Why Leonardo DiCaprio says he'd 'never want to direct'
What's the story
Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio has ruled out the possibility of directing films. Speaking at the A Year in TIME event in New York City, he said he doesn't think he could ever reach the level of legendary filmmaker and his frequent collaborator, Martin Scorsese. "Some people have asked me if I wanted to direct. I'm like, 'I would never want to direct. I could never do anything close to what Martin Scorsese does. Why would I do that?'"
Actor's reflection
DiCaprio's admiration for Scorsese and desire to observe filmmaking
DiCaprio, 51, expressed his respect for Scorsese during their conversation. He said he sometimes wished he could step back on earlier projects to watch the filmmaking process more closely. "You play these characters, you try to get into the depths of their soul as much as you possibly can." "And I would've loved to be much more of a voyeur...to watch what you (Scorsese) do behind the camera," he shared at the event.
Creative process
DiCaprio's unique collaboration with Scorsese
The actor, who has worked with Scorsese on six films, also discussed their unique collaboration. He emphasized the importance of preparation and debate before filming starts. "That's been our process a lot...the ability to almost have a debate for months before and lots of questions, and lots of playing devil's advocate about a way to approach things that may not be the most obvious direction," he explained. Their seventh collaboration, What Happens at Night, is currently in production.
Career influence
DiCaprio's early exposure to Scorsese's work
DiCaprio also recalled being introduced to Scorsese's work at a young age. "I grew up watching movies very young...wanting to be an actor," he said. "My father brought me to see Marty's work...and said, 'If there's anyone you want to strive to work with in your career...it's with this gentleman.' So I got to see Marty's work very, very early on." DiCaprio and Scorsese first worked together on Gangs of New York in 2002.