Leonardo DiCaprio, widely known for his diverse roles and intense performances, has never participated in a traditional film sequel. However, he identifies a unique bond among three of his films as an unofficial trilogy that explores themes of corruption and excess. This connection emerged during the years 2012 and 2013, when DiCaprio took on roles that together present a critique of moral decay in American society across different historical periods.
These films are often viewed individually for their distinct stories and characters, yet DiCaprio sees them united by a common thread that reveals his artistic focus on the darker facets of ambition, wealth, and power.
How DiCaprio Defines His Trilogy Around Corruption and Excess
While promoting The Wolf of Wall Street in 2014, DiCaprio explained the deeper themes behind the story of Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker whose lavish lifestyle and downfall epitomize greed and moral failure. He described his vision that linked this film with two earlier projects, The Great Gatsby and Django Unchained, asserting they collectively form a trilogy highlighting corruption in America at different points in history.
DiCaprio noted,
“With the Great Gatsby, and Django [Unchained] and this film, it was like a trilogy of corruption in America through different time periods.”
—Leonardo DiCaprio, Actor
This connection rests on the characters‘ relentless pursuit of wealth without regard for ethics or consequences. DiCaprio added,
“gaining wealth at any cost and feeding into every carnal desire you possibly can.”
—Leonardo DiCaprio, Actor
These themes allowed DiCaprio to engage deeply with the subject matter, sustaining a focused mindset across very different roles during the short period in which the three films were released.
The Shared Elements that Bind the Films in DiCaprio’s View
At first glance, the three movies—Django Unchained (2012), The Great Gatsby (2013), and The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)—appear vastly different in style and setting, but their core messages reveal striking parallels.
The Wolf of Wall Street dramatizes the rise and fall of Jordan Belfort and delves into the destructive greed that fueled his excesses, which also contributed to economic instability and shattered ideals of the American Dream.
The Great Gatsby channels the prodigious wealth and reckless indulgence of the 1920s, foreshadowing the financial disaster of the Great Depression through its morally ambiguous characters.
Django Unchained shifts further back, exploring the brutal history of slavery in the United States as a foundation for systemic corruption and wealth accumulation at immoral costs.
In all three stories, characters are driven by material gain and self-interest, often at the expense of morality and humanity, inevitably leading to their own downfall caused by hubris and greed.
DiCaprio’s Unofficial Trilogy: Release Timeline and Critical Reception
The three films making up Leonardo DiCaprio’s unofficial trilogy were released closely together, enabling him to maintain thematic consistency amidst diverse roles:
- Django Unchained (2012): A Western revenge tale addressing the legacy of slavery and injustice.
- The Wolf of Wall Street (2013): The story of Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker whose pathological greed ultimately led to his downfall.
- The Great Gatsby (2013): An adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel, portraying opulence and moral decay during the Roaring Twenties.
Each movie was met with critical attention, with DiCaprio earning recognition for his ability to portray complex characters caught in corrupt social systems. His performance in The Wolf of Wall Street earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, further cementing his reputation for selecting meaningful, challenging roles.
The Lasting Impact of DiCaprio’s Exploration of Corruption Through Film
Leonardo DiCaprio’s so-called unofficial trilogy provides a compelling lens on corruption’s enduring role in shaping American history and culture. By portraying characters who pursue wealth at any price, these films comment on systemic flaws that cross decades and social contexts.
This thematic consistency reveals DiCaprio’s interest in using cinema as a tool to examine societal values and the consequences of unchecked ambition. His highlight of this unofficial trilogy invites audiences to view these films not only as individual stories but as connected reflections on human nature and power.
As DiCaprio continues to select roles that challenge moral and social issues, this trilogy stands as a marker of his commitment to storytelling that provokes thought about the cost of corruption, potentially influencing future projects and discussions about America’s cultural narrative.
