The following pictures were the very first "behind the scenes" photos of Leonardo released during the production of The Beach

Frail mystery teases
The surface of my understanding;
Eludes my definition.
I give up!
Now all hesitation
Vanishes at the crossroads.
Here comes My Ride! He says:
Grasp even the idea of love
And just hang on....

Critics are divided over their treatment of Garland's story about a group of backpackers who set up their own paradise on a secret Thai island, only to have it fall apart through jealousy and rivalry. Criticism tends to focus on the thin storyline and the unsympathetic lead character played by DiCaprio. Test screenings reportedly found his character, Richard, was not well received by audiences, leading to some last-minute changes in the film which have been blamed for its delayed opening - originally set for December.

The positive view was summed up by Empire magazine: "Much better than rumoured: entertaining, engrossing and ripe for discussion." As for the star: "DiCaprio is perfect as the smart-arsed thrill-seeker." Film Review hailed its "superlative production and terrific script", calling The Beach "a gripping contemplation of the nature of our world and ourselves".

Britain's best-selling film magazine, Total Film, was disappointed, complaining of "a lack of pace during the relatively uneventful second act".

Ordinary cinemagoers, many of them having seen previews, have also been passing on their views to Internet sites. One report on darkhorizons.com confessed the viewer had been won over despite his prejudices, admitting: "I really wanted to hate this movie but I can't."

Next week, the first British cinemagoers will have a chance to decide when DiCaprio and his co-stars jet in for Wednesday's West End premiere. One thing is for certain - there will be another mass outbreak of Leo-mania in Leicester Square.