Key Highlights
- Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence discuss their recent films “One Battle After Another” and “Die My Love.”
- The actors reflect on their early careers, including their time on sitcoms and commercials.
- DiCaprio reveals he has never rewatched “Titanic,” while Lawrence discusses her creative process with Martin Scorsese.
- The conversation delves into their working relationships and the unique methods of directors Paul Thomas Anderson and Lynne Ramsay.
Acting Through Time: DiCaprio and Lawrence in Conversation
Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence, two of Hollywood’s biggest stars, recently sat down for an intimate discussion on Actors on Actors, a show produced by Variety Home Film Features.
From TV to the Big Screen: Early Beginnings
DiCaprio and Lawrence shared stories of their early careers, both mentioning their time in television. DiCaprio recalled his role in “Growing Pains,” while Lawrence spoke about her stint on The Bill Engvall Show.
“I watched every day after school,” said DiCaprio with a chuckle, referring to how he would eagerly await the show’s airing. For Lawrence, it was a different experience: “Mine was The Bill Engvall Show, which I don’t think anyone has ever seen except me and my parents.”
Counterculture Roots and Creative Choices
The conversation turned to their personal backgrounds and how they influenced their acting. DiCaprio, who mentioned his father’s counterculture ties, said, “My dad hung around with Abbie Hoffman a bit back in the day,” adding that while they were hippies, his own film had much more hardcore revolutionaries.
Lawrence echoed similar sentiments: “Martin Scorsese read the book in his book club and told me to star in it. I felt like the author, Ariana Harwicz, was able to describe the indescribable grave depression of an identity crisis. It’s poetry, not a literal story.”
The Films that Defined Them: Titanic, One Battle After Another, Die My Love
Both stars reflected on their most memorable roles. DiCaprio joked about his famous line from “Titanic,” saying, “I haven’t seen it in forever. Jennifer, you should watch it now; it’s so good.” In contrast, Lawrence revealed her favorite part: “One Battle After Another is my favorite movie I’ve ever seen in my life.”
“Die My Love” was another highlight for both actors, with Lawrence praising DiCaprio’s performance and the film’s exploration of postpartum depression. DiCaprio admitted he had never rewatched his own films, adding, “I don’t really watch my films, do you?”
Working Relationships: PTA and Lynne Ramsay
The conversation delved into their working relationships with directors Paul Thomas Anderson and Lynne Ramsay. DiCaprio shared how PTA’s personal experience influenced his character in “One Battle After Another,” while Lawrence discussed the unique directorial approach of Ramsay.
“Lynne changed a lot of things, like making the lead couple new to town. That added a lot more of the isolation that I think a lot of new parents have,” explained Lawrence.
DiCaprio agreed, noting how the tension in his film stemmed from wondering what would happen to their baby’s future.
The discussion also touched on David O. Russell and the dynamic he created with actors, contrasting it with Lynne Ramsay’s more observational approach during filming.
DiCaprio and Lawrence concluded by discussing their upcoming project with Martin Scorsese, expressing excitement for the collaboration while emphasizing the importance of film references and screenings in Scorsese’s creative process.
To watch the full video, go to CNN’s streaming platform now. Or check out Variety’s YouTube page at 3 p.m. ET today.
