Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

The master of unconventional violence is back. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, released on July 26, 2019, is a film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Margot Robbie. It is rated R and takes place in 1969 Los Angeles.

Actor Rick Dalton and his stunt double Cliff Booth were once a successful team in the now cancelled western TV show Bounty Law. Since its cancellation their star quality has faded. Rick was once a popular TV star, so he’s trying to make a comeback. Cliff has never risen to as high a status as Rick has, but he’s fine with that, and will be whatever Rick needs, whether it’s a driver, a handyman or a friend. Actor Sharon Tate is a rising star with potential. Where will Dalton and Booth end up in Hollywood? Will anything bad happen in the end?

Quentin Tarantino has a lineup of critically acclaimed movies already, such as Reservoir Dogs and his most famous picture, Pulp Fiction. He always makes R-rated movies and he uses that rating to take advantage of how far he can go with violence and harsh themes. That really shows in this movie, which might come across first as just a simple tale of the changing movie industry in 1969 Hollywood, but evolves into something much more than that, exploring the darker themes that Tarantino is known for. It also ties into a historical event that I admire Tarantino for tackling in his unique vision. Depending on whether you lived the actual event or not may change your opinion of how it’s presented in this film. For me, I think it is well done.

The performances are quite strong. Since the movie moves at a slow pace and spans 2 hours and 41 minutes, you have to really be invested in the characters. This is helped by Tarantino’s creation of characters that are designed to make you care about them and enjoy watching them as they meander across the screen. Margot Robbie gives a convincing and realistic performance as Sharon Tate, a hopeful rising star. Her portrayal is so likable that you want to see her succeed, even though you know it’s not a possibility. Leonardo DiCaprio gives a masterful performance as Rick Dalton, who is just starting to realize that he is a has-been in Hollywood, but still trying to maintain his earlier success. He’s both fun to watch and is a sympathetic character. My pick for the best achievement in acting for this film goes to Brad Pitt. His performance as Cliff Booth is probably the biggest reason to watch this film. He comes across as likable, entertaining, and a genuinely decent person (or is he?). I was however disappointed in a scene with Cliff where uncomfortable tension continues to build but then leads to nothing climactic happening.

There actually isn’t that much violence in the film overall, but the violence that exists is realistic looking and gory, a trademark for this director. It all leads up to a climax that is worth the wait.

In addition to all the drama in this film, there is still room for plenty of humor. Much of the humor comes from the dialogue, which is enhanced by the talented cast. There is a hysterical flashback scene plus several cutaway scenes that help to tell the story in a humorous way.

There are little things to look out for in the movie, such as a cameo from Tarantino-recurring cast member Michael Madsen and the final film performance of the now deceased Luke Perry. Tarantino artfully captures 1969 Hollywood through the period-accurate costumes, music and lavish movie sets. This is Hollywood changing quickly from an era of Westerns and cowboys to hippies protesting violence and promoting peace and love. The older actors are trying to find where they still fit in.

Overall, this is a Quentin Tarantino masterpiece. I’m sure it will hold up as well as some of his earlier films, maybe even more. Check it out, for an unbelievable movie experience.