These accusations are unfounded. Samuel L. Jackson, who has collaborated with Tarantino on six films, offers a strong defense of the director.
Jackson points out that Tarantino consistently writes roles for him as the ‘smartest character in the film, endowed with dignity and respect,’ which he argues would be ‘impossible for a racist to do.’
This context is important to understand before discussing how DiCaprio required encouragement from Jackson to portray Calvin J. Candie, a loathsome slave owner, in Django Unchained (2012), particularly due to the script’s use of racial slurs.
Jamie Foxx, who played Django, shared that Jackson intervened at a crucial moment.
In a 2019 documentary, QT8: The First Eight, which explores Tarantino’s career, Foxx recounted: “Leonardo DiCaprio had a problem saying the word ‘n*****’.”
DiCaprio expressed his discomfort to Foxx, saying: ”Pal, pal, it’s tough for me to say this.”
Jackson, stepping in with his characteristic approach, addressed the situation.
Foxx recalled Jackson saying: “Get over here, motherf**ker, this is just another Tuesday motherf**ker. I don’t give a f**k about these motherf**kers, look at who I am, motherf**ker.’”
Foxx also advised DiCaprio to fully immerse himself in the role by removing personal connections.
He explained: “I said, Leo, we’re not friends, this is just another Thursday. This is your property. These aren’t humans. This is your property.’
“And, when Leo came in the next day, it was literally like… ‘What’s up Leo? What’s up fam?’ He didn’t speak.
“Quentin allowed us to really transport back to that time and it was really real.”
The guidance from Jackson and Foxx evidently had an impact, as DiCaprio received critical acclaim for his performance in the film, including a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
DiCaprio later spoke about his aversion to the character of Candie but acknowledged the motivation it provided to deliver a compelling performance.
He remarked: “It was this incredibly interesting horrific character. I mean, there was absolutely nothing about this man I could identify with.
“I hated him and it was one of the most narcissistic, racist characters I’ve ever read in my entire life.
“One of the pivotal moments for me was this initial read through, I wondered if it needed to be this violent and this atrocious to other human beings and it was Sam and Jamie who said, ‘If you sugarcoat this people are going to resent the hell out of you. You got to push this guy to the outer extreme’.”