Once upon a Time in Hollywood [DVD]

My rating is more of a 4.5.Thanks for reading!“𝑰'𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒍, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰'𝒎 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒅𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒍'𝒔 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌""𝑵𝒂𝒉, 𝒊𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒅𝒖𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕"Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is a 2019 comedy-drama film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. Set in 1969 Los Angeles, the film follows a fading character actor (Rick) and his stunt double (Cliff) as they navigate the rapidly changing film industry, with the looming threat of the Tate-LaBianca Murders hanging overhead.if there's any technique Tarantino has down to a science it is that of the fragmented narrative. Broken – but far from brittle - ‘Once Upon a Time…’ successfully forces two separate storylines to converge into one; consequently this expunges the need for what would otherwise be exhaustive exposition. This is especially true when what is considered common knowledge about Sharon Tate's life - or more specifically, her death - and speaks to the desire to tell a fully developed story using only the bare essentials or necessities.Taking place towards the end of the sixties ‘OUAT…’ stays dutifully committed to its intended aesthetic. The entirety of what is heard in the background or periodically Incorporated as casually announced news-bulletins - like those about the murder of Senator Robert F. Kenedy - are rooted in fact and contextually allude to historically significant events. Drawing from the wealth of influences available, Rick Dalton is a caricature of Steve McQueen ( who, unlike Dalton, made a more successful and comfortable transition from television to films), Edd Byrnes, Ty Hardin, and Pete Duel. Despite some initial difficulties in regards to convincing the surrounding Hollywood vendors to authorize the fitting of their premises with period facades to better represent the 1960s this obstacle was eventually surmounted (with some of these veneers staying in place long after production concluded).(Fun fact: Quentin Tarantino would not allow the use of cell phones on set while filming in lieu of phone booths being installed in the case that calls needed to be made by crew members. Talk about some devilish devotion!)With its paralleled narrative and authentic set design assuming the role of ‘OUAT…’s bread, this sandwich of satisfaction doesn't skimp in ensuring that the filling that is its characters is just as delicious and savory in tandem.They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks - and lucky for the audience sometimes you don’t have to. Possibly one of my favorite performances by DiCaprio to date, his demeanor (and excellently executed accent!) capture the essence of a character that both reaps the benefits of his fame while struggling with the lingering impermanence of it. As if designed to be a direct foil to this conundrum Cliff - portrayed by the one and only Brad Pitt (who does his stunts - surprise!) - embraces the fluidity his role invites and rolls with the punches (literally) as it is necessary As a consequence of this their relationship on screen becomes self-referential in that Cliff often does all of the dangerous fighting while Rick is rewarded with a flashy climax and what is assumingly will be all of the credit for a “job well done”. On the topic of dogs: a three-year-old Pitbull by the name of Sayuri was honored with the Palm Dog Award following her equally committed and sometimes scene stealing performance as ‘Brandy’ (more than deserved, if I do say so myself).Only accounting for approximately 20 minutes of screen time, Margot Robbie's portrayal of Shannon Tate is reflective of the amount of research done in preparation for it. Adorned with an abundance of grace, poise, and some of Tate's real jewelry, the accuracy of her performance reportedly moved some of Tate’s surviving family members to tears. It is a shame this same effort wasn't put into the portrayal of Bruce Lee - who, arguably, could have been written in as someone with less notoriety attached - but this is comfortably written off as a result of an interaction being perceived by audience members as the way in Cliff seems to 𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓 it.Setting the audience up with tension from the very start ( as might be conjured following the recollection of Tate’s untimely untimely demise) ‘OUAT…’ comes to a screeching halt following a climatic and violently stylized surprise. It goes without saying that this conclusion is as far as possible from being rooted in truth, but the irony is in how this ending is a significantly happier one.Described as a ‘love letter to Hollywood’, in many ways ‘OUAT…’ simultaneously acts as Tarantino’s sacrificial lamb; it ascends as a forgivably transgressional and sensational depiction of the relationship that directors and actors have with a craft that resembles, replicates, and manufactures reality as it is seen fit.I would recommend!

If you have not seen this movie this needs to be on your bucket list.. the ending of this movie will surprise you if it only happened that way in real life...

Yet another entry in the series of Tarantino revisionist history films, this one isn't quite as good as Inglourious Basterds or Django Unchained IMO, but it is entertaining and intriguing enough to be well worth the watch. The performances from DiCaprio and Pitt are great, the dialogue is - per usual - sharp and memorable, and the story is twisty and fascinating. Must watch for Tarantino enthusiasts.

Too bad it didn't really happen this way. Brad Pitt beating Bruce Lee's a$$ was Soooo good!!!😆😂😆😂

Dicaprio and Pitt make a great team.

Not a movie that I would remember. Not a movie I would want to see again. What was the point of the movie? Was it a character study? Or was it just a showcase for two macho men in a buddy movie. I didn't get it. Kept waiting for something to happen and it did at the end with the Manson murders, but even that was a mini-horror segment. Leonardo did his best and I always enjoy watching him, but Brad Pitt's character was so laid back and boring it could have been played by ANY actor.

Very quirky movie. Will watch it again to try and pick up some things I missed.

Wouldn't it be great if we could re-write history? Quentin Tarantino does just that, with his latest film. I should preface this review by admitting that I have only liked a handful of Tarantino movies. But it appears that he has progressed as a filmmaker, judging by his latest achievement, "Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood". This film is not only a super-entertaining depiction of 1960s pop culture - it is a loving tribute to those who didn't make it to the 1970s, who should have.Tarantino did a lot of research into 1960s culture and history. His story is set in the year 1969.That year was not a good year by my recollection, overall. YES, we did finally make it to the moon! That was historic, magical, and epic. But it was also the year that my 16-year-old sister was killed in a car accident, devastating my family permanently. In 1969, the Beatles performed in their last public performance together, Senator Edward Kennedy's car skidded off a bridge, resulting in the death of his 28-year-old passenger Mary Jo Kopechne. The year ended with the Rolling Stones' disastrous Altamont concert, and the death of Meredith Hunter.Oh yes - and then there were the Tate-LaBianca murders. The victims seemed to receive far less press coverage than the Manson family. Even recently, I read Dianne Lake's memoir: "Member of the Family", about her time at the Spahn Ranch, and what led up to the subsequent killings, with way more written about the perpetrators of that ghastly slaughter than about the innocent targets of their murderous depravity. There are many films and books produced about Manson and his band of followers, but almost nothing of significance about their victims. The affect that those murders had on Hollywood - and even for the rest of us, back then - has reverberated throughout the decades. The images stay in our minds.History aside, two fictional characters dominate "Once Upon a Time..." with performances by actors Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt that are definitely Oscar-worthy. Both actors have sunk their teeth into their roles with gusto, a definite treat for viewers.DiCaprio plays introspective leading man t.v. star Rick Dalton. You rarely see Dalton without a drink in his hand or a cigarette in his mouth. Regrets are many, as he is reminded that his youth and bankability have passed him by. There is plenty of scenery-chewing by DiCaprio, who shines as the seasoned pro that he is.Pitt plays the part of Dalton's stuntman Cliff Booth to perfection. Booth is not introspective, except perhaps in one scene where he winds up daydreaming while fixing an antenna on Dalton's roof. Otherwise, he is just a "live and let live" kinda guy - unless he is crossed. Then, watch out!I have to say that I was very impressed by the casting of Bruce Lee, Steve McQueen, and Cass Elliott.The details and authenticity of "Once Upon a Time..." are enough to give those of us who were alive back then the "suspension of disbelief" we need, without our saying too often: "But wait a minute - it wasn't like that."The music, fashions, products, technology, transportation, cinema, television actors, shows, commercials, and other signs of 1960s pop culture are authentic enough to pass muster. He did his homework. Any discrepancies or inaccuracies are minor.Yet in addition to creditable details, we find the blessings of fiction, for this is not a documentary, and not made to be, and for that we are grateful. There are Tarantino's usual fanciful meanderings into scenes that go slightly off-path. They are great character studies, though. and are fun to watch, which is really the point.I'm thinking that this one will be taking home the bulk of the Oscars. Hollywood especially has needed this one, I think.