Aiming for Oscar: DiCaprio's New Film Will Be One of the Craziest in His Career — 3 Hours of Explosions, Racism, and Dark Humor
And he will be opposed by one of the most charismatic actors of Hollywood in recent years.
As a film lover, I have to say, Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another is not what you might expect. Forget serious drama or philosophical musings — this three-hour rollercoaster is a wild mix of violence, satire, and absurdity.
At its core is Leonardo DiCaprio, looking like a man who’s been running on empty for days but still carries dynamite in his pocket. His first collaboration with Anderson makes it even more exciting — an event in itself.
Leo plays Bob Ferguson, a former revolutionary with a shady past, a rifle in the trunk, and a daughter he’s trying to protect. He just wants to live quietly, but the world has other plans.
His main adversary is Colonel Lockjaw (Sean Penn), a racist tyrant with army access and a personal vendetta — because Ferguson once chose another woman over him. Now Lockjaw wants revenge, control, and to settle old scores.
The trailer hints at chaos: Leo rushing through scorched California landscapes, talking to his daughter as if she’s an adult, quoting Che or Dylan, and building homemade bombs with a fierce look in his eyes. Jonny Greenwood’s soundtrack adds to the madness — turning noise into art.
The humor? Dark, sharp, and sometimes farcical. Anderson balances on the edge of chaos, but this time with clear political undertones. It feels like Anderson might have shot this based on a lost Pynchon script.
It's Anderson’s most expensive film yet — $140 million on VistaVision 35mm film, shot across California and Texas. It’s not just a movie; it’s an event.
The cast includes DiCaprio, Penn, Benicio del Toro, Regina Hall, Teyana Taylor, Wood Harris — and debutant Chase Infinity as Ferguson’s daughter. Critics say she holds herself with frightening calm — a sign of great talent.
Premiering soon (September 26), it’s expected to hit major festivals like Venice or Toronto — and Oscar buzz is already swirling. With themes of pain, paternal love, explosions, satire, and villains rooted in racism, it’s a film that could make waves in Hollywood.
This isn’t for everyone — and that’s what makes it special. It’s loud, angry, hilarious at times — and perfect for those tired of genre labels who want to see DiCaprio yelling at Penn amid chaos while the world burns around them. A true personal favorite for those who love films that challenge and surprise.
