The biggest names in the movie business always command the largest paycheques.

Leonardo DiCaprio has had an extensive and eclectic acting career, with gigantic blockbusters such as Titanic, The Departed and Inception solidifying his status as one of the highest profile figures in the industry.

As a result, his standard fee is a colossal $20 million.

However, for upcoming biopic J. Edgar, Leo opted to settle for a much smaller figure so he wouldn't cripple the production's budget.

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, director Clint Eastwood stated that:

"He could have made a lot of money just doing spectacle movies with all kinds of CGI."

"But he wants to vary his career, like I've always looked to vary mine as a director."

The film, which is scheduled for a January release date in the UK, was produced on a relatively minimal $35 million.

DiCaprio made a similar move with Christopher Nolan's Inception, again taking a sizeable pay cut.

However, with that particular film he also took home a percentage of box office earnings, netting him a reported $50 million. Source: www.totalfilm.com

Clint Eastwood's J. Edgar to open AFI Fest 2011 [7th September 2011 17:27:11]

The world premiere of Clint Eastwood's J. Edgar will kick off the 25th edition of AFI Fest, the American Film Institute announced today.

While it wasn't confirmed in the announcement, the gala screening in LA will almost certainly be attended by the director and/or lead actor Leonardo DiCaprio.

J. Edgar stars DiCaprio in the title role, alongside Naomi Watts, Armie Hammer and Judi Dench.

The film explores the public and private life of one of the most powerful, controversial and enigmatic figures of the 20th Century, J. Edgar Hoover, founding director of the FBI and the face of law enforcement in America for almost 50 years. Eastwood, who received an AFI Life Achievement Award in 1996, was praised by Bob Gazzale, President and CEO of the American Film Institute.

"What a gift it is to be going to the movies when Clint Eastwood is making them and what an honour it is for the AFI to premiere his latest contribution to America's cultural legacy," Gazzale said.

"Clint Eastwood is an American icon ? one whose work as a director, actor, producer and composer not only stands the test of time but also continues to add new, rich chapters with each passing year." AFI Fest takes place 3-10 November in Hollywood at the historic Chinese Theatre, the Chinese 6 Theatres, the Egyptian Theatre and the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. Source: www.totalfilm.com