Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood
(Columbia Pictures)
By Lucas Allen
Each new Quentin Tarantino film being released is sort-of an event for film fans around the world. With “Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood,” he not only retains his maturity as a filmmaker but also reminds us what made him unique when he broke out with the likes of “Reservoir Dogs” and “Pulp Fiction.” It’s a Hollywood fairy tale that isn’t afraid of telling an original story amid a tragic story, but also does something unique with an overall vision. Think of this as “La La Land” meets “Pulp Fiction” without the musical numbers.
Taking place in 1969 Hollywood, the movie revolves around three different characters who each play a pivotal role in the story. First there’s Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio), who was at one time the star of the popular western TV series “Bounty Law” before being relegated to playing heavies in other TV shows. He contemplates his future in the industry after an offer by executive Marvin Schwarzs (Al Pacino) to fly to Italy to star in spaghetti westerns while taking the time to play another bad guy for the series “Lancer,” starring James Stacy (Timothy Olyphant). Second there’s Rick’s stunt double Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt), who also drives the actor around. A chance meeting with a young hippie named Pussycat (Margaret Qualley) leads him to an old Western ranch where the other hippie girls hide out with their leader Charles Manson (Damon Herriman).
Third and foremost, up-and-coming actress Sharon Tate (Margot Robbie) is engaged to director Roman Polanski (Rafal Zawierucha) and happens to live next door to Dalton. While her husband is away, she spends her day shopping for him and checking out a movie she’s in, “The Wrecking Crew,” with Dean Martin. But then one fateful August night, all three characters’ paths intertwine for an unexpected event that would change everything.
Right off the bat, you can tell that Tarantino was writing his love letter to Hollywood’s Golden Age of that time. The old sets, the marquees, and the KHJ-AM radio station playing the hits add to the authenticity of the film’s production. Add in some real celebrities played by today’s actors including Damian Lewis as Steve McQueen and Mike Moh as Bruce Lee in a memorable fight scene with Pitt and it really feels like the movie is taking you back to a different time in Hollywood history like you were there. There are also some other little surprises sprinkled throughout, which add some rewatchability to this film. For a two hour and forty-minute film, nothing about this film will ever bore you.
Much like “Inglorious Basterds,” Tarantino was simply making a “what if” alternative view of history especially in the third act. The finale is certainly controversial and will divide viewers over its content. Without giving away any of it, the ending is the funniest and shocking yet satisfying conclusion to any film Tarantino has ever done. No matter how you feel about it, at least the filmmaker has the courage to make it happen.
DiCaprio simply owns this movie as both a hard-working actor and a flawed human being in brilliantly realized performance. Pitt also delivers a great performance as the cool and cocky hero with a checkered past. Together, these two actors achieve comedy gold with some genuinely funny moments. Robbie easily embodies the late Sharon Tate with beauty and personality as an innocent angel in a devilish world. Lewis, Moh, Kurt Russell, James Remar, Michael Madsen, Bruce Dern, and the late Luke Perry round out this impressive cast of Hollywood’s who’s who.
Everybody involved in the making of “Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood” deserve lots of recognition come awards season. Everybody in front and behind the camera came together to create what could possibly be Tarantino’s greatest achievement since Pulp Fiction. Don’t miss seeing the cinematic experience of the year on the big screen. In a season of endless sequels and superhero films, this one outdoes it all.
THE MOVIE’S RATING: R (for language throughout, some strong graphic violence, drug use, and sexual references)
THE CRITIC’S RATING: 4 Stars (Out of Four)
