"Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood" Review: This Might be Another Tarantino Masterpiece
Plot Synopsis courtesy of IMDb.com: “A faded television actor and his stunt double strive to achieve fame and success in the film industry during the final years of Hollywood's Golden Age in 1969 Los Angeles.”
Directed by: Quentin Tarantino (Pulp Fiction)
Written by: Quentin Tarantino (Pulp Fiction)
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio (Inception), Brad Pitt (Moneyball), and Margot Robbie (Suicide Squad)
Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood is rated R.
Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures Entertainment
In his newest film, Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood, Quentin Tarantino transports us back in time 50 years to the summer of 1969, where former television star Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio) is trying to eke out what is left of his career before he ages out of the industry entirely. Alongside his faithful stunt double, Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt), Dalton bounces around from one guest appearance to another, seemingly never able to execute the ambitious leap to the motion pictures. His luck appears to change for the better though, when none other than the up-and-coming power couple of Roman Polanski (Rafal Zawierucha) and Sharon Tate (Margot Robbie) move in next door to his home on the now infamous Cielo Drive. Rather than simply watching history unfold, Tarantino’s homage to the Golden Age of Hollywood is a completely immersive and unforgettable movie experience.
While Tarantino may be most commonly known for his over-the-top violence and mayhem, he shows time and time again that any film is only as good as its script. In some ways Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood is more subdued in terms of dialogue (and action) than much of his previous work, but the film never suffers for lack of Tarantino’s unique style and sharp writing. For much of its 161 minute runtime, Once Upon a Time meanders its way through the day to day lives of its protagonists, and Tarantino is unafraid to detour away from the central thread of the story to explore various minute elements of 1969 Los Angeles. He takes full advantage of the length, and the film’s final payoff is a powerful reminder that Quentin Tarantino may be the best screenwriter Hollywood has ever seen.
Objectively speaking, the cast of Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood is the most attractive movie ensemble ever assembled, but their talents go further than skin deep. The relationship between Rick Dalton and Cliff Booth is tender and emotional, and though it may be short on words of affection, it is clear there is a strong bond between the two. As is usually the case, Leonardo DiCaprio turns in a masterful performance as the petulant, washed-up star, alongside the effortlessly laid back and supremely cool Brad Pitt. Margot Robbie, while short on screen time, brings a refreshing sense of optimism and potential to her portrayal of Sharon Tate as an ascending, yet grounded movie star. Past the headliners, the cast is filled with top level actors, many of whom portray cameos of classic performers such as Bruce Lee and Steve McQueen.
Despite how frequently we see Hollywood recreate the past, few films achieve the level of detail present in Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood. From the costumes, to the music playing on car radios, every detail in the film feels wholly authentic (and given that Tarantino reportedly researched which songs played on Los Angeles radio on specific days, it probably is). The art department created a multitude of fake posters and promotional material for Rick Dalton, each piece matching the style of the tome and adding greatly to the film's ability to transport audiences 50 years back in time. The soundtrack features all-time jams from Neil Diamond, The Rolling Stones, Paul Revere and the Raiders and just about any other 60's artist you can think of.
Contrary to most of the films Tarantino makes, at its heart, Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood is a very caring and affectionate film. Its main characters are surely flawed and difficult, but they are not beyond redemption. There is reverence in the way that Tarantino handles the character of Sharon Tate, and presents her as a talented and promising young star. Tarantino draws a very explicit line between good and evil, and those who manage to fall on the wrong side very much deserve any retribution he dishes out. This makes it all the more satisfying when the film's monsters come face to face with the type of "justice" that few filmmakers can pull off.
Surprisingly, I left the theater feeling invigorated by this film's fantastic view of a time period that arguably never existed the way society remembers. As implied by its title, Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood is a modern-day fairytale, one filled with movie stars and hippies rather than knights and dragons. It is a refreshingly lighthearted turn for the acclaimed director, yet lacks none of the mayhem required out of a Tarantino film. Stocked full of award caliber performances and impeccable detail, this feels like a master class in filmmaking, and is sure to be remembered among the great films of our time.
Reel Rating: 10/10
Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood is now playing in cinemas.
