PLOT:
Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood visits 1969 Los Angeles, where everything is changing, as TV star Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his longtime stunt double Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt) make their way around an industry they hardly recognize anymore. The ninth film from the writer-director features a large ensemble cast and multiple storylines in a tribute to the final moments of Hollywood’s golden age.
REVIEW:
What did I like?
BFFs. Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio were long seen as sex symbols and heartthrobs. To my knowledge, this is the first time they have starred in a film together. All those girls who had their posters on their walls and lockers in the 90s and early 2000s must have been in heaven when they heard these guys were going to be in this together. From my point of view, not being a female who was obsessed with these guy back in the day, I appreciated the acting. I was able to believe that these were two best friends, despite one being a stunt double and the other being a big, albeing fading, star. The whole film, if not a big chunk of it, relies on their camaraderie and the audience being invested in it, which they did a pretty job of, in my opinion.
Bruce Lee. There has been some controversy over the portrayal of Bruce Lee. Obviously, director Quentin Tarantino has respect from Lee. If there is any question, look at Uma Thurman’s outfit in the Kill Bill movies and compare it to Bruce Lee’s in Game of Death and notice the homage. All that aside, this portrayal of Lee is over the top…maybe a bit too much…but fun to watch. The idea that Lee was this cocky and arrogant is the total opposite of who the man was, which makes this such a delight, not to mention the fight choreography he has with Pitt’s character. I only wish we could have seen more.
Aesthetic. Every decade has a certain look and feel. From the music and fashion to the cars and the way people speak, you can tell when you’re watching a film set in, say the ’50s as opposed to the ’80s. Tarantino has captured the aesthetic of the ’70s in such a way that it almost feels like we’re watching a flick from that era. This really should come as no surprise, though. Almost all of his films have a this touch. He just decided to use the technique for a whole film this go ’round.
What didn’t I like?
Tate-r tot. From the minute this film was announced, there seemed to be a big deal made about the inclusion of Sharon Tate and the Manson family. Not to spoil anything, but she is more of a side character than part of the main cast. When I realized this, I thought to myself, was all that hype to get people to watch? Did she have a bigger role initially and it was cut down? Did Tarantino and Margot Robbie have creative differences that led to such a small part? Maybe we’ll find out when the 50th anniversary DVD is released. Until then, all we can do is speculate.
A violent end. In the film’s climax, Tarantino chooses to change history. I won’t spoil what he does, but I will say that the scene in which he does this seems to come from out of nowhere. That is to say, the rest of the film has had a few punches here and there, but nothing that seems like it out of a John Wick film. Yet, this is what we get in this last scene as Pitt”s character (and his dog) defend the homestead, for lack of a better term, while DiCaprio’s new wife sleeps. Not for nothing, DiCaprio gets the best of one of the female intruders. Still, this whole sequence seems more in line with Inglorious Basterds or Reservoir Dogs.
Feet. Quentin Tarantino has a foot fetish. Watch any of his films, with a couple of exceptions and you will fins barefoot women (and men). To each their own, I suppose. I’m not judging the man as I can appreciate a woman in some sexy heels or sandals, myself. However, Tarantino doesn’t seem to be hiding his affinity for feet in this film. Robbie’s Sharon Tate is seen in a movie theater with her boots off and her (surprisingly dirty) bare feet on the back of the seat. One of the very first scenes we see is a beautiful blonde laying in the bed, her golden skin glowing in the sun. Does Tarantino focus on her beauty? No, he instead lingers on her toes before finally moving the camera up. Again, to each their own, but these are just a couple of the examples in this film where he just goes all in on showing his love for feet…dirty feet at that!
Final verdict.
When it all comes down to it, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is a love letter to the Hollywood that Tarantino grew up with. There actually is a good story and great acting here, but I can’t help but feel this is not one his strongest films. That said, this is one of the more entertaining pictures for its runtime and doesn’t feel as if the characters are rambling off just to hear themselves talk. Do I recommend it? Yes, but you can probably wait until it comes to video or streaming, rather than rushing to see it in theaters.
4 out of 5 stars
Mystery Man's Musings 