Leonardo DiCaprio, the Oscar-winning actor, recently spoke to the BBC about the political undertones of his latest film, ‘One Battle After Another.’ Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, the film has been in development for over two decades and features an all-star cast including Benicio del Toro, Sean Penn, Teyana Taylor, and Regina Hall. DiCaprio plays Bob, a paranoid ex-revolutionary who must confront his past when his daughter goes missing. The film, loosely inspired by Thomas Pynchon’s 1990 novel ‘Vineland,’ blends political satire, black comedy, and action, offering a nuanced look at societal polarization. DiCaprio described the film as a reflection of the growing divisiveness in culture, stating, ‘It holds a mirror up to society and talks about the polarity.’ He emphasized that the film is ‘political without making it feel like medicine,’ highlighting its entertaining yet thought-provoking nature. Critics have lauded the film, with many praising DiCaprio’s performance as a flawed yet relatable protagonist. Benicio del Toro, who plays a martial arts instructor, expressed his excitement about working with DiCaprio, calling it a ‘dream come true.’ The film has received widespread acclaim, with reviewers hailing it as a ‘ferocious American masterpiece’ and a potential Oscar frontrunner. Anderson, known for his previous works like ‘Phantom Thread’ and ‘There Will Be Blood,’ is praised for his ambitious direction, with DiCaprio calling him a ‘visionary and seminal director.’
Leonardo DiCaprio on why his new film addresses ‘divisiveness in our culture’
