What level of compatibility is shown by on-screen chemistry? Does working with someone require you to get along with them? Is it necessary? Well, that question holds true everywhere, including in Hollywood. Let us suggest Romeo + Juliet, one of Baz Luhrmann’s most acclaimed films from 1996, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes as the star-crossed lovers.
Romeo and Juliet will always be regarded as one of the greatest and longest-lasting love stories in history. As a result, it is ironic that the leads in one of the film’s most well-known re-tellings did not get along very well with their on-screen partners.
Contrarily, things between DiCaprio (Romeo) and Danes (Juliet) were far beyond anything like a cupid romance on the set of this 1996 romantic film. The film is an adaptation of the adored Shakespearean tale.
We have always believed that the two actors are the closest of friends (off-screen), much like the chemistry we have witnessed between the lead stars of the cherished 1997 film, Titanic.
But in the case of Danes and DiCaprio- how wrong we were!
Why Claire Danes And Leonardo DiCaprio Disliked Working Together?
In Baz Luhrmann’s 1996 film, Romeo + Juliet, Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes displayed a magnetic chemistry that is difficult to argue against. Beginning with the first magical scene to concluding with their final tragic embrace, their performances were doubtless electrifying and unforgettable.
However, things were different off-screen. While playing star-crossed lovers on the big screen, Danes and DiCaprio reportedly hated working together in Baz Luhrmann’s epic, Romeo + Juliet (1996). Simply put, they represented two distinct personalities.
As The Telegraph reported:
“Danes allegedly became fed up with DiCaprio’s habit of playing pranks on the cast and crew, while [DiCaprio] in his turn found Danes annoyingly reserved and uptight.”
Well, at least they managed to fake it for the movie.
The 48-year-old actor was quite the prankster on set, according to reports. He repeatedly played pranks and jokes on the Homeland actress when no one was watching. But Danes found it difficult to enjoy.
Claire Danes Once Admitted Having Her Crush On Leonardo DiCaprio
Claire Danes reportedly did not get along with her Romeo + Juliet co-star, but that did not stop her from having some soft feelings for her on-screen partner.
In an interview with W Magazine, the mother of two accepted that she had a slight schoolgirl crush on Leonardo DiCaprio while they were filming one of the most swoon-worthy historical romances (Romeo + Juliet). How could she possibly not? The actress is not to blame! However, the Temple Grandin actress also claimed that the crush she had on her co-star was “problematic”.
She admitted:
“That was problematic. I couldn’t really have a crush on the guy I was professionally having a crush on! Quite a few gay men have talked to me about the fact that when they were kids watching Romeo + Juliet, they were confused about who they wanted to kiss. It was all about Leo! And I completely understand.”
Well, did you know that Natalie Portman was a strong contender to play Juliet before Danes even had a chance to audition? Yes, the Black Swan actress was the original candidate, but Baz Luhrmann felt that she was too young for the part.
Anyway, in spite of these alleged conflicts, the movie’s acclaimed director was able to capture the magic between Danes and DiCaprio on screen. In contrast to its $14.5 million budget, the film was successful in making over $147 million and received generally favorable reviews from critics.
While it is true that they did not always get along professionally, their fans will always cherish the classic love story that brought them together.
Romeo + Juliet is streaming on Max and DIRECTV.
Source- The Telegraph
