Leonardo DiCaprio recently unveiled his Christopher Nolan favorite movie during an interview while celebrating his latest project, One Battle After Another, which has positioned him as a strong contender for the next Academy Awards. Speaking alongside co-stars Benicio del Toro, Regina Hall, and Sean Penn, DiCaprio’s response shed light on which Nolan film holds the highest regard among acclaimed actors.
The conversation took place during a Collider interview, where Steven Weintraub prompted the cast to discuss their favorite works from major directors. When the dialogue turned to Christopher Nolan’s filmography, both DiCaprio and del Toro quickly gave the same answer: The Dark Knight. While many viewers might assume DiCaprio would select Inception due to his leading role in that movie, he and his co-star expressed a shared admiration for the 2008 Batman sequel, known for its game-changing impact on the superhero genre and cinema overall.
Discussing Other Legendary Directors
The exchange didn’t stop with Nolan’s work. DiCaprio and del Toro also shared which movies from Steven Spielberg and Stanley Kubrick had left lasting impressions on them. DiCaprio, when reflecting on Spielberg’s body of work, bypassed his own film Catch Me If You Can, instead selecting Jaws. He admitted the difficulty of his choice, given Spielberg’s extensive list of celebrated films. Del Toro favored E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial as his Spielberg highlight.
Turning to Stanley Kubrick, DiCaprio found it difficult to choose a single favorite, initially mentioning both A Clockwork Orange and Barry Lyndon. Ultimately, he and del Toro both agreed on 2001: A Space Odyssey as Kubrick’s most outstanding achievement. DiCaprio detailed his personal experience watching that film in a unique cinematic setting:
“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 Dark Knight’s Far-Reaching Influence
The Dark Knight remains a pivotal film in Christopher Nolan’s career, as well as within the larger landscape of modern cinema. Although Nolan has directed several beloved movies, including titles like Inception and Interstellar, The Dark Knight often stands out as his most universally acclaimed work. Its ensemble cast, featuring Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne and Heath Ledger’s Oscar-winning portrayal of the Joker, contributed to its enduring appeal and critical success.
DiCaprio’s choice highlights the profound respect Nolan’s Batman movie commands among actors and filmmakers. Recognizing The Dark Knight for its groundbreaking storytelling and performances signals how influential the film continues to be, years after its release.
Looking Forward in Awards Season and Industry Trends
As DiCaprio continues to enjoy acclaim for One Battle After Another, his commentary on influential filmmakers like Nolan, Spielberg, and Kubrick adds depth to ongoing discussions within the film community. These shared favorites reveal which cinematic achievements inspire today’s leading performers. With DiCaprio now considered a frontrunner in the upcoming Oscar race, his passion for films like The Dark Knight underscores not just personal taste but also points to the lasting impact of directors who have redefined the movie industry. For fans and industry observers, these insights offer a glimpse into the films that continue to ignite creative passions among Hollywood’s elite.
