and an everyday guy appearance. Working his way to win trust “It’s a funny feeling being took under the wing of a dragon , it’s warmer than you think” .He tries to search for his people and gang among other gangs round that city. Only to find out that their existence had vanished with his father’s death. They  have become outlaws .Chaos and dirt was all that dominated that time and city .

A very charismatic and entertaining performance from “Daniel”. Honestly , he’s so good , he steals all the scenes and the energy of the movie. Leaving the rest even though good , not quite measuring up. But a very interesting performance from “DiCaprio”, nonetheless. He illuminated with heartbreak , this conflict shows the character’s cunning nature . The hurt and the rage that boils inside taken over by a quiet and observing boy , biding his time .

I like the imagery and visual storytelling in the movie , like when Amsterdam throws the bible in the river , the five fingers and fist when describing Bill’s control over the five districts area. The very final scenes with a film score of an Irish tune that ironically reminds of  ” Titanic “ . When the city is in chaos between civilians fighting each other and the troops fighting them , to the “Five Points Area” where the final and fatal fight between the Dead Rabbits and the native Americans rages on . And last but not least the scene of the graves , histories , stories withering within time until maybe completely forgotten behind the lights and crowds of today’s New York . How poetic and reminiscent  , then Bono‘s heavenly voice singing ! I think it’s worth watching more than once !

8. Catch Me If You Can : Frank Abagnale Jr.

I remember the first time I watched this movie . I was 12 years old , just finished 8th grade of basic school. Awaiting my new high school life . For big part of my vacation I used to visit this movie store near our house , once or twice a month . I would buy mostly lool Arabic cheesy ,dumb movies . Looking back now I wonder why I ever wasted money or time on Arabic movies. Anyways , every once and a while I would buy an American movie or Mr. Bean collection videos or something . So one day I bought this movie , just because I know DiCaprio from “Titanic” . I think I enjoyed it fine , but never like the times after when I grew up . The story and the thrill of this movie started to make more sense and I got the bigger picture . I think it’s one of my all time favorites of DiCaprio’s . And it’s first and foremost a sentimental , humane movie than a thriller one .

From the beginning , the film score and the theme set the mood for the thriller vibe of the film and the dynamic nature of it . Even though the movie is a story of a true crime , it’s not a dark movie . We go back six years , the beginning of the sixties in New York and all events and choices that led him to prison . An obviously bright boy , who less than nineteen years old managed to steal about 4 million dollars by forging checks and identity theft . He got with it for a quite long time , until the French Police caught him .

I always think to myself :why do people do illegal ,inhumane things ? Is it because of their families and the environments they grew up in , or maybe it’s the nature of life and what god wants of us , that some people are destined to do bad things ?!

In this case Frank Jr. had the perfect family . He had two loving parents and a stable family. Maybe for someone who was accustomed to family love and stability , it hit him hard when the divorce came along. So then he ran away and began the series of unfortunate events . Even before that there were hints that he had this nature in him , him pretending to be a teacher in high school which is a scene I love , him and his father laughing about it when he got caught and sent to the principal , watching his father flirt his way and deceive women to get what he wanted , his father’s choice of fraud in his business and the clash with the IRS .

And I don’t know if this was the sixties or his parents themselves , but how could you ambush a kid with such a big decision as divorce . He comes in the house and finds the divorce lawyer and his parents telling him it’s going to be okay. Yes he knew about his mother’s adultery and could’ve sensed that his mother’s not entirely happy , still I think it took him by surprise .Maybe it’s this or that or maybe it’s all of that put together with his bright mind that made him one of the most renowned con men in America . He was just running and chasing away the pain and hurt left by his parents’ decision.

Like when he sent to his father and said : ” I’mma get it all back “ , or when he met him at a restaurant and found out that his father knows all about his misdeeds and he asks his father to just tell him or ask him to stop. Watching Brenda’s parents dancing to music and so in love that got him back to when that was his life. And isn’t it poetic that when he kinnda lost it and got desperate then finally caught by the police , was in the French city where his mother and father first met ?!
Maybe in his own way this was him acting out in hope that one day they would get it all back. The loving family , the money and the old house. He ran and ran until he got to the place where it all started , but there was nothing instead .

That was a great year for “DiCaprio” , the same year he had “Gangs of New York” and as I said before it was the start of a new era of growth and maturity. There was this charm and accessibility to him , that made him perfect for the role in my opinion . His kindness , pain , bright mindedness , loneliness. They all illuminated from his eyes , face , body language and voice with absolute command . I love his chemistry with the whole cast , every time he interacted or bonded with a different character .He proved he’s meant for the role and charismatic enough.