Leonardo DiCaprio Shares Why He’ll Never Step Behind the Camera

Many actors eventually try their hand at directing, but Leonardo DiCaprio has no plans to make that leap. Despite his long-standing partnership with some of Hollywood ’s most acclaimed filmmakers, especially Martin Scorsese, DiCaprio has made it clear he doesn’t see himself ever taking charge behind the scenes. He admits the idea of matching Scorsese’s level of artistry is simply out of reach for him.

Why DiCaprio Won’t Pursue Directing

DiCaprio has been asked more than once if he’d ever consider directing. His answer is always the same: he’s not interested. He openly admits that the thought of trying to create something on par with Scorsese’s work is daunting.

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?

For DiCaprio, the bar set by Scorsese is so high that he doesn’t see the point in even trying to reach it.

Still, fans have plenty to look forward to. DiCaprio and Scorsese are teaming up once again for their seventh film together, an adaptation of What Happens at Night. Their creative partnership continues to thrive, even if DiCaprio isn’t interested in switching roles.

Looking Back on Missed Opportunities

Although he’s not planning to direct, DiCaprio does have one regret: not spending more time observing Scorsese at work. Over the course of their six previous films, DiCaprio was so focused on his own performances that he missed the chance to watch Scorsese’s process up close.

I’ve been so focused on what I’ve been doing [laughs] as an actor; you make these decisions, you play these characters, you try to get into the depth of their soul as much as you possibly can. I would have loved to be much more of a voyeur, to watch what you do behind the camera

Now, as they prepare for their next project, DiCaprio is already getting into character, hoping to soak up even more from the experience.

Inside the Creative Process with Scorsese

DiCaprio doesn’t rely on method acting, but he does spend months in deep discussions with Scorsese about each new role. Their upcoming film, What Happens at Night, which also stars Jennifer Lawrence, is no exception. The back-and-forth between actor and director is a key part of how they develop each character and story.

DiCaprio describes these conversations as some of the most valuable learning moments of his career.

I think [our process of] working together is the ability to almost have a debate for months… lots of questions, lots of playing devil’s advocate about a way to approach things that may not be the most obvious direction. We’re doing that on the new film now, and it’s been absolutely one of the most profound learning experiences.

Production on their latest collaboration is set to begin in February, and DiCaprio is already deep into preparation.

There’s no official release date yet for What Happens at Night, but anticipation is building for what’s sure to be another standout entry in their shared filmography.