“You’ve just got to act”—Leonardo Dicaprio Gives His Two Pennies on Method Acting in ‘One Battle After Another’

Published 09/09/2025, 2:09 AM EDT

In the cinematic battlefield where cinema meets soul, Leonardo DiCaprio emerges as a commander of craft. Like a seasoned warrior in One Battle After Another, he maneuvers through the layered trenches of human emotion with the finesse of a master tactician. Here, each scene represents not just a performance but a strategic battle, guided by an evolving acting technique.

Immersing oneself in a role often seems like an all-consuming quest, where reality blurs with illusion. But someone like DiCaprio knows the secret to the true presence can hold a line with, even if its only acting.  

Leonardo DiCaprio’s guide to acting without the leaves

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Leonardo DiCaprio discussed his approach to acting with Variety, particularly about how he steers clear of method acting for certain roles. One such would be the role of a cannabis habitué in One Battle After Another. Instead of immersing himself entirely through method where he expressed he "can't perform", he instead chose to act in its truest sense, saying that "you've just got to act", advocating for a natural and spontaneous performance for roles like those of Bob Ferguson

One Battle After Another tells a gripping story of Bob Ferguson, a washed-up revolutionary played by DiCaprio, who lives off-grid with his daughter in stoned paranoia. When an old nemesis returns after sixteen years, Bob must reunite with former comrades to rescue his daughter and survive re-surging threats from a white supremacist group. 

Will Leonardo Dicaprio’s ‘One Battle After Another’ Release on Netflix? When and Where Can You Watch It?

When dedication meets raw talent, the boundary between actor and character dissolves, crafting an unforgettable cinematic experience.

The Leonardo DiCaprio method: Passion, presence, and poise

Critics have praised DiCaprio’s dedication to embodying Bob Ferguson’s complexity, noting his skill in balancing physical intensity with emotional authenticity. Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson and supported by a strong cast including Sean Penn, Benicio Del Toro, and Regina Hall, the film showcases DiCaprio’s ability to adapt his acting technique to the demands of politically charged, action-driven narratives. His selective avoidance of method acting perhaps even speaks to his focus on craft and emotional truth.

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Ultimately, the The Aviator obsessed Leonardo DiCaprio’s insight reminds actors and audiences alike that acting is a series of battles, demanding not only technique but courage and intuition. In One Battle After Another, he exemplifies how stepping into a role with presence and honesty can create compelling storytelling. The secret, as DiCaprio sums up, is simple: "you've just got to act"—engaging fully with every scene as if it were a battle to be won.

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What do you think of Leonardo DiCaprio's two cents on method acting for extreme roles? Let us know in the comment below.

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Adiba Nizami

646 articles

Adiba Nizami is a journalist at Netflix Junkie. Covering the Hollywood beat with a voice both sharp and stylish, she blends factual precision with a flair for wit. Her pieces often dissect celebrity narratives—both on-screen and off—through parasocial nuance and cultural relevance.

Edited By: Aliza Siddiqui

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