Thanks to everyone who submited a graph detailing a favorite Leonardo DiCaprio performance. After poring through 60-plus entries, I settled on this one as, for me, the most convincing argument, courtesy of Peter Labuza:
For me, DiCaprio was best in Martin Scorsese’s “The Departed.” In a film that is constantly moving and full of energy, DiCaprio brings everything in his body to the internal. While many of the actors in the film rush their words to give the film a jolt, DiCaprio anchors the drama by slowing things down, processing each layer of his character and the façade he has to create. Like “Shutter Island,” DiCaprio’s character loses his mind, but we don’t need Scorsese’s swinging camera and haunted atmosphere to see it—it’s all there in DiCaprio’s face.
I also happen to agree with the choice. So, drop me a line, Peter, and let’s get you your prize.
Comments
14 responses to “DiCaprio contest winner!”
Congrats, Peter Labuza. Very good argument.
Congratulations!
Congratulations!
Sound take. It only makes me wonder why DiCaprio wasn’t nominated for The Departed instead of Blood Diamond.
Congrats, Peter.
I feel people are forgetting Leo in The Aviator. Watch the senate hearing scenes with Leo and Alan Alda.
Fitz, I’m sure he was very close to a nomination for “The Departed”, but it was category confusion that did him in. For instance, he was nominated for lead at the Globes, for supporting at the SAGs… I believe it’s the studio’s fault for tampering with the campaign so as not to have him competing against himself. It backfired.
I didn’t read all the comments but I read this one and I really loved it. Good choice, Kris.
Great choice! In a strange way; I still feel like DiCaprio at times doesn’t get the full credit he deserves. I don’t know if people take him for granted; beacuse as a former child Actor he’s been around for so long. Or if people think it comes easy for him; because of his good looks.
Sometimes in the moment; greatness is not fully realize. I just thing that we become more appreciative of someone’s work when we take stock and look back at it; as they did with a young Brando.
Really great answer! Makes me want to pop The Departed in tonight.
He was cast fine in “The Departed”, but it doesn’t hold a candle to his work in “Gilbert Grape”.
@ Marv
I think it`s Spielberg syndrome. They see him as someone who has everything – boxoffice, critical acclaim, beautiful women, success from early age, looks – so he can wait. Until of course, he makes a movie that AMPAS simply cannot overlook when it comes to voting for the winner. He needs his Schindler`s List. or something.
@ ninja
“He needs his Schindler’s List.” Good point ninja. That’s what I was getting at.
So, I did watch The Departed tonight with Peter Labuza’s post in mind. It really is interesting to watch DiCaprio as a coiled spring while the rest of of the world goes on so frantically about him. Amazing performance.
@ Marv and @ Ninja
I agree with both of you but it’s too bad that he has to “wait.” I just hope he gets rewarded for his work someday.