C'era una volta... a Hollywood

Before watching this film, it is CRITICAL that you have somewhat of a knowledge about Charles Manson (and Sharron Tate). If I did not have my sister next to me pointing out the small references to this serial killer's story, I would not have understood at least 80% of the movie. Understanding the significant details adds a specific intensity in every other scene, like you know something that the characters don't, and always keeps your eyes glued to the screen.

Although I can see how a few scenes were fairly slow, and the middle was not particularly engaging, Tarantino definitely had a purpose for each scene, even if I don't have all the answers. Even the smallest of details, like a gun holster of beer or the way the characters drive down the highway, reveals hidden thoughts, feelings, and backstories to the audience. If you do not catch onto these specific details, I can understand how some points seem overindulgent of "the golden age" of Hollywood. But the beautifully nostalgic filming in these moments is what makes this film not only entertaining, but a piece of art.

It's the juxtaposition of Sharron and Dalton's storyline, it's the wonder and the dimensional characters, it's the brilliant manipulation of the audience's emotions, causing you to laugh, scream, and cry (sometimes simultaneously) that makes this film utterly perfect.

The ending leaves you wondering "What if..." over and over again, questioning what reality would look like if these fictional characters of Rick Dalton and Cliff Booth actually existed. And I think that's when I realized how perfect the title was: it's a humorous, fairy-tale (although not completely violent-free) ending to the tragic fate of Hollywood in the 60s...

It took Quentin Tarantino a lifetime of living, 5 years to write and a 2 hours 41 minutes watch. This is a love letter to a film industry that is no longer recognisable. Hippies, short skirts, westerns..... all have disappeared from our movie world. But worry not, Quentin Tarantino is here to remind us of old school film making from a once beloved industry which has been described as being on life support.

The performances are flawless. I was apprehensive about how the events of August 8, 1969 would be handled. But that is handled tastefully and respectfully, yet with the classic Tarantino flair.

Will be quite a bit for those under 40 who have no recollection of this Hollywood. Some will categorise this as an over indulgent nostalgia trip for movie geeks. And they are likely to be correct. But for those of us who complain that Hollywood is reduced to remakes and comic book films, QT delivers a unique and creative viewing experience.

This is Tarantino's tribute to what he saw as a golden time in Hollywood. Tate's murder symbolized a loss of innocence that changed the industry forever.

However, the title acknowledges that this is all a fairy tale. The parallel plotlines of Rick Dalton and Cliff Booth suggest that the industry and the culture were already changing, and that change is inevitable. Dalton, once a leading man in his own TV series, is struggling against changing tastes and the next generation of actors. Old-school Booth battles the hippies who have taken over his old stomping grounds, but there is the feeling that his kind are on the way out, and the hippy revolution is just around the corner.

I think Manson's presence is really open to interpretation. One reading is that he's simply a red herring. I think another way of reading his survival underscores the admission that this is a fairytale fantasy, and that in real life, very bad people exist and get away with horrible things.

Tarantino's first three films are almost entirely character-focused, dialogue-driven thrillers that rely entirely on the charisma and depth of their characters. Reservoir Dogs could not function without the tense interplay between Mr. White, Orange, Blonde, and Pink. Pulp Fiction is made great by the (at the time) completely unique relationships and dialogue between its characters, especially Jules / Vincent and Butch / Marcellus. Jackie Brown is probably Tarantino's most human and compassionate film, and it is certainly his least cartoonish and most grounded film; it is proof that Tarantino can make a great film even when he cuts back his quirky stylistic choices.

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood felt like a call-back to Jackie Brown in many ways which was just so refreshing for me. I have missed the Tarantino who is so interested and invested in not just his characters but the relationships between the characters. I've missed the Tarantino who understands restraint is just as important as stylized action or quirky dialogue.

Not one of Tarantino's best. But still a pretty damn good and smart movie with cool sequences, great acting and directing, music and scenes that will stay with you long after the movie and you would love to watch again. Loved the combo Pitt-DiCaprio but loved more seeing some famous characters in this film such as Steve Mcqueen and Bruce Lee, who are absolutely hilarious in the movie! 8/10

Another great Tarantino film, though I do agree there are times where it feels a little indulgent and meandering. The climax of the film is fantastic though, and it does make it feel like it was all worth it for the most part. There isn't really a defined narrative, which may put some people off but Tarantino's sublime dialogue and the great performances make all of the scenes at least entertaining. It's no Pulp Fiction, but it definitely is one of the most original films I've seen in a while.