Anderson did just that, practically transforming the former model and rapper into a respected actor. The role of Dirk Diggler indeed demanded a lot of the lead actor, including scenes of emotional desperation, drug-fueled paranoia and a whole lot of nudity.

DiCaprio, who is starring in Anderson’s upcoming action thriller “One Battle After Another,” told the director that he “rarely” watches his own films, but he’s seen “The Aviator” the most. “That’s simply because it was such a special moment to me,” he said of starring in the Howard Hughes biopic.