Leonardo DiCaprio’s next movie,One Battle After Another,is almost here, and it is likely to continue a divisive trend after the actor’s last political thriller movie. Paul Thomas Anderson’s upcoming dark comedy is one of the most highly anticipated movies of the year, and while it will probably be well-received by many, it could be one of DiCaprio’s most controversial movies yet.
Paul Thomas Anderson is one of the most beloved filmmakers working today, with him being the mind behind hits likeBoogie NightsandPunch-Drunk Love. The director’s more recent films, such asPhantom ThreadandLicorice Pizza, have proven that he still makes incredible movies, and many are hoping thatOne Battle After Anothercontinues the director’s hot streak.
One Battle After Anothertells the story of Leonardo DiCaprio’s Bob Ferguson, an ex-revolutionary who must work with his radical political group in order to save one’s daughter from a recently resurfaced enemy. WhiletheOne Battle After Anothertraileris comedic, the film will definitely be political, meaning that it will be difficult to make everyone happy.
One Of Leonardo DiCaprio’s Last Movies Was Among His Most Divisive
Don’t Look Up Split Viewers Down The Middle
Leonardo DiCaprio was praised for his performance in Martin Scorsese’s 2023 filmKillers of the Flower Moon, which itself was a politically-charged story. However, the movie he was in before that,2020’sDon’t Look Up, was even more political. The film is still divisive to this day, with it being one of DiCaprio’s most controversial films.
Don’t Look Uptells the story of two astronomers who discover that an asteroid is on a direct course for Earth, with them attempting to get the word out so that the world can be saved. However, the astronomers find difficulty dealing with American politicians and the media environment, as everybody seems to be ignoring the clear threat to continued existence.
TheAdam McKay film is an obvious commentary on climate change, which is a controversial issue in American politics despite scientific consensus. The film’s handling of the subject and its discussions of modern politics and the media environment divided viewers, explaining why it has 55% onRotten Tomatoesas of the writing of this article.
Why One Battle After Another Will Likely Be Divisive
Will It Even Matter?
After the reception ofDon’t Look Up, it is likely thatOne Battle After Anotherwill divide audiences in a similar fashion. This is mainly due to the fact thatOne Battle After Anotheris a politically charged story. It will undoubtedly take some stances that viewers find disagreeable, and even those who agree with the positions may not like the film’s presentation of them.
One Battle After Another’s absurd comedic elements will also divide viewers. The film is clearly a dark comedy, and mixing that genre with politics and a thriller story could be off-putting to some audience members who aren’t familiar with Paul Thomas Anderson’s style.
On top of that,One Battle After Anotheris based on author Thomas Pynchon’s 1990 bookVineland. Paul Thomas Anderson’smost poorly-received movie so far is 2014’sInherent Vice, which is an adaptation of a Pynchon novel. This sets the precedent for another adaptational struggle, although the director could learn from the reception of his previous attempt.
Even If It’s Divisive, DiCaprio Will Likely See Success With His Next Movie
Thanks To PTA’s Critical Track Record
One Battle After Anotherwill undoubtedly be divisive, but it is likely that it will also be a success for Leonardo DiCaprio. Paul Thomas Anderson movies almost always get nominated for Oscars, and while they don’t have the best track record of winning, the film could very well see DiCaprio get nominated for Best Actor once again.
One Battle After Anothermay not be a box office success, but that isn’t all that important for DiCaprio.Don’t Look Upwent straight to Netflix, andKillers of the Flower Moonwas great for DiCaprio despite its box office failure.One Battle After Anotherwill probably see a similar fate, being a critical hit that doesn’t make tons of money.
