Leonardo DiCaprio has shared his choice for his Christopher Nolan favorite movie during a recent group interview, an admission that drew attention from both his fans and film enthusiasts. Speaking alongside co-stars from One Battle After Another, DiCaprio highlighted The Dark Knight as his top pick, surprising those who expected him to name Inception, the film he starred in.
DiCaprio is currently earning praise for his performance in One Battle After Another, an action thriller directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. This film, featuring Sean Penn, Regina Hall, and Benicio del Toro, has positioned DiCaprio as a strong contender for an Oscar, which could potentially add to his Best Actor accolade received for The Revenant in 2016. The cast recently participated in an interview with Collider’s Steven Weintraub, during which they discussed their favorite works by notable directors.
DiCaprio and Del Toro Name Their Top Nolan Film
During the interview, when the subject turned to Christopher Nolan’s body of work, both DiCaprio and Benicio del Toro quickly named The Dark Knight as their favorite. The film, a sequel to Batman Begins, is often considered Nolan’s most celebrated project. The Dark Knight’s groundbreaking impact and its legacy in the superhero genre make it a fitting selection, even for DiCaprio, who has a personal connection to another Nolan classic, Inception.
Heath Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker was especially memorable, and Christian Bale’s performance as Bruce Wayne added further depth to the film. While many might assume DiCaprio would favor Inception due to his starring role, he instead chose The Dark Knight, echoing del Toro’s response.
The Actors Discuss Spielberg and Kubrick Classics
The conversation soon expanded to include works of other legendary directors. When Steven Spielberg’s name came up, DiCaprio expressed how difficult it is to choose a single favorite, eventually naming Jaws and commenting on Spielberg’s impressive list of masterpieces. Benicio del Toro selected E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial as his Spielberg favorite, revealing the variety in taste among the cast members.
As the discussion turned to Stanley Kubrick’s films, DiCaprio admitted how tough it is to pick just one, mentioning several beloved classics. Ultimately, both DiCaprio and del Toro agreed on 2001: A Space Odyssey as Kubrick’s crowning achievement. DiCaprio relived his own experience of watching the film on VHS and, later, seeing it projected in its original form, an event he described in detail.
“I remember watching it for the first time on VHS. But then I got to see it at the Cinerama dome. And I think Christopher Nolan found the original film, and projected it at the Cinerama dome with the original sound, and talk about a time that was so ahead of its time. It’s just incredible. And beyond the movie, it’s kind of a spiritual experience.”
– Leonardo DiCaprio, Actor
The Enduring Popularity of The Dark Knight
The choice of The Dark Knight as DiCaprio’s Christopher Nolan favorite movie underscores the film’s lasting influence in modern cinema. Its release not only redefined the superhero genre, but also demonstrated the artistic potential of comic book adaptations. Heath Ledger, Christian Bale, and Michael Caine all contributed standout performances, and Christopher Nolan’s meticulous direction set a new bar for action and storytelling.
The interview also highlighted the connections and distinctions between the works of filmmakers like Spielberg, Kubrick, and Nolan, as seen through the perspectives of award-winning actors like DiCaprio, del Toro, and their co-stars. Their reflections reveal how these directors and their films have shaped the creative outlook of today’s top talent.
Looking ahead, DiCaprio’s acknowledgment of The Dark Knight’s greatness, alongside his praise for cinematic milestones from Spielberg and Kubrick, continues to influence film discourse and shape the appreciation of outstanding filmmaking among audiences and industry professionals alike. As awards season approaches and with One Battle After Another in the spotlight, DiCaprio’s opinions offer a timely reminder of the enduring artistry behind iconic films and directors.
