The peak of his post-Titanic slump is this less-than-successful adaptation of Alex Garland's novel, about an American who goes backpacking in Thailand. Ewan McGregor was the initial choice for the role, but when he stepped out it was DiCaprio who stepped in and, well, he probably wishes he hadn't. Feeling like it's just trying to capitalise on his fame at this point, he spends a lot of the film with his shirt off and trying to convey angst by just being a bit shouty, unfocused, and generally a bit of a mess. Given the talent involved in this film - it ranks as one of Danny Boyle's worst as well - it should have worked a lot better, but both direction and acting failed this one, with DiCaprio nominated for a Razzie Award for Worst Actor. Still, at least this was the end of pretty boy DiCaprio. Oh, he's still a beautiful man, but it was the last of those post-Titanic roles that seemed a bit too obvious a cash-in, and a turn to taking on far more serious and challenging roles.
NCTJ-qualified journalist. Most definitely not a racing driver. Drink too much tea; eat too much peanut butter; watch too much TV. Sadly only the latter paying off so far.
A mix of wise-old man in a young man's body with a child-like wonder about him and a great otherworldly sensibility.
