It’s been 1 / 4 century since director Danny Boyle and Leonardo DiCaprio teamed up for The Seaside, and whereas the film was a success on the time, it was divisive with critics then, as it nonetheless is at the moment. The Seaside marked an enormous inflection level in DiCaprio’s profession and his choice to do the film over a number of different choices set in movement every thing that has adopted. Let me clarify.
The Summer time Of 1998 Was Large For DiCaprio
Hop within the way-back machine and set it for 1998. Madonna’s “Ray Of Gentle” had everybody dancing, besides, it appears, DiCaprio, who was transferring at his personal pace. The Titanic star saved Hollywood at bated breath for months earlier than signing on to his first film after the movie in regards to the ill-fated ocean liner had change into the largest hit in Hollywood historical past. Rumors circulated that he would possibly take the main function in The Proficient Mr. Ripley, or American Psycho. As a substitute, he stunned everybody by signing on to star in The Seaside in July of ‘98.
On the time, it was a bit stunning. Danny Boyle had actually made a reputation for himself with Trainspotting, however was coming off the field workplace disappointment, A Life Much less Unusual. The film had been optioned from a novel written by Alex Garland, however Garland was nonetheless years away from making his affect on Hollywood. The Seaside didn’t look like it was positive to be a blockbuster like DiCaprio’s different choices.
In fact, earlier than Titanic, DiCaprio first impressed with character-driven roles in motion pictures like What’s Consuming Gilbert Grape, and The Basketball Diaries, so wanting again, this looks like a extra pure alternative than it did on the time, perhaps. It additionally exhibits that regardless of the poor opinions of a film that hasn’t aged effectively both, starring in The Seaside was value it for the actor.
Characters, Not Matinee Idols
Leonardo DiCaprio drew a line within the sand at that second. He would nonetheless pursue characters, not simply roles for “film stars.” It’s one thing he’s caught to for the remainder of his profession and now, 25 years later, it’s straightforward to see how he made the right alternative. After The Seaside got here Gangs Of New York, which started his lengthy, fruitful partnership with Martin Scorsese. That was adopted by Catch Me If You Can, The Aviator, and The Departed (the latter two once more with Scorsese). It’s a hell of a run and naturally it didn’t cease there.
Slightly than change into the fashionable model of a matinee idol, as he may have simply finished within the wake of Titanic, DiCaprio caught with what he knew and liked greatest, difficult roles and fascinating characters. He had his decide of the litter and he selected the tougher route and for that he must be counseled. He may’ve coasted ceaselessly on the again of Titanic, however as an alternative we’ve gotten motion pictures like As soon as Upon A Time In Hollywood, The Wolf of Wall Avenue, and The Revenant, and all the opposite wonderful roles DiCaprio has performed that have been all doable due to The Seaside.