Cameron Diaz is one of the most successful actresses in Hollywood, and her 2002 role in Gangs of New York only helped solidify her status as a star.
Cameron Diaz plays Jenny Everdeane, a pickpocket and thief who also happens to be the love interest of Leonardo DiCaprio’s character Amsterdam Vallon in this 2002 epic film directed by Martin Scorsese.
The movie is set during an era of 1863 known as the Draft Riots, a time when New York City was filled with crime and corruption.
Let’s dive into the details of Cameron Diaz’s role and take a closer look at what made her performance so great.
What Role Is Cameron Diaz playing in Gangs Of New York Film?
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Cameron Diaz appears performing the role of Jenny Everdeane alongside lead actor Leonardo DiCaprio in the 2002 Gangs of New York movie.
Jenny is a pickpocket and thief who falls for Amsterdam Vallon, the son of a murdered gang leader.
Leonardo DiCaprio plays Amsterdam Vallon, and he returns to New York after spending years in exile to seek revenge on the man who killed his father.
Cameron’s role in the movie is that of a female lead, opposite Leonardo DiCaprio.
She is not only his love interest, but she also provides him with some insightful advice and support throughout the film.
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What Makes Cameron Diaz’s Performance in Gangs Of New York So Great?
One of the things that makes Cameron Diaz’s performance great in Gangs of New York is the fact that she was able to perfectly capture the essence of her character.
In an interview with MTV, Diaz said that;
“Jenny’s a survivor. She’s been a self-learner and independent since she was a little kid. She can take care of herself and doesn’t really need anyone else.”
This independent streak was an essential part of Jenny’s character, and it came across as authentic onscreen thanks to Diaz’s performance.
The other reason her performance works so well is that she does not try too hard or overact the role.
Instead, she looks as a normal girl who happens to be in love with Leonardo DiCaprio.
This authenticity makes the viewer feel like they are really watching a story unfold, rather than just seeing a movie.
In short, Cameron Diaz’s performance in Gangs of New York was great because she was able to authentically capture the essence of her character and played the role with a perfect balance of realism and emotion.
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How Did Cameron Diaz Prepare For Her Role In Gangs Of New York?
Cameron Diaz has said that she prepared for her role in Gangs of New York by studying pickpocketing and knife fighting techniques.
She also spent time walking around the Lower East Side of Manhattan, which is where the movie takes place.
The actress has said that she was inspired by her character Jenny Everdeane, who grew up in the tough environment of the Lower East Side.
This attention to detail helped her to bring authenticity to her performance, and it is clear that she did a lot of research before filming began.
What Is The Plot Of The Film Gangs Of New York?
Released in 2002, Gangs of New York, an American period drama movie, is written by Steven Zaillian, Kenneth Lonergan, and Jay Cocks, while Martin Scorsese is its director.
It is set in the Five Points district of Manhattan during the mid-19th century, which was then a notorious slum.
The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Amsterdam Vallon, a young man who seeks revenge on Bill the Butcher (Daniel Day-Lewis), the leader of the Irish gang that killed his father.
The film also stars Cameron Diaz as Jenny Everdeane, a pickpocket and thief who falls for Amsterdam Vallon, Liam Neeson as Priest Vallon, Amsterdam’s father, and Bill the Butcher’s rival gang leader.
The movie received critical acclaim from critics and audiences alike but was not a commercial success at first.
However, it has since been re-evaluated and is now considered a classic.
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Why Cameron’s Role in Gangs of New York 2002 Got Critics Rave?
Cameron Diaz’s role in Gangs of New York 2002 got critics rave.
The audience loved her performance, and critics were impressed with how she portrayed Jenny Everdeane, a young woman who falls for the love of her life.
Cameron Diaz did a great job portraying Jenny Everdeane, and the audience could really feel her emotions throughout the film.
Moreover, those who think of her performance as awful would have to change their perception of her acting abilities after watching the film.
What About Cameron Diaz’s Chemistry With Other Cast Members Of Gangs Of New York Movie 2002?
Cameron Diaz’s chemistry with other cast members of the Gangs of New York movie was great.
In particular, her scenes with Leonardo DiCaprio were some of the best parts of the movie, and they had great chemistry onscreen.
In an interview with MTV, Diaz said that “It was like being in a love affair without having any se*x. It was just very intense.”
This makes it clear that she did enjoy working with Leonardo DiCaprio on this film, and they were able to bring out the best in each other during their scenes together.
The other cast members, including Daniel Day-Lewis, Liam Neeson, Brendan Gleeson, and John C Reilly, also had great chemistry with Cameron Diaz, making the movie even more enjoyable to watch.
Cameron Diaz’s Outfits In Gangs of New York
The costumes in the movie were also very well done, and Cameron Diaz looked great in all of her outfits.
In particular, her outfit in the scene where she first meets Amsterdam Vallon is very memorable.
This outfit helped to make her character Jenny Everdeane more memorable for the audience, and it was a great way to show off her beauty.
She wore a brown skirt and blouse with a white apron, and she looked very stylish in this outfit.
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FAQs Regarding Cameron Diaz In Gangs Of New York
Q. How was Cameron Diaz approached for Gangs of New York?
A. Cameron Diaz was approached for Gangs of New York by Martin Scorsese, who revealed that Joe Roth, who is the former head of Disney, suggested her for the role of Jenny Everdeane.
He told that he liked her portrayals in Being John Malkovich and There’s Something About Mary.
Q. What did they cut out of Cameron Diaz in Gangs of New York?
A. There was a scene in the movie where Cameron Diaz’s character Jenny Everdeane has inappropriate scenes with Bill the Butcher (acted by Daniel Day-Lewis) and Amsterdam Vallon (portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio).
This was cut out of the movie because it would have been too unsuitable for children to watch.
Q. What was Cameron Diaz’s age in Gangs of New York?
A. Cameron Diaz was at the age of 20 when she portrayed her role of Jenny in Gangs of New York.
Q. How much has Cameron Diaz made in Gangs of New York?
A. She earned $17.5 million for her role in the film, which was a huge payday at the time. This movie significantly increased the net worth of Cameron Diaz.
This article was last updated in April 2024.
