K.T Simpson
Every time Quentin Tarantino releases a new film, it comes complete with a fanfare of clever marketing, city-dominating billboards, and hype from fans and the industry alike. It’s almost unbelievable that the man only has 8 other films under his belt, and that each one is an instant classic. “Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood” fits firmly into this category.
In the vein of “Inglorious Basterds”, Tarantino has re-written history in a film that poses the question “what if?”. The result is a gripping story that actually has you enjoying every second of the 2hr 40min runtime – a standard in QT films – as well as giving you a little bit of encouragement to seek out the true story behind what happened 50 years ago.
The narrative surrounds fictitious characters: actor Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his stunt double (turned assistant) Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt) – both of whom have made a living within the Western films. The two previously worked together on a TV program called “Bounty Law”, which to be honest I totally wish was real, and they have seen a decline in both the industry and consequently their careers since the show wrapped up. Dalton lives next door to up-and-coming actress Sharon Tate (Margot Robbie) and her husband Roman Polanski (Rafal Zawierucha), and while Dalton has never met the duo, he dreams of the day he can attend a garden party to acquaint himself with Polanski and open up a new world of opportunities for him and Booth. Booth’s life is a lot more modest, and is a direct comment on where his career is going – living in a trailer behind a drive-in theatre with his dog, and eating whatever canned food he can find in the cupboard.
While the story “Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood” is disguised as the Manson Family murders with a twist, is also a tale of (as the title would suggest) Hollywood and the struggles of ‘making it big’ in a world of glitz and glamour. Those in the industry will particularly enjoy this side of the story, as even though it is set in the 60s, the elements still remain relevant. It’s a really interesting comment on the world of film, and Hollywood in general. The flick also is heavy on nostalgia, with both the ugly and beautiful sides of the decade shining through gorgeously.
The film is littered with big names, but it’s Pitt as Cliff Booth that is the true standout here. During the time when Booth visits the commune housing the Manson ‘family’, it’s a who’s who of the industry, but it’s Pitt’s performance that really helps the scene hit a home run. Of course he’s a veteran of Hollywood so none of it comes as a surprise, but Pitt shows us exactly why he’s cast in roles like these. The chemistry between him and DiCaprio is palpable, and their friendship is believable to be cemented well beyond the bounds of just work-based.
Tarantino’s unique filmmaking techniques are prominent in “Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood”, so fans of the director’s work won’t be disappointed in the typically noir tone of the flick. It’s an instant classic, and completely gripping from beginning to end, never hitting a dull note. His vision of the ‘60s is inspired, and the resulting story created from that time is the same. All this results in a poignant love-letter to the decade, but also to Sharon Tate – and up-and-coming talent who’s life ended much too soon.
