What's up with Leo? Will teen idol make graceful transition to mature actor?

By PHILIP WUNTCH <br><br>That's what lots of people been wondering lately, especially since his first movie after "Titanic" â€“ "The Beach" â€“ opens this week. <br><br>Will he make a graceful transition

Monday, February 14th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

By PHILIP WUNTCH

That's what lots of people been wondering lately, especially since his first movie after "Titanic" â€“ "The Beach" â€“ opens this week.

Will he make a graceful transition from teen idol in "Titanic" to mature actor in "The Beach"? Will audiences accept his new persona, where he plays a scruffy, misguided dreamer, as opposed to Jack Dawson of "Titanic," who could do no wrong (and was photographed in a manner that suggested an invisible halo)?

And who do the fans love, anyway? Leonardo DiCaprio or Jack Dawson?

Probably, they love Jack, who had the good sense to die young. But Leo still deserves our respect.

After all, he held his own with Robert De Niro in "This Boy's Life" and Meryl Streep in "Marvin's Room," and he will probably have a long and notable career. But his fans' response to "The Beach" will be interesting.

It's a key moment for Leo, and he might want to review a few of the successes and failures of other actors who have been in a similar boat.

THE DO'S

Tom Cruise â€“ Ever since "Risky Business," he's worked hard at honing his craft, with generally successful results. He's worked with outstanding pros (Dustin Hoffman, Paul Newman, Jack Nicholson) and absorbed their techniques, without blatantly copying them.

Brad Pitt â€“ Despite recent flops, he still has the unmistakable aura of a star. And in Hollywood, that aura is as important as a $100 million grosser. "People" and "Us" magazines clearly adore him. (Leo's a top cover boy, too, as evidenced by the recent issue of "Talk" magazine.)

Matt Dillon â€“ He was the prettiest of 1980s male ingenues, but critics tended to snicker. Yet, as he got older, his delicate features grew tougher, and he became an outstanding character actor. (Leo's features already are getting fuller and tougher.)

Keanu Reeves â€“ Some may insist that "Speed" and "The Matrix" were just lucky choices for Keanu. Still, he's had a long-range game plan. Compare his career with that of Alex Winter, that other "Bill & Ted" alum.

Julia Roberts â€“ Like Brad, she's maintained the aura of stardom. Initially, she came across as shy in interviews. She now seems breezy and funny. If it's an act, it's convincing. (Leo could use a few pointers on talk-show finesse, although glibness probably will never be his strong point.)

Robert Redford â€“ Movie stars age publicly, and it's a good policy to adopt a persona that complements your physical appearance. Mr. Redford's gone from maverick toughie to avuncular softie. Yet he's retained enough outlaw qualities to keep his original core of fans from feeling betrayed.

THE DON'TS

Brad Pitt â€“ He's a "don't" because he tries too hard to trash the mystique of Tristan Ludlow, the windswept, long-tressed wanderer of "Legends of the Fall." Following "Fight Club," he's interested in playing "Jack the Ripper." (Leo might want to return occasionally to lovable Jack Dawson-type roles.)

Patrick Swayze â€“ After "Ghost" and "Dirty Dancing," the rangy Swayze could have been a movie king. But he seemed to misunderstand his fan base. Most Swayze fans are female, who prefer him in romantic parts. But he fancies himself an action star. Big mistake.

Charlie Sheen, Rob Lowe â€“ The public doesn't easily forgive teen faves who get involved in scandal. Luckily, Hugh Grant was not a teen idol. (After "Titanic," Leo earned a rep as a party animal. But he should always watch his step.)

Demi Moore â€“ She confused being part of a strong ensemble with being a real star. Her list of demands was detailed in trade publications, which suggested that she change her name to Gimme More. (So far, Leo has kept his required perks on a reasonable level.)

Christian Slater â€“ He was slated for the top tier but missed a step. Instead of carving his own identity, he depended too much on his resemblance to Jack Nicholson.

The Brat Pack â€“ Don't run with a pack. You'll all seem interchangeable after a while. Besides, there's something appealing about Leo the Loner.