Leonardo DiCaprio does not appear to be done with cult films as he has been confirmed to play Jim Jones in an upcoming biopic. Leonardo DiCaprio finally received official recognition when he won an Oscar for his role in The Revenant. But his most ambitious role was in Quentin Tarantino’s recent film Once Upon a Time In Hollywood. Leonardo DiCaprio played Rick Dalton, a fading star who becomes entangled in the web of Charles Manson’s plans.
The Jim Jones biopic will be written by Scott Rosenberg. Rosenberg is most notable for writing Venom and strangely enough, High Fidelity. These two properties could not be farther apart, but Venom’s more mature themes translate well to the new film. No further casting information is available, but Leonardo DiCaprio will be producing the film as well as acting in the titular role.
Cults In Cinema
Leonardo DiCaprio as Rick Dalton in Once Upon A Time In Hollywood
Cults and true crime films in particular have been in vogue. Leonardo DiCaprio has proven himself up to the task of villainous characters. The actor was noticed for his portrayal of Calvin Candie, the unhinged plantation owner, in Django Unchained. The role of Jim Jones will prove to be another challenge. Jim Jones was one of the most heinous cult leaders in the 1970’s when he orchestrated the deaths of his entire congregation by Flavor Aid mixed with cyanide.
Once Upon a Time In Hollywood portrayed the Mason crimes with sensitivity. However unlikely the Jim Jones biopic will take on revisionist history, this is still a good model to follow. The Leonardo DiCaprio film should approach the tragedy with the same sensitivity. This was a heinous point in American history. The film will reportedly cover Jim Jones’ early life and his rise to becoming a religious leader. Jim Jones was a charismatic figure and Leonardo DiCaprio is an inspired addition to the film.
