Although there were some difficulties, Leonardo DiCaprio’s performance in The Revenant earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor. The scene, in which the actor’s character, Hugh Glass, consumes raw bison liver is one of the most discussed ones in the film.
Clearly, acting isn’t what ‘Best Actor’ is really about. It’s about how much weight you’ve shed, or even about going to extreme lengths to achieve a complete physical transformation. Well, after his performance in The Wolf of Wall Street, which failed to win him an Oscar, the 48-year-old actor realized he had to step his level. And there, enter, The Revenant.
In DiCaprio’s role as Hugh Glass in The Revenant, he went to great lengths to capture the character’s likeness. Originally, the scene called for Glass to eat fish, but director, Alejandro González Iñárritu wanted something more dramatic.
Thus, he made the decision that Glass would consume the freshly killed bison’s liver. That was massively extreme.
When Leonardo DiCaprio Discussed The Revenant Brutal Shoot
Film authenticity is essential for giving viewers a believable and immersive experience. This includes depicting characters in a real-world setting.
One instance of this was when Leonardo DiCaprio consumed a raw bison liver rather than using a jelly-based prop liver during filming. This dedication to authenticity enhanced the movie’s realism and helped DiCaprio portray his character to the fullest extent.
However, what did the Titanic actor, think of all this? He apparently wasn’t overly enthusiastic about it. He sought out a butcher, who could give him a real bison liver so he could practice for the scene.
The liver was then eaten in front of the camera while still raw and covered in fake blood.
DiCaprio described eating the liver as “like a balloon” in an interview with Variety.
“When you bite into it, it bursts in your mouth.”
His goal was to capture the genuineness of the moment.
“I just want to set the record straigh.”
However, he continued by saying that the experience was pretty disgusting, but he was determined to make it work.
His Wild Reaction to Eating Actual Animal Organs
Leonardo DiCaprio’s bizarre reaction to eating a real animal organ was what attracted the most attention. He can be seen gagging and retching in a behind-the-scenes video posted on social media as he struggled to keep the liver down. While the crew was laughing in the background, the actor’s face contorted in disgust.
According to the 48-year-old actor, in his candid chat with Variety back in 2015:
“It was like the real wild, wild West in the sense that there were all these cultures merging together in this lawless land.”
DiCaprio’s response was criticized by some as being unprofessional and disrespectful to the Native American custom of eating animal organs. Others, on the other hand, defended him, saying that he was just being sincere in his response to a difficult situation.
The Revenant’s dedication to authenticity contributed to giving viewers a visceral and intense viewing experience. The movie successfully transported viewers to a merciless wilderness by using real locations and practical effects rather than CGI. This degree of authenticity contributed to the movie’s lasting impact on viewers.
Whether you believe DiCaprio’s response was appropriate or not, one thing is undeniable: he is devoted to his work in The Revenant like no other. He exerted himself to the absolute limit to deliver an unforgettable performance and thus, he has been justly rewarded with accolades and critical acclaim.
Source- Variety
