Names and faces

“Anything goes” was the guiding ethos for Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio in making theirextravagant dark comedy of Wall Street excess, The Wolf of Wall Street. “We would look at each other and ask, ‘Are we going too far?’” DiCaprio said. Rarely was the answer “yes.” The two longtime collaborators pushed the based-on-a-true-story tale to the limits of outrageousness and decency to create a nearly three hour-long orgy of money, sex and drugs. The partnership between Scorsese, 71, and DiCaprio, 39, has stretched over five films and more than a dozen years. They’ve been able to carve out a space for the kind of daring Hollywood typically shuns. “I don’t think people really quite understand how unique this movie is,” said DiCaprio, while Scorsese, sitting next to him, nodded. “No matter what they think of the movie, you do not see films like this happening.” The pair recently sat down for a joint interview in New York to discuss their latest film, which opened Christmas Day.They co-produced The Wolf of Wall Street, which Warner Bros. turned down in 2008 before it was reborn with Paramount Pictures. Scorsese originally was tipped off to DiCaprio’s talent from the actor he’s most associated with, Robert De Niro. After De Niro made 1993’s This Boy’s Life, he recommended an 18-year-old DiCaprio to Scorsese. That would spark a pairing that has grown to rival De Niro’s own with Scorsese (eight films). DiCaprio was in his mid-20s when he sought out a part in Scorsese’s Gangs of New York.

British singing star Adele recently was honored at Buckingham Palace, being made a Member of the Order of the British Empire by Prince Charles. The 25-year-old with the soulful voice has become a worldwide star since her debut album topped the charts in 2008. Last year she performed the title song in the latest James Bond film, Skyfall. She received an Academy Award for that effort. Adele has recovered from throat problems that jeopardized her singing voice two years ago. She won a record six Grammy awards last year.

Front Section, Pages 2 on 12/26/2013

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