Yossarian said:
They're two of the better young actors around, I'm curious as to why you don't like them? Damon is probably one of the best supporting actors at the moment, capable of making himself fit seemlessly into just about any role and succeed at it, and Leo hasn't stepped in many landmines that you'd expect 'em to since he shook off his teen idol image .......much akin to Depp in his very astute and careful selection of roles, man. I see a great parallel between their careers.
Actually I am warming to DiCaprio more and more as his career develops, especially under Scorsese. When they first worked together on GONY, I was surprised at Scorsese's choice and, although he did get a decent performance out of DiCaprio, I wasnt particularly impressed - for such a down to earth and grubby character, he really didnt shake the prettyboy image. The Aviator was the next step forward, DiCaprio was again much improved and put in a good performance, but still I felt like I was watching Leonardo DiCaprio rather than Howard Hughes, and there were other aspects of the film which let it down also. However, in The Departed, for the first time I feel that DiCaprio has really gone from being a movie star to a great actor - he genuinely fulfils the hardman role very well for the first time and is extremely watchable, bringing real depth to his character. I doubt anyone would have done that so well, but dont forget that I hadnt seen the film before making my decision whether or not to see it
Anyway, my opinion of him is vastly increasing I think he has now changed from being a put off to being a draw.
Damon on the other hand, I just dont like him. I dont find him to be a very talented actor, I dont find him watchable, to me he just looks, how should I put it, goofy. I really didnt like him in the Bourne movies, he was quite good in the Talented Mister Ripley because it required a character like him, but I actually felt that he was the worst thing in the Departed by a long way. Apparently, Brad Pitt was originally signed on to play the role of Sullivan and I cant help feel how much better the movie would have been with him rather than Damon. I dont find Damon convincing in a hardman role, nor as a romantic lead or a particularly deep character. I also totally disagree about him fitting seemlessly into any role - to me his face is so distinctive that he sticks out like a sore thumb in every single film. I recently saw the trailer for DeNiro's new movie, the Good Shepherd, for the first time and really liked the look of it, all except for Matt Damon. He has majorly dampened my desire to see that movie which is a shame because I bet it will be otherwise good. Neither have I seen any level of improvement as his career has gone on - I just dont like watching him and do not think he is very talented.
However, I must add that for him to have been cast by the likes of Scorsese, DeNiro, Greengrass, Gilliam, Soderbergh, Spielberg etc shows that I am probably in a minority.