DiCaprio Finally Wants To 'Slow Down' After Years Of Dominating Hollywood

Leonardo DiCaprio is entering a new chapter at 50, one that he says will be about slowing down and being more selective with his work. The Oscar winner explained that while he isn’t stepping away from acting, he is becoming more deliberate about the projects he takes on.

“I’m slowing down a bit,” the 'Titanic' star admitted. “But when these opportunities come up, I can’t say no.” DiCaprio said working with writer-director Paul Thomas Anderson made this film an easy choice, calling himself a long-time fan. “Ever since I met Paul early on and saw Boogie Nights, I’ve been an obsessive fan of his work. His films ruminate in my mind, they’re conversation pieces with my friends, and they last.”

DiCaprio said he’s thinking more deeply about what matters most. “Awards can come and go, accolades, box office can come and go, but those pieces of art — the ones you still talk about, think about, and question — those are the films we strive for as actors. And Paul is the filmmaker of our generation who makes them," the actor said.

The actor also spoke about growing older, telling 'Esquire' last month that he feels “emotionally younger” than his years. Asked how old he would feel if he didn’t know his real age, he replied, “Thirty-two… emotionally, 35.” Reflecting on life after 50, he said, “It creates a feeling like you want to be more honest and not waste your time. I can only imagine how the next few decades will progress.”

DiCaprio credits his mother, Irmelin, as an example. “She just says exactly what she thinks and wastes no time,” he said. “She doesn’t fake it. For me, that means being more upfront, even if it risks disagreements or relationships falling apart — personal or professional," DiCaprio added.