The days of the macho film star are over. Today's young women are attracted to caring and sensitive actors.
Anne Massey, dean of media arts at Southampton Institute, is looking at teenage infatuation. She has interviewed girls about why many saw the film Titantic up to three times. Professor Massey told a conference looking at the effects of the film that it is repeat viewings by teenage girls which has turned the film into such a blockbuster.
"What they like about Leonardo DiCaprio is the fact he is like the boy next door - a friend," she said. "They see him as caring, supportive and a sensitive male. He may well be in real life, but true or not, this is what seems to be attracting the girls."
Research presented at Desperately Seeking DiCaprio, a conference at Southampton Institute.