Director: Fisher Stevens
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Barack Obama and Pope Francis
‘A Captivating Documentary’
Not many actors that gained fame years ago are as beloved as Leonardo DiCaprio. Following the 1990’s, DiCaprio has proven to be an icon. Whether it’s destructive lovers, departed cops or Wall Street stockbrokers, DiCaprio has played countless compelling characters. Arguably, DiCaprio’s strength as an actor has often been his commitment to craft. He is a one of a kind actor which has poured both heart and soul into every role. Through ability to portray strong characters that are compelling, DiCaprio has created a legacy that is lasting. An actor with a strong commitment toward his craft, DiCaprio has become a celebrated icon in entertainment. Throughout a lasting career, DiCaprio has produced several memorable movies which are absolutely worth talking about without a doubt.
I’m a huge fan of DiCaprio and adore all the movies he has made. However, “Before the Flood” is his most underrated film. Released in 2016, Fisher Stevens’ movie offered bold portraits of climate change. Boasting strong production, engaging story and bold acting, it’s one of the greatest documentaries ever made. At the centre of it all is a persuasive performance from Leonardo DiCaprio, who expresses his powerful views about climate change. Ultimately, what makes “Before the Flood” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most documentaries, it tackles bold themes which everyone would relate to. An awe-inspiring documentary, there are many strong reasons why “Before the Flood” is a movie worth watching.
Based upon true events, “Before the Flood” tells the story of a celebrity seeking to raise awareness for a flood. Leonardo DiCaprio stars as himself, showcasing his devotion to climate change. Meeting with world leaders to showcase strong climate change views, DiCaprio seeks to raise greater awareness of climate issues. As he discovers shocking secrets about the environment, DiCaprio is forced to question his devotion towards the environment. Embarking on a mission, he is determined to raise awareness for climate change with education. As all the odds are stacked against his favour, DiCaprio starts to question his devotion toward environment disaster.
Fisher Stevens is a newcomer towards the themes of climate change. Before he made “Before the Flood”, Stevens had never made a movie about climate change before. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture the lives of climate change leaders which face adversity but he succeeded. Using stunning cinematography, Stevens captures climate change catastrophe. Stevens expertly uses montages to capture a celebrity embarking on a journey to raise awareness for climate change adversities. For instance, montages elevate the celebrity speech scene. During this unforgettable scene, Leonardo DiCaprio delivers a profound speech expressing his strong views about climate change at a UN conference. Using bold montages, Stevens creates a portrait of climate change which is compelling. Montages are tricky to use in movies. As Steven Spielberg’s “Catch Me if You Can” suggested, montages enhance con artist movies. Nevertheless, it works well in this movie. Using stunning visuals, Stevens captures tensions climate leaders are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “Before the Flood” that deserves appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, it’s one of the best documentaries made. Stevens effectively uses locations across America to showcase climate change in a modern era. Throughout the movie, the locations play a crucial role in showcasing climate change. For instance, the locations enhance the climate changes awareness scene. During this heartfelt scene, DiCaprio discovers harsh consequences experienced by the environment. Through captivating locations, Stevens constructs a portrait of climate change that’s compelling. Using stunning production, Stevens captures the negative effects of climate change which cause destruction.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Before the Flood” is a film about climate that’s compelling. The film is extremely well written, and effectively uses narration to capture the effects of climate change which cause destruction. Throughout the movie, DiCaprio expresses his powerful views on the destruction done to the environment by narration. For instance, narration enhances the climate destruction scene. During this unforgettable scene, DiCaprio expresses his frustration with the harm done towards the enticement using narration. Through voice-over narration, Stevens creates a portrait of climate change that audiences would relate to. Narration is a tricky technique to use in movies. As Martin Scorsese’s “The Wolf of Wall Street” suggested, narration enhanced Wall Street movies. Nevertheless, it works in this movie. Through a fantastic screenplay, Stevens captures climate change issues in America today.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Leonardo DiCaprio delivers one of the best performances of his career. DiCaprio first earned appreciations for playing doomed lovers in romantic films. With “Before the Flood”, however, DiCaprio took on his most complex role. It isn’t simple for a celebrity to showcase strong views on climate change but he succeeded. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, bold and emotional in his most memorable role. With riveting expressions, he captures the angst, desperation and strong ideologies of a celebrity seeking to give climate change education. It’s a powerful performance by one of the most commemorated actors in Hollywood today.
Finally, “Before the Flood” would earn the appreciation of everyone for capturing the climate change flood. Unlike most movies about climate change, it tackles powerful themes that everyone would relate to. The movie discusses powerful themes such as education, mental health and trauma which would resonate with everyone. Viewers are not required to have knowledge on climate change to appreciate it. Therefore, “Before the Flood” is one of those documentaries everyone would adore.
Fans of Leonardo DiCaprio would absolutely enjoy “Before the Flood” and so will movie-goers seeking meaningful entertainment. A dazzling documentary, it shines light on the issue of climate change adversity.
Nearly a decade following the release of a groundbreaking film about damage done to the climate, it’s a remarkable reminder of an actor that hasn’t lost his ability to captivate by making unforgettable movies throughout his commemorated career which audiences undeniably appreciate.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 