For Academy Award winners and long-time collaborators Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese a dissection of their creative processes over dinner is no strange occasion. Beyond being filmmaking partners, the two are also friends, with DiCaprio telling TIME in an interview that Scorsese’s Wolf of Wall Street was one of the “most free and exciting and spontaneous and hilarious film productions I’ve ever been a part of. I’ve never seen Martin Scorsese that happy on a set in my life.” So it was only natural for Scorsese to join DiCaprio, TIME’s 2025 Entertainer of the Year in conversation onstage at the “A Year in TIME” event in New York City on Dec. 10.
Leading up to the rollout of TIME’s Person of the Year issue, “A Year in TIME” also featured conversations with 2025 CEO of the Year Neal Mohan and Athlete of the Year A’ja Wilson and also a performance by the artists behind Breakthrough of the Year KPop Demon Hunters.
Closing the night, DiCaprio and Scorsese reflected on their work, peeled back the curtains on their partnership, and looked forward to their seventh joint project-following Killers of the Flower Moon, Wolf of Wall Street, Shutter Island, The Departed, The Aviator and Gangs of new York-the ghost story What Happens at Night which starts filming in February.DiCaprio, who told TIME
Leonardo DiCaprio on Scorsese’s Character-Driven Approach: From Killers of the Flower Moon to The Wolf of Wall Street
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Leonardo DiCaprio recently discussed director Martin Scorsese’s unique approach to filmmaking, emphasizing a focus on character psychology over traditional plot structures. In a conversation highlighted by TIME, DiCaprio explained that Scorsese prioritizes exploring the “soul of the character,” allowing the narrative to unfold organically from their motivations and internal conflicts.This method, evident in films like Killers of the Flower Moon and The Wolf of Wall Street, results in stories that delve into morally complex territory, often reaching what DiCaprio describes as “moral ground zero.”
The Primacy of Character
DiCaprio revealed that Scorsese isn’t primarily concerned with plot mechanics.”Marty said many times that plot is irrelevant to him. He wants to follow the soul of that certain character, and all the plot mechanics or how things work out are sort of secondary,” DiCaprio stated. This approach allows for a deeper exploration of the characters’ inner lives,even – and perhaps especially – when those lives lead down destructive paths.
This focus on character is a hallmark of Scorsese’s work. Rather than simply presenting a story about events,he aims to immerse the audience within the consciousness of his protagonists,forcing viewers to confront uncomfortable truths and grapple with challenging moral questions. This is particularly evident in films like Taxi Driver and Goodfellas, where the audience is positioned alongside flawed, often reprehensible characters.
Exploring “Moral Ground Zero”
The concept of “moral ground zero” suggests a point where conventional ethical boundaries dissolve, and characters operate outside the realm of typical morality. Both Killers of the Flower Moon and the Wolf of Wall Street exemplify this.
* Killers of the Flower Moon https://www.killersoftheflowermoon.com/ depicts the systematic exploitation and murder of the osage Nation in the 1920s for their oil wealth. The film doesn’t shy away from portraying the banality of evil and the insidious nature of greed, showcasing characters who rationalize horrific acts.
* The Wolf of Wall Street https://www.wolfofwallstreet.com/ portrays the excesses of stockbroker Jordan Belfort and his firm, Stratton Oakmont. The film illustrates a world driven by unchecked ambition and hedonism, where ethical considerations are entirely absent.
In both cases, the films don’t necessarily condone the characters’ actions, but they strive to understand the forces that drive them, exploring the psychological and societal factors that contribute to their moral failings.
DiCaprio and Scorsese: A Collaborative Trust
DiCaprio expressed gratitude for Scorsese’s consistent trust in allowing him to fully embody these complex characters. “To see your trust in me through the years to take on these certain characters and sort of follow that dynamic and go with the soul of the character, has been extraordinary,” he said. This collaborative relationship allows DiCaprio to delve deeply into the psychological nuances of his roles, contributing to the authenticity and impact of Scorsese’s films.
Key Takeaways
* Character over Plot: Martin Scorsese prioritizes character development and psychological exploration over traditional plot structures.
* Moral Complexity: Scorsese’s films often explore morally ambiguous characters operating in ethically challenging environments,sometimes reaching a point of “moral ground zero.”
* Collaborative Partnership: The long-standing collaboration between DiCaprio and Scorsese is built on trust and a shared commitment to exploring the depths of human character.
A Year in TIME was presented by Rolex, American Family insurance, Serum Institute of India, La Croix, and The Macallan.
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