What's Eating the Pop Culture Diva?

This weekend was blissful. As you know, a reoccurring theme of mine on Monday is the joy of a relaxing weekend filled with my favorite things- sleep, movies and good food. I had all of the above this past weekend. Tops of that list has to be my weekend film selection of Blood Diamond. It had been languishing on my Netflix list for a few weeks when it was finally liberated.

Blood Diamond is a complex film that takes a perplexing look at the conflict (blood) diamonds. No longer the topic of a Kanye West tune, BD examines the cause and effect of the brilliant marketing campaign that has made diamonds a luxury/must-have item across the world.

BD centers around the harrowing story of Solomon Vandy (Djimon Hounsou) whose world is torn apart when his village is taken over by rebel forces. Separated from his family, Solomon is forced to mine for diamonds only to come across a coveted pink diamond, which he promptly hides. In order for him to reunite his family, he will have to use the diamond for leverage. Especially his son who was kidnapped and brainwashed by the rebels.

Enter Danny Archer (Leonardo DiCaprio); an opportunistic self-described soldier of fortune that sees Solomon has his big payday. Jennifer Connelly plays Maddy Bowen an optimistic reporter looking for the big story. All come together for a riveting if not exhausting movie that takes you around the world at break neck speed. Its violent scenes brings home the desperation and savagery of rebel soldiers propelled by greed and ignorance.

I found the movies to be a bit too long but worth watching. The topic alone is a conversation starter. DiCaprio is a wonder that just keeps getting better. His maturity as a man and actor bodes well for him. There is no way he could have attempted this role or The Departed 10 years ago. He simply looked too young. Hounsou is intense and expressive; best when he lets lose with what I call his roar, an emotional cry that originates from his belly. Connelly’s character is more of a plot device to move the story along but she shows a youth and freedom that I haven’t seen from her since her teenage days. When she wasn’t playing intense journalist in a serious situation, she was kinda sexy and engaging with DiCaprio.

BD made think of other hallmark Leonardo moments. Below are my favorite Leo roles:

What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (1993)

Leo was outstanding as Gilbert’s retarded brother Arnie. The movie is a gem waiting to be discovered and marked Leo’s first Oscar nomination. And did I mention that Gilbert is played by Johnny Depp? Nice eye candy.

The Departed (2006)

Lives up to its reputation. One of Martin Scorsese’s finest. Leo’s all gangsta hot in the film.

The Aviator (2004)

Made me look at him in a different light. Marvelous. The scene with the milk bottles is unforgettable.

Romeo + Juliet (1996)

Didn’t care for the movie on a whole but appreciated the creativity on Shakespeare and energy by the young cast. I probably need to take another look.

What’s your favorite Leonardo role?