Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio are undeniably one of the most dynamic duos in Hollywood, a partnership that has blossomed since they first joined forces in 2002. Their collaboration has produced some of the most celebrated films of the modern era, marked by DiCaprio’s standout performances and Scorsese’s masterful direction. DiCaprio once revealed that Scorsese’s iconic film, “Taxi Driver,” played a significant role in shaping his dedication to acting.
Before Scorsese and DiCaprio teamed up, their trajectories were quite different. Scorsese was already an esteemed filmmaker with classics like “Taxi Driver,” “Goodfellas,” and “Raging Bull” under his belt, while DiCaprio was still making his mark with films like “Titanic.” Their partnership blossomed with “Gangs of New York,” leading to a series of films that showcase their artistic synergy. With seven collaborations under their belt (counting their 2015 short film, “The Audition,” which lacks a Rotten Tomatoes score), critics have evaluated and ranked their films based on Rotten Tomatoes ratings.
Let’s dive into the rankings from the least favored to the most acclaimed.
“Shutter Island” (69%) stands as the least traditional collaboration between Scorsese and DiCaprio. This psychological thriller, based on Dennis Lehane’s novel, features DiCaprio as U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels, investigating a patient’s disappearance from a remote mental institution. Despite its mind-bending twist and low Rotten Tomatoes score, the film earned a moderate level of acclaim, with critics acknowledging its genre thrills. Some, like Roger Ebert, praised its sensory impact despite its complex narrative.
Next is “Gangs of New York” (72%), a monumental project that saw DiCaprio portray Amsterdam Vallon, set against the backdrop of 19th-century New York’s gang warfare. While it received mixed reviews, Daniel Day-Lewis’s portrayal of Bill the Butcher overshadowed DiCaprio’s performance, causing some critics to overlook the latter’s contributions. Even Roger Ebert recognized its merits but noted it did not quite reach Scorsese’s masterpiece level.
In the middle, we find “The Wolf of Wall Street” (76%), a wild and audacious exploration of excess and greed. DiCaprio shines as Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker who epitomizes moral decay as he rises in the financial world. Critics lauded it as one of Scorsese and DiCaprio’s most entertaining films, drawing attention to DiCaprio’s compelling performance that, while not rewarded with an Oscar at the time, showcased his undeniable talent.
Moving up, we reach “The Aviator,” which holds an impressive 86% score. This biopic allows DiCaprio to delve into the life of Howard Hughes, a pioneering figure in aviation whose personal struggles with mental illness take center stage. The film is praised for its meticulous direction and DiCaprio’s compelling portrayal that earned him an Oscar nomination, even as Cate Blanchett took home the award for her role in the film.
“The Departed” shines as one of Scorsese’s crowning achievements, boasting a 91% Rotten Tomatoes rating. Here, DiCaprio plays Billy Costigan, a police officer embedded within the mob. This film not only secured the Oscar for Best Picture but also showcased the exceptional performances of its ensemble cast, demonstrating Scorsese’s unparalleled storytelling prowess.
Finally, the newest addition to their collaborative library is “Killers of the Flower Moon” (93%), a historical epic that explores the tragic murders of the Osage people in the 1920s. Critics have hailed this film as a masterpiece that reaffirms Scorsese’s enduring relevance in filmmaking. DiCaprio’s portrayal of Ernest Burkhardt, though somewhat controversial in casting, captures the complexity of his character’s moral decline.
In the realm of modern cinema, Scorsese and DiCaprio’s partnership has proven transformative, continuously earning critical acclaim. Their films not only entertain but challenge viewers, offering a deep dive into human nature’s complexities. As we anticipate future collaborations, it’s clear that this duo will continue to leave an indelible mark on Hollywood.
