There are few that would argue that Oscar hopeful Leonardo Dicaprio began his career as anything more than a teenage heartthrob, who was valued more for his good looks than any real acting talent. Since the 39-year-old former playboy met Martin Scorsese, attitudes toward the star's growth as an actor has steadily changed. Perhaps, that is why Leo spends years preparing for the roles in some of the director’s films. Wolf of Wall Street is one of those films.
As a child star, DiCaprio excelled at delivering what was expected of him.
His early purpose in television and film was to show up and attract a young female viewership. Even as late as Titanic, the star was expected to do little more than look cold on camera.
But all that changed when Martin Scorsese cast Leo as the leading man in Gangs of New York. Whether it was just appearing on screen alongside legends like Daniel Day Lewis that changed people’s perspectives, or actual evolution in craft, is hard to say. What is for sure, is that everyone, including Leo, started taking his acting more seriously.
Maybe that is why DiCaprio went so much further than just reading the memoir written by Jordan Belfort. He took his time getting to know the maniac stock market swindler that his new film is based on. He recently spoke to Us Weekly about the role:
“I’ve been having conversations with Jordan for years. I would bring things I heard from Jordan back to Martin. It resulted in, ‘Can we get this animal on set?’”
Wow, Leo is dedicated and helpful...so, take that Daniel Day Lewis.
