Leonardo DiCaprio faced significant challenges while delivering racial slurs in the film Django Unchained, and it was Samuel L. Jackson who stepped in with some surprisingly candid advice to ease the tension. DiCaprio’s role as Calvin Candie, a brutal and immoral slave owner, required him to embrace the uncomfortable language that was integral to Quentin Tarantino’s script. This created a unique challenge for the actor, highlighting the emotional weight of the dialogue as well as the historical context of the film. Jackson’s input proved invaluable in helping DiCaprio navigate this difficult aspect of his character’s portrayal.
Calvin Candie stands out as one of the most despicable villains in contemporary cinema, and Leonardo DiCaprio’s portrayal of this abhorrent slave owner in Quentin Tarantino?s Django Unchained was nothing short of remarkable. However, DiCaprio found himself grappling with the frequent use of racial slurs throughout the screenplay, which created a significant emotional barrier for him. Jamie Foxx recounted in an interview with Vanity Fair how DiCaprio halted a script read-through, expressing his discomfort with the language. This incident underscores the importance of understanding the historical implications of such terms and the emotional toll it can take on an actor tasked with embodying such a character.
During the read-through, Foxx shared, ?The subject matter. The N-word, specifically. Leo had a hard time saying the N-word,? highlighting the gravity of the situation. He recalled how DiCaprio spoke up, saying, ?Hey, guys. Cut! I just can?t do this. This is not me.? It was then that Samuel L. Jackson chimed in, offering a more direct approach, ?Say that shit, motherf*er! It?s just another Tuesday. F* them.? Jackson?s response brought a dose of realism and bluntness that reminded the cast of the film’s gritty nature, making it evident that confronting such uncomfortable themes was essential for an authentic performance.
Foxx?s guidance extended beyond just confronting uncomfortable language; he also helped DiCaprio immerse himself in the character of Django. ?I told Leo that in slavery days we would never talk to each other,? Foxx explained. ?So I?m not your friend. I?m not Jamie Foxx. I?m Django. And as I told him, you won?t really be able to play that character until you understand what slavery is about. It was tough. It was horrific.? This approach emphasized the necessity of historical context and emotional authenticity, allowing DiCaprio to fully engage with the gravitas of his role. The following day, Foxx noted a noticeable shift in DiCaprio?s demeanor as he fully embraced the character, demonstrating the effectiveness of their collaboration.
Jaime Foxx is currently starring alongside Cameron Diaz in the Netflix action comedy Back in Action. The film features their roles as two former CIA agents who are unexpectedly pulled back into the dangerous world of espionage after their cover is compromised. It is particularly notable as it marks the project Foxx was working on during a health crisis that resulted in a brain bleed and subsequent recovery period. Critics, including Chris Bumbray, have expressed mixed feelings about the film, noting its lack of originality compared to other action comedies available on streaming platforms. ?It?s the kind of movie you can throw on in the background, not pay too much attention to and perhaps walk away slightly amused by ? but not more than that,? Bumbray remarked. ?Then again, I suppose that?s exactly what Netflix wanted.? You can read the full review for more insights.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3KOZ-kRsx4
