One of the main themes of “Once Upon a Time in… Hollywood”, Quentin Tarantino’s new film, is what differentiates a great star from an ordinary actor. In the case of Rick Dalton, Leonardo DiCaprio’s character, it is the fact that he never starred in a successful film like the 1960’s “The Magnificent Seven”, which, on this side of the screen, catapulted Steve McQueen to stardom.
“I refused ‘Titanic’,” laughs Brad Pitt, who plays the role of Cliff Booth, Dalton’s stuntman and faithful squire in Tarantino’s feature. He’s referring, of course, to the role that made DiCaprio a movie icon. “It is not enough just to have talent or something, but to be in the right place at the right time”, replies the true protagonist of “Titanic”.
During a 30-minute interview, two of Hollywood’s biggest stars showed the chemistry perceived by Tarantino. While Pitt did not miss a chance to make fun of his friend, DiCaprio gave serious and eloquent answers.
The two actors began their careers in a similar way, in minor roles in TV series. The duo came to work on the sitcom “Growing pains”, but in different years.
“We talked about some roles, but I can’t remember any specifics,” DiCaprio recollects. “In our community, we work throughout the year and hope to meet each other during the awards season or some charity party,” says Pitt.
Then Tarantino showed up. In the past, the director gave Pitt the role of leader of the anti-Nazi squad of “Inglourious Basterds”. For DiCaprio, he created the racist villain from “Django Unchained”. In “Once Upon a Time in… Hollywood”, they finally share the screen, an experience that DiCaprio calls “special”.
“What I cherish is the appreciation that Quentin has for artists who have not stood the test of time, which I would not have known, but which he can explain why they are so talented”, says the star. “I look forward to our candlelight dinners after filming,” Pitt jokes.
Perhaps the only time when the two treat a subject with the same seriousness is when talking about the boss, Tarantino, one of the strongest names in American authorial cinema today. “Once Upon a Time in… Hollywood”, we have to remember, has already passed the $ 100 million mark in US theaters.
“It’s weird because I don’t think anyone can define what Quentin does,” says DiCaprio, who has worked with Martin Scorsese, Christopher Nolan and James Cameron before. “I, at least, haven’t done it yet. It’s a fun and original process,” adds Pitt, who also has an extensive curriculum with filmmakers like Terrence Malick, David Fincher, and the Coen brothers.
“Obviously, there is the fairy tale aspect, but there is also Quentin’s obsession with research,” DiCaprio explains. “When he leaves this place later, he’ll be watching three movies. His mind is scary. ” Pitt goes even further telling that “Tarantino has become an adjective in Hollywood” and that he is serious when about retirement.
“It is a studied decision. He analyzed the directors he likes and came to the conclusion that there is a moment in his career when the one loses contact with the current culture. He is committed to leave after the tenth feature, but that does not mean full retirement. He has plans for series, books, and plays. Quentin is not going away.”
Pitt speaks with knowledge of who carries an Oscar as a producer for “12 Years a Slave”, but also because he was one of the first actors to make production deals with Netflix — the company invested around $ 60 million in its original “War Machine” two years ago. “More and more people are getting opportunities in streaming, and this is incredible,” says Pitt.
“It is the future. I think the experience of going to the cinema to see a movie on its first weekend will be like going to a concert. It will always be there,” DiCaprio believes. “The only downside is the amount of content that floods people. In the past, we talked for years about a film. Now, we move on to the next in a few minutes.” He admits, however, that TV is producing revolutionary content. “This show ‘Euphoria’ is magnificent.”
