In 1995, photographer David LaChapelle captured a twenty-one-year-old Leonardo DiCaprio in a series of surreal, hyper-saturated images. The shoot took place just before DiCaprio exploded into global superstardom with Titanic. LaChapelle, known for his kitschy and bizarre aesthetic, placed the young actor in a variety of strange, staged environments. The most famous image from the set features DiCaprio lying shirtless on a bed of crushed seashells. He holds a bunch of bright yellow bananas next to his face, staring intensely at the camera while surrounded by fake fruit and plastic flowers.
The color palette of the session was aggressively bright. LaChapelle used neon pinks, electric blues, and deep reds to create a cartoon-like atmosphere. In one shot, DiCaprio poses against a backdrop of retro 1950s wallpaper, wearing mismatched clothing that looks like it came from a thrift store costume bin. The lighting is harsh and direct, eliminating shadows and making DiCaprio’s skin look almost like plastic. This artificial style was LaChapelle’s signature, turning a standard celebrity portrait into a pop-art installation.
DiCaprio’s attitude in the photos contrasts sharply with the silly props. While holding a hamburger or posing with a massive glorious trophy, he maintains a serious, brooding expression. He channels the “rebel” look of James Dean, furrowing his brow and looking moody despite the ridiculous chaos around him. This creates a weird tension between the subject and the setting. The viewer sees a serious young actor trying to establish his credibility while trapped inside a technicolor funhouse.
Another striking setup involved religious iconography. LaChapelle often mixed pop culture with sacred symbols, and this shoot was no exception. DiCaprio is seen posing with a crown of thorns made of gold or standing in front of backgrounds that resemble cheap roadside shrines. These choices played with the idea of celebrity worship, positioning the rising star as a modern-day idol. The images feel chaotic and cluttered, packed with random objects like old televisions, Wonder Bread wrappers, and crucifixes.
