When one hears the name Leonardo DiCaprio, what comes to mind? Perhaps it’s his acclaimed role in Titanic, or dramatic performance in The Wolf of Wall Street, or even his dedicated efforts in The Revenant. Or, could it be his devotion to speaking on current and increasingly threatening global issues?
Before the Flood, an investigative documentary delving into the murky reality of climate change, follows Leonardo DiCaprio as he speaks with scientific experts, activists, and world officials on the most effective ways to acknowledge and combat this international epidemic. He not only volunteers himself as the face of the documentary but the producer as well. Released in 2016, DiCaprio puts himself at the forefront of this immersive film, grasping at the chance to be seen as much more than a Hollywood actor, but a true champion for a revolutionary cause – a cause that some argue is the most prevalent danger confronting our world today.
His head-first dive into the conversation on climate is not a temporary break from acting or an alternative way to draw attention to his already distinguished image, as many critics have accused. Rather, DiCaprio has worked strenuously to integrate himself into the environmentalists’ narrative. In the monumental moment of his first Academy Award win for his portrayal of Hugh Glass in The Revenant, DiCaprio utilized his platform to step up as an activist and inform the A-list audience, as well as those watching at home, of an issue of extreme relevance: climate change. He eloquently noted, “Climate change is real, it is happening right now. It is the most urgent threat facing our entire species, and we need to work collectively together and stop procrastinating. We need to support leaders around the world who do not speak for the big polluters, but who speak for all of humanity.”
Before the Flood allows viewers to gain well-rounded insight into the many facets contributing to shifts in atmospheric temperatures. Following a powerful introductory video – complete with a montage of heart-wrenching nature clips – DiCaprio commences the documentary by accepting the position of Messenger of Peace for the Climate at a meeting of the United Nations. This notable achievement sets up the stage for the film in a convincing manner, clearly giving credit to the actor’s name.
Again, let us acknowledge the decision to place Leonardo DiCaprio at the forefront of this documentary and at the frontline of the fight to end climate change. In Before the Flood, DiCaprio is not playing a stowaway on a ship, or an illicit businessman, or an endangered frontiersman; he is truly not playing any part at all, rather showing the world a glimpse into his genuine persona that goes beyond the culture of Hollywood.
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Again! I am so impressed by this writer. I love how you keep touching on current social issues. Please keep writing more.
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Kudos to DiCapprio for shining light on climate change. It seems to have become a thing of the past for this administration.
Keep writing the good stuff!
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Agreed! As soon as I gave my students a chance to pick an enviro-doc, they asked for Leo. And while my judgmental, old-lady emotion rolled her eyes, a slow and more deliberate thought reminded me to realize how important it IS in this day to take advantage of the people who have a wide range of an audience. Does he appeal to more people (ages, philosophies, curiosities) than the topic of climate change itself does? Yeah, he probably does. But if he can help bring folks to learn more about it, then go for it. And go, young writers!
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