The Beach (2000)

About The Beach

Directed by Danny Boyle, "The Beach" is a thrilling adventure drama film based on the 1996 novel of the same name by Alex Garland. The story revolves around Richard, portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio, a young American tourist in Thailand who receives a map to a secret paradise called 'The Beach'. Along with fellow tourists Étienne and Françoise, played by Guillaume Canet and Virginie Ledoyen respectively, Richard sets out to find this utopia, only to discover a reprehensible dystopia.

Making / Production

The film was produced by Andrew Macdonald and directed by Danny Boyle. Screenwriter John Hodge wrote a screenplay of an approximately 130-page first draft of the script.

Actors

• Leonardo DiCaprio as Richard: A young American backpacker looking for thrilling experiences. DiCaprio delivered an intense and charismatic performance.
• Virginie Ledoyen as Francoise: A French woman who becomes Richard’s love interest. Ledoyen portrayed the character with charm and vulnerability.
• Guillaume Canet as Etienne: Francoise's boyfriend, portrayed with nuance by Canet.
• Tilda Swinton as Sal: The fierce leader of the beach community, Swinton plays the role with intensity.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The crystal clear waters of Maya Bay, on Phi Phi Leh island in Thailand, was the primary filming location for "The Beach".
• Leonardo DiCaprio was the first and only choice for the lead role.
• All the extras used in the movie, who were living on the beach alongside the fictitious commune, were actual travellers found at different locations all over Thailand.

Awards

The movie didn't win any major awards but had been nominated for a few, including Leonardo DiCaprio for 'Worst Actor' at the Golden Raspberry Awards.

Quotes

• "Trust me, it's paradise. This is where the hungry come to feed. For mine is a generation that circles the globe in search of something we haven't tried before."
• "Never refuse an invitation. Never resist the unfamiliar. Never fail to be polite. And never outstay your welcome."

Music, Soundtrack

• "Pure Shores" by All Saints
• "Porcelain" by Moby
• "Out Of Control" by The Chemical Brothers