MovieChat Forums > Leonardo DiCaprio Discussion > Let's hear it for Leo's pre Titanic work

Let's hear it for Leo's pre Titanic work


Leo's a great actor, one of the few legit blockbuster star's out there left. But a lot of love seems to come for his post Titanic works. But I wish he took more risks like he did in his pre fame years then he has with his later work imo.

This Boys Life, What's Eating Gilbert Grape, The Quick and The Dead, The Basketball Diaries, Total Eclipse, Romeo & Juliet and Marvin's Room. That's a great run of films.

I think his performance in This Boy's Life (he matches De Niro toe to toe), Gilbert Grape (he out acts Johnny Depp)and The Basketball Diaries are three of his greatest performances. Total Eclipse isn't a perfect film but his performance is risky and brave but brilliant something he hasn't done since his Titanic fame. He's the match of Diane Keaton and Meryl Streep in Marvin's Room. Young Leo before he became a hearthrob and world famous actor was the man.

Not knocking his later career, cause it's been brilliant. I wish he took more risky projects with European directors or more low budget films like he did in his young years.

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that's like saying I wish nirvana never made nevermind and bleach and incesticide are the better albums, everyones work looks better when they are lesser known and being younger helps

that's my knowledge on the arts.

I do want a counter culture to take over though, I agree with you

i'm just not hip to new names and it doesn't seem like enough got the chance to shine

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This Boys Life was a masterpiece.

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What about Growing Pains?

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I loved his work.

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DiCaprio was legitimately brilliant in 'What's Eating Gilbert Grape'. Some of his more recent film appearances have been less convincing, though. I didn't believe him for a second as a cruel, racist slave owner in 'Django Unchained', and I don't understand the critical praise he got for that role. I loved the film 'Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood' - particularly Brad Pitt's turn as a man who fears nothing - but since DiCaprio's part in that was of a mediocre actor, was he actually playing a part or just being himself?

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You're right on all counts. DiCaprio is excellent in every way. I can't wait to see his movies with Martin Scorsese.

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