The one role Jack Nicholson took more seriously than anybody else

The One Role Jack Nicholson Took More Seriously Than Anybody Else

Jack Nicholson admitted he approached the role with great seriousness, aiming to scare any children who might be watching.

Leonardo DiCaprio in "One Battle After Another" (2025)

One of the standout films of 2025 is Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another, featuring Leonardo DiCaprio in a complex role. DiCaprio portrays his character through multiple stages—freedom fighter, deadbeat dad, drunk recluse, and caring father—each rendered with careful detail and depth.

Though DiCaprio had already received accolades, One Battle After Another earned him widespread praise, with many calling him the new Jack Nicholson.

Comparing DiCaprio and Nicholson

The comparison is clear: both actors bring chaos and intense attachment to their characters. Nicholson’s method closely resembles DiCaprio’s approach in this film, making it a remarkable performance to witness.

"If you’re DiCaprio, you would no doubt feel deeply complemented by the notion that you’re the reimagining of one of the greatest actors to ever take to the screen."

Reevaluating Nicholson’s Career

To truly appreciate Nicholson’s talent, one should look beyond his Oscar-winning roles. Some of his lesser-known parts, which many actors would find challenging, demonstrate his dedication and ability to deliver nuanced performances.

"These are some roles that a lot of actors would struggle to get anything from, but that Nicholson took seriously and managed to deliver layered performances of."

Author’s summary: Jack Nicholson’s dedication to complex roles, often overlooked, set a standard matched only by Leonardo DiCaprio's acclaimed performance in 2025’s One Battle After Another.

Far Out Magazine — 2025-11-10