Leonardo gets political

Leonardo Di Caprio was welcomed onto the red carpet premiere of his CIA thriller by over 200 screaming fans. The US heartthrob was joined by British director Sir Ridley Scott at the UK opening of the movie, Body of Lies in London's Leicester Square. Blood Diamond star Di Caprio, 33, plays a US intelligence agent on the hunt for a terrorist leader who has orchestrated a bombing campaign. Di Caprio said it was not a difficult decision to work on the project. "It's a no brainer to me to work with the great Ridley Scott who has made a masterpiece in every genre of cinema," he said. He said the film was a realistic portrayal of the CIA adding: "It says something about the world we live in but it's simultaneously entertaining." Di Caprio also spoke of his joy at the election of Barack Obama. "I feel like a great weight has been lifted off of our country's shoulders. He promised change and all we can do as a country right now is support him," he said. "There is a new generation of people who have spoken in our country and have called out for a new president and new administration." Sir Ridley described what he believed is Di Caprio's greatest talent. "It's Leo's action capabilities. People think he's a young man but actually he's been acting for 20-odd years," he said. Russell Crowe, 44, who plays CIA veteran Ed Hoffman in the film, did not join his co-star at the premiere. Di Caprio and Oscar-winner Crowe previously worked together on the 1995 movie The Quick and the Dead.

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ITN | November 7, 2008

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